These Turkeys Won’t Be Stuffed: Minnesota Duo Gets Presidential Pass on Thanksgiving
Talk about a glow-up! Two Minnesota-raised turkeys just went from farm life to five-star luxury before landing the ultimate prize - a presidential pardon!
Meet Peach and Blossom, this year's VIPs (Very Important Poultry) who just dodged becoming someone's Thanksgiving dinner.
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From Barn to Beltway
These fortunate fowl weren't just any old turkeys from the coop. They were specially raised by John Zimmerman and his 9-year-old son Grant in Northfield, Minnesota. Fun fact: the Zimmerman family has raised somewhere between 4 to 5 million turkeys over the years - though I'm pretty sure Peach and Blossom are their first to get the presidential treatment!
Living the High Life
Before their big moment with President Biden, our feathered friends got the true Washington DC experience with a stay at the swanky Willard InterContinental Hotel. (No word on whether they ordered room service or hit the spa, but we can dream, right?)
The Big Moment
The pardoning ceremony, now in its 77th year, went off without a hitch. John Zimmerman and young Grant stood proudly alongside President Biden as he granted Peach and Blossom their freedom. It's pretty heartwarming to think this tradition has been going strong since President Truman first started it in 1947!
What's Next for Our Lucky Duo?
Instead of ending up on a holiday table, Peach and Blossom are heading to their forever home at Farmamerica, Minnesota's Center for Agricultural Interpretation, in Waseca. There, they'll become agricultural ambassadors - probably the cushiest job a turkey could ask for!
The Real Heroes Behind the Headlines
While this ceremony is always good fun, it also shines a light on the hardworking turkey farmers across America. As Zimmerman pointed out, these dedicated folks work tirelessly to feed families not just during the holidays, but all year round. When they're not raising turkeys, the Zimmermans also grow corn and soybeans to feed their flocks - talk about a full plate!
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