LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pardoned a turkey Thursday ahead of Thanksgiving.
The turkey was named “Aidan Cluckinson” as fans root for a Lions win on Thanksgiving as the team takes on the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.
The name was picked from nearly 4,500 entries after Whitmer announced the naming contest. Valentina, a young South Lyon resident, submitted the winning name.
“Today, we come together to continue our tradition of pardoning a turkey,” said Whitmer on Thursday. “This year’s winning name is Aidan Cluckinson, which was one of hundreds of submissions based on our beloved Detroit Lions. The team has really captured our hearts and made us all hopeful for a Super Bowl this year. This Thanksgiving, I hope everyone enjoys time with loved ones, finds a way to give back to the community, and keeps on cheering for our Lions.”
This is the third turkey Whitmer has pardoned since she became governor.
“As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, I am thrilled to be here today to pardon Aidan Cluck-in-son,” said MDARD Director Boring. “He is the definition of true grit and never gets fouled. He will be joining all of us on Thanksgiving Day as the Detroit Lions take wing and fly to their next victory on the road to the Super Bowl.”
Last year Whitmer pardoned a turkey named “Dolly Pardon,” and in 2022 she pardoned “Mitch E. Gander.”
