On Monday, November 25th, at the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremony held at the White House, President Biden pardoned two lucky turkeys – “Peach” and “Blossom”. They were spared from becoming delicacies on the dining table.
Weighing 40 and 41 pounds respectively, “Peach” and “Blossom” hatched on July 18 in Northfield, Minnesota, and were raised by John Zimmerman, Chair of the National Turkey Federation, and his 9-year-old son Grant.
To ensure the turkeys were well-prepared for the event, these National Thanksgiving Turkeys underwent a series of evaluations, including behavior, tolerance to crowds, and even music preferences.
“In order to prepare these turkeys for the hustle and bustle they would experience in Washington D.C., we exposed them to lights, photography, and a variety of music, from polka to classic rock,” Zimmerman told reporters on Sunday. “Grant and some other kids from our community helped raise these turkeys. Their great work made them feel comfortable and ready for the big event at the White House.”
Prior to their brief White House visit, these 17-week-old turkeys stayed at a hotel. At a press conference held at the renowned Willard InterContinental Washington Hotel, they clucked around in the room.
At 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, these fortunate turkeys received a presidential pardon. Subsequently, they will live out their days as agricultural ambassadors at Farm America in Minnesota.
Hundreds of guests watched this traditional ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. The annual turkey pardon ceremony is considered the start of the Thanksgiving holiday season.