The Franklin Farmers Market is particularly proud to present our inaugural Pardoning of the Turkey event, sponsored by Franklin’s very own Herban Market. On Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 10:00am join us as we gather to celebrate the bounty of fresh fall produce harvested by our local farmers, and watch as Tennessee’s Agriculture Commissioner, Julius Johnson, pardons our market’s most beloved domesticated bird — Danny the Turkey of Earth Advocates Research Farm. Bring your little pilgrims for a photo opportunity with Danny, and also to participate in our coloring sheet activity and prize drawing. Let the kids color a picture of Danny and write a letter to the commissioner during the day of the event or download a copy with this link to bring to the market by 9:45 a.m., and you’ll have a chance to win a Thanksgiving Harvest Basket from our farmers’ market.
Danny the Turkey of Earth Advocates Research Farm
This Thanksgiving celebration will feature an all-star line-up of members from our community, but no one takes the stage quite like our favorite feathered friend, Danny the Turkey. Danny lives on the farm with Sue and Adam Turtle of Earth Advocates Research Farm. He is a regal white Royal Palm heritage breed, and is most popular on the Turtle’s farm for his affectionate disposition and friendly demeanor. We are honored to host a bird as beautiful as Danny at our farmers’ market and are excited to see our kids lining-up to take a photo with him! So be sure not to miss the star of the Pardoning of the Turkey this year.
In addition to Danny the Turkey, Dr. Charles Hatcher, State Veterinarian and co-owner/operator of Hatcher Family Dairy, will be in attendance, acting as our master of ceremonies for the pardoning of the turkey process. We are so lucky to have such a knowledgeable and respected member of our farming community to serve as host. Our special musical guest, Jon Martin and Friends, will be serenading our crowd with lively bluegrass tunes. We are also thrilled to have farmer, teacher, and market vendor Teresa Thoni of Kirview Farm will read a Thanksgiving poem in gratitude for this year’s splendid harvest at the Franklin Farmers Market.
Franklin’s locally-owned health food market providing shoppers with locally-grown organic produce, bulk items, local food products, and a premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar and dispensary.
Although we at the market are so very thankful for the support of our sponsor, Herban Market, our illustrious community members, and you, our market shoppers, nothing excites us more than to have the participation of our local schools and younger shoppers for the Pardoning of the Turkey this year! Bring the kids to the market to color a picture of Danny and write a letter directly to commissioner Johnson asking him to be pardoned or download your coloring sheet here and bring it to the market by 9:45 a.m., and our Market Manager Deb Grant will present the requests to Commissioner Johnson. In exchange for these requests, receive a ticket and win a chance to walk home with a Thanksgiving Harvest Basket for the whole family, filled with food, gifts, and more from the Franklin Farmers Market. Then, stick around to have the little ones pose for a picture with the famous Danny.
The pardoning ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. with our all-star line-up of guests. Be sure not to miss commissioner Johnson’s speech so you can learn what makes Danny so special to our farming community this Thanksgiving. Danny will be oh-so thankful, and so will our farmers, to join you in thanks for such an excellent year at the Franklin Farmers Market. See you then!