NORTHFIELD, Minn. — John Zimmerman raises more than 100,000 turkeys annually. This year, as chairman of the National Turkey Federation, he has the task of sending his two best.
“They are truly American birds, they are red, white and blue,” said John Zimmerman.
Every year a new chairman is elected who must purchase two turkeys, which are pardoned by the president. This role can only be taken on once, so preparing these turkeys on their best behavior is of paramount importance to any chairman.
“We want them to be prepared for the spotlight, we want them to get used to lights, sounds and everything they encounter in DC. We expose them to different sounds, lights. All kinds of music, from hard rock to polka to Prince.”
When looking for the best of the harvest, Zimmerman looked for the best.
“These are 40-pound male turkeys, and they can become somewhat aggressive,” Zimmerman said. “I don’t want to be the chairman who messes with the president and causes some kind of injury. Rest is the main thing we’re looking for right now.”
Zimmerman prepared them by letting his son Grant and his friends play with the turkey. To go one step further to be ready for the Secret Service, politicians and the President; Zimmerman plays heavy metal to get them ready for their big day.
“I’m a Metallica fan, so they listen to that a lot,” Zimmerman said. “I’m biased, but I’d say they’re metalheads.
The annual pardon began with George HW Bush in 1989, where the then-president would begin the tradition.
This will be Zimmerman’s first and last year as chairman of the National Turkey Federation.
“This trip has been an honor and a privilege for my family and the state of Minnesota. We are the largest turkey producing state. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The two turkeys have already begun their journey to the White House. They will drive 20 hours to Washington DC, where they will begin the pardon process.
