LANSING, MI - On November 08, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the turkey naming contest for this year’s turkey pardon. Since 2022, Governor Whitmer has pardoned a turkey before Thanksgiving. 

The naming contest is open until Tuesday, November 12 at 11:59 PM. 

“Thanksgiving is a time to spend quality time with your loved ones, and the annual turkey pardon is a tradition I always look forward to,” said Governor Whitmer. “I look forward to reviewing all the fun, creative names that Michiganders come up with this year. Submit your name ideas and find out if you picked the winner to be pardoned next week!” 

The submission link for name suggestion is here. 

Last year, the governor pardoned Dolly Pardon, which was selected from more than 3,900 entries in the statewide contest. In 2022, the governor pardoned Mitch E. Gander.