Thanksgiving Turkey in California
 

For around 60 years the presidents of the United States have stood in front of the White House in a PR stint to smile and hold a turkey.  National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation dates to 1947, when the first National Thanksgiving Turkey was presented to President Harry Truman. Thanksgiving Turkeys for the Whitehouse grin and grip photo op were raised under the direction of National Turkey Federation Chairman Mike Briggs in 2006.  The turkey and its second in line were fed a diet of corn and soybean meal and were provided a continuous supply of fresh water.

A few minor modifications were made to prepare the birds for the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation. About 30 turkeys were removed from the normal commercial production flock and are being raised separately on Nutt’s farm. The birds are periodically hand fed and given additional interaction with people in an effort to acclimate them. The birds came from Monett, Missouri but now reside in Anaheim at the Disneyland theme park. They were last seen in Bear Country.

Presidents traditionally have granted the National Thanksgiving Turkey a "pardon." After the presentation, the National Turkey and its alternate will be taken to Disneyland Resort and Theme Park in Anaheim, California to be a part of the holiday display and where they will stay the remainder of their natural lives. Both the turkeys will serve as honorary Grand Marshals for Disneyland’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

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