Governor Polis pardons four Colorado turkeys
DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- Governor Polis and First Gentleman Reis pardon Maple, Pumpkin, Matilda, and Gus, the first four turkeys to receive an official Governor's pardon in Colorado history.
Colorado's turkey pardon is a unique way to support local Colorado farmers and ranchers. It highlights opportunities for Coloradans to shop locally this holiday season.
The Governor and First Gentleman were joined by Lieutenant Governor Primavera, Colorado Department of Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg, representatives of Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, the owners of Hayden Fresh Farm, family members of active duty military, and 4-H families.
“I am thrilled to kick off the holiday season with Colorado’s inaugural Turkey Pardon and celebrate Colorado’s farmers and ranchers! This beloved tradition is a symbolic way to support the poultry industry, and by launching the Colorado Turkey Pardon, we are reminding people to shop Colorado Proud this holiday season. Shopping locally in Colorado supports small businesses, boosts our economy, and is better for the environment.”
Governor Jared Polis
Colorado poultry has experienced a difficult year due to the avian flu's impact across the nation. Governor Polis encourages Coloradans to support the Colorado poultry industry and local farmers and ranchers whenever possible.
“I am so happy to be celebrating Colorado’s inaugural Turkey Pardon and to join the Governor in uplifting Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. Ours is a State of compassionate people, and with this pardon, Maple, Pumpkin, Matilda, and Gus will go on to live many more joy-filled Thanksgivings at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary. I am thankful for Hayden Fresh Farm and I am thankful for Luvin’ Arms, where Maple and Gus will live life to the fullest.”
First Gentleman Marlon Reis
The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) seasonal maps of farmers’ markets, farm stands, and other places to find Colorado-grown produce, meats, and other products can help Coloradans shop locally this year.
The turkeys, Maple, Pumpkin, Matilda, and Gus, were raised at Hayden Fresh Farm in Hayden, Colorado, and are the first turkeys to receive an official pardon in Colorado history. Hayden Fresh Farm is a Routt County producer that has been feeding Colorado families for years.
Following their pardon, Maple, Pumpkin, Matilda, and Gus will be going to Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, Colorado to live peacefully.
