The Franklin Farmers Market 4th annual Pardoning of the Turkey was held on Saturday, November 17th 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 see our Photo Gallery of the event.
Danny the Turkey sits Proudly awaiting his fate for Thanksgiving 2018 as Kids present letters asking Danny be Pardoned
Second Graders from Liberty Elementary School wrote over 90 letters to the TN Department of Agriculture’s Assistant Commissioner Ed Harlan on Danny’s behalf and delivered them to the Commissioner asking him to pardon Danny for Thanksgiving. Assistant Commissioner Harlan delighted the crowd with turkey facts and stories. Being a farmer himself, Harlan gave insight into the farmers who provide us with delicious Thanksgiving foods. The fun day was complete with many “selfies” taken with Danny the turkey. 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!
Everyone’s happy after Ed Harlan, TN Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture Pardons Danny, even Chef Carlos of Herban Market is happy to find another Turkey for Thanksgiving
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.
We are grateful for Derby and Cassie Jones, owners of the Williamson Herald and Southern Exposure Magazine for their excellent coverage of our Community Farmers Market!