Governor Josh Stein has granted a formal pardon to two turkeys, Krispy and Kreme, at the Governor’s Mansion. The birds will be spared from the Thanksgiving feast and returned to Naylor Family Farm. The annual Turkey Pardon Ceremony is a longstanding tradition in North Carolina.
At the Turkey Pardon event, Butterball, in partnership with the North Carolina Poultry Federation, donated 1,500 turkey breasts to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein acknowledged the contributions of farmers, first responders, teachers, and other community members, according to a press release.
Tim Thomas, President of the North Carolina Poultry Federation, said the organization is sponsoring the event to highlight both Thanksgiving and the state’s poultry industry. Poultry contributes over $39 billion to North Carolina’s economy and supports nearly 150,000 jobs. The Lassiter family, who provided decorative pumpkins for the ceremony, are among the local contributors to the industry.
Krispy and Kreme, 19-week-old hens weighing about 45 pounds each, will return to Naylor Family Farm after being pardoned. The birds come from Northampton County. Pumpkins grown by Carter (14) and Wallace (11) Lassiter of Lassiter Family Farms provided a fall-harvest setting for the event.
