Montgomery residents witnessed the latest chapter of Alabama’s 78‑year Thanksgiving turkey‑pardon tradition on November 13, when Governor Kay Ivey officially pardoned two turkeys at the Governor’s Mansion. The ceremony, reported by WAKA, highlighted the state’s long‑standing practice of sparing a pair of birds from the holiday table, a ritual that began when Bates Turkey Farm founder W.C. Bates presented a turkey to then‑Governor Jim Folsom.
The two honored birds, named “Pumpkin” and “Pie,” earned their monikers through a naming contest held on the X social‑media platform, engaging Alabamians in the festivities. Both turkeys were supplied by the Bates Turkey Farm, a local operation that has provided the ceremonial birds for decades.
Governor Ivey, invoking her constitutional authority, declared, “by the powers vested in me as governor of Alabama, I am hereby granting a full pardon to Pumpkin and Pie,” ensuring the birds will spend the rest of their lives roaming the state’s sunshine rather than ending up on dinner plates. The governor’s proclamation was echoed by Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Executive Director Johnny Adams, and Becky Bates Sloane of Bates House of Turkey, all of whom attended the event.
Adding a community dimension, students from Montgomery Christian School and Riverchase Day School participated in the program, underscoring the event’s educational value and its role in fostering state pride among younger residents. The presence of these students reflected the ceremony’s broader aim: to connect families and schools with a cherished state tradition that aligns with the values of gratitude, stewardship, and community.
The turkey‑pardon ceremony not only celebrates a historic custom but also serves as a reminder of Alabama’s agricultural heritage and the importance of local farms like Bates Turkey Farm. By honoring the birds and involving local youth, the event reinforces the state’s commitment to preserving traditions that bring families together during the holiday season.
As the pardoned turkeys begin their new lives, Montgomery residents can look forward to future celebrations that continue to blend heritage, faith, and family values—core elements that define the community’s Thanksgiving spirit.
Sources: waka.com
