DENVER - On November 21, 2024, Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis pardoned Lady Riketa Featherington, Dinger, Rockette, and Fred, the second group of turkeys to receive an official Governor’s pardon in Colorado. Colorado’s Turkey Pardon is a unique way to support local Colorado farmers and ranchers and highlights opportunities for Coloradans to shop locally to celebrate the holiday season. The Governor and First Gentleman Reis were joined by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Colorado Department of Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg and Colorado State FFA officers.

“Today, I am thrilled to pardon our four feathered friends who will be gleefully gobbling as they waddle, I mean drive to their new home in Adams County. In Colorado, we are proud of our longstanding success in our agricultural industry and are committed to supporting our agricultural workers. Thank you to all the Colorado farmers and ranchers for continuing to provide quality products for all Coloradans, and keeping our agricultural sector booming, and a Happy Thanksgiving to all!” said Governor Polis.

Governor Jared Polis looks down at the four turkeys that were pardoned, Fred, Lady Riketa Featherington, Rockette, and Dinger.

The turkeys came from local farms in Colorado. Jodar Farms in Fort Collins known for providing quality products to some of the best restaurants in Fort Collins, provided the male turkey, Fred. Hayden Fresh Farms, from Steamboat Springs, which has been a pillar of the Colorado agricultural community for over 25 years, provided the additional three hens, Lady Riketa Featherington, Dinger, and Rockette. The turkeys were pardoned by the Governor and then transported to Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary, where they will live out their lives among other rescued animals. The four turkey names were chosen via a free and fair election in which multiple names were primaried and a select few were offered on the ballot during the nominating process that the Governors Office Staff voted on.

“Today marks the second annual Colorado Turkey Pardoning, and I am excited to be joining the Governor in sending Lady Riketa Featherington, Dinger, Rockette, and Fred to their new home on the range. A special thanks to Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary, for providing a home for our turkeys to live out the remainder of their lives,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis.

Colorado’s agricultural communities grow and raise dozens of Thanksgiving staples, from turkeys and other protein to the pumpkins, potatoes, corn and other produce that grace family tables across the state.

“The annual turkey pardon tradition is a great way to celebrate Colorado agriculture and the bounty it provides for our Thanksgiving tables,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “Colorado producers like Jodar Farms and Hayden Fresh Farms are the backbone of rural communities and shopping for Colorado products around the holidays is a great way to support our neighbors across our state.”

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s 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. Click here to read the Governor’s full proclamation.