It’s official, Danny the Turkey has been Pardoned by TN Ag Commissioner! The Franklin Farmers Market 3rd annual Pardoning of the Turkey was held on Saturday, November 18th sponsored by Herban Market. The star of the show, Danny the Turkey of Earth’s Advocates Research Farm, was not at all nervous about whether or not he would be pardoned. Instead, he sat royally on his bale of hay as children and adults took the opportunity to pet and hug him. Danny is a pro at being the center of attention and children gathered around him for a chance to pet their first turkey. Visit this link to view the Photo Gallery of Danny’s pardoning.
Second Graders from Liberty Elementary School wrote over 90 letters to the TN Department of Agriculture’s Commissioner Jai Templeton on Danny’s behalf and delivered them to the Commissioner asking him to pardon Danny for Thanksgiving. Commissioner Templeton was happy to oblige and graciously granted Danny clemency in front of hundreds of market attendees.
Thank you presenting sponsor Herban Market seated front row, L to R Market Director Amy Tavalin, Ashlea, Ayla & Matt Hogancamp of Herban Market, back row L to R Adam Turtle of Earth Advocates Research Farm, Ryan Palmer of FFM, Ag Commissioner Jai Templeton, Danny the Turkey, Asst Ag Commissioner Ed Harlan and Sue Turtle of Earth Advocates Research Farm
Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture, Ed Harlan, delighted the crowd with turkey facts. Being a farmer himself, Ed gave insight into the farmers who provide us with delicious Thanksgiving foods. Ellie’s Donuts provided donuts for the children who wrote letters to the Commissioner and the fun day was complete with many “selfies” taken with Danny. It’s not everyday that one can say they took a picture with a Royal Palm Heritage breed turkey, but the customers of the Franklin Farmers Market can check off that one on their bucket list!
At this very moment Danny the Turkey is being Pardoned by TN Commissioner of Agriculture Jai Templeton to the delight of Liberty Elementary School Children and residents of Franklin, TN
The Franklin Farmers Market is open 52 weeks a year. Gone are the days of markets closing down in the winter months due to no produce. The farmers at the Franklin Farmers Market grow year-round thanks to crop row covers, hoop houses and green houses. The meat producers provide beef, pork, chicken, lamb, turkey and vegetable producers have leafy greens, winter squashes, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, lettuces and more. It’s not hard to eat seasonally and locally right here in our hometown! This Thanksgiving we are grateful for the farmers who provide us with healthy, locally grown food to nourish our bodies and we are thankful to live in such a wonderful community of Franklin, TN.
The Franklin Farmers Market is open year round with winter hours of 9am-12pm November-March and 8am-1pm April-October The market is located at 230 Franklin Road behind the Factory.
TN Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture Ed Harlan visiting with the children of Liberty Elementary School about Danny the Turkey before Danny is pardoned.