Michigan holds contest to name pardoned turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving

LANSING -- On Friday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a contest for residents to name the turkey that will be pardoned before Thanksgiving this year. 

“Thanksgiving is a time to spend quality time with your loved ones, and the annual turkey pardon is a tradition I always look forward to,” said Governor Whitmer. “I look forward to reviewing all the fun, creative names that Michiganders come up with this year. Submit your name ideas and find out if you picked the winner to be pardoned next week!”

The submission period for the contest will be open until Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11:59 p.m.

Since 2022, Gov. Whitmer has pardoned a turkey before Thanksgiving with that year's turkey being named Mitch E. Gander

Last year's pardoned turkey was named Dolly Pardon, which was selected from more than 3,900 entries statewide contest.