One of Alabama’s longest-running holiday traditions is back for another year. The annual Turkey Pardoning which originally began in 1949, allows for the clemency of two lucky turkeys.
In keeping with custom, Governor Kay Ivey will preside over the ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Montgomery. She is now requesting that Alabamians vote for their favorite name choices in a poll on her X account. Voting will be closed at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
It’s that time again! Alabama’s 76th Annual Turkey Pardoning is just around the corner, and our feathered friends still need names! Local students came up with some great options, and now it’s YOUR turn to pick!
The poll closes at 10 a.m. Thursday. ?? #alpolitics
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 12, 2024
According to the Alabama Department of Archives and History, the first pardon was a publicity stunt from William C. “Bill” Bates to increase interest in his turkey farm business. Bates donated a turkey to Governor Folsom, who then publicly granted the turkey named “Clyde,” a reprieve from being a part of Thanksgiving dinner. Each male turkey is named “Clyde.” Some years, a female turkey is also pardoned; she is always named “Henrietta.”
Every year since 1949, the Bates Turkey Farm has donated turkeys to the governor to pardon.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
