Meet & Visit Pardoned National Thanksgiving Turkeys
Venue: Virginia Tech Livestock Judging Pavilion, Blacksburg
Directions: Google Map Link
Date: Friday, November 25, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Event Types: Miscellaneous, Family Friendly
Cost: Free
The Virginia Tech Livestock Judging Pavilion hosts a Meet & Greet with the Pardoned National Thanksgiving Turkeys for the public on Friday, November 25, 2016 and Saturday, November 26, 2016 from 10 am - 4 pm daily.
The National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate that President Barack Obama will “pardon” as part of an annual White House ceremony will live out its days at Virginia Tech in Gobblers Rest, a newly built enclosure located inside the Livestock Judging Pavilion on Plantation Road.
The public will be able to visit the turkeys and learn about the university’s teaching, research, and outreach programs in animal and poultry sciences and veterinary medicine.
The National Turkey Federation began the tradition when it gave a live bird to President Harry S. Truman. More recent presidents have added the custom of “pardoning” both the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate.
In the past, the birds have moved to a farm or historical site, but this is the first time they will live at a university.
After two birds are chosen based on appearance and temperament, they head to Washington, D.C., where they stay at a hotel near the White House as part of a series of media events leading up to the presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey.
The event not only serves as the opening of the holiday season, but also reminds America of the history and importance of agriculture, from feeding the world to growing the economy.
You can follow along on social media using #TurkeyPardon2016 to go behind the scenes at the White House ceremony and follow the turkeys on their journey.
The Livestock Judging Pavilion is located at 445 Plantation Road in Blacksburg, VA on the campus of Virginia Tech.
For more information, visit: https://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2016/11/cals-pardonedturkeys.html.
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