(CBS-DETROIT) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday continued her annual tradition of pardoning a turkey ahead of Thanksgiving.
This year’s turkey, Aidan Cluckinson, is named in honor of Detroit Lions Pro Bowl defensive end and Michigan native Aidan Hutchinson.
Nearly 4,500 entries were submitted this year turkey naming contest. The winning name was submitted by Valentina from South Lyon.
Whitmer has pardoned three turkeys since 2022.
Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
“Today we come together to continue our tradition of pardoning a turkey,” Whitmer said in a statement. “This year’s winning name is Aidan Cluckinson, one of hundreds of entries based on our beloved Detroit Lions. The team truly captured our hearts and made us all hopeful for a Super Bowl this year. This Thanksgiving, I hope everyone enjoys it with loved ones, finds a way to give back to the community and continues to cheer for our lions.”
Aidan Cluckinson was spared from the Thanksgiving dinner table and will now go to the Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
“As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, I am pleased to be here today to pardon Aidan Cluck-in-son,” said Dr. Timothy Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “He is the definition of true grit and never gets wrong. He will join us all on Thanksgiving Day as the Detroit Lions spread their wings and soar to their next victory on their way to the Super Bowl.”
More than 3,900 entries were submitted statewide with Whitmer during the 2023 competition pardoning a turkey named “Dolly Pardon.” The one from last year winning name was submitted by Jay Kozlowski of West Bloomfield.
In 2022, Whitmer pardoned a turkey named “Mitch E. Gander”.
