South Lyon Celebrates Thanksgiving with a Special Turkey Pardoning Ceremony
In the charming city of South Lyon, a delightful Thanksgiving tradition is alive and well as Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially pardoned a turkey for the festive season. This year’s honored bird, whimsically named Aidan Cluckinson, was chosen by young Michigander Valentina in a statewide naming contest that saw nearly 4,500 entries.
A Tradition Like No Other
During a joyous ceremony, Governor Whitmer expressed her excitement, stating, “Today, we come together to continue our tradition of pardoning a turkey.” This year’s name, Aidan Cluckinson, was inspired by the beloved Detroit Lions, fueling the spirit of local sports fans who’ve been feeling hopeful for a Super Bowl win this season.
Whitmer added, “The team has really captured our hearts and made us all hopeful for a Super Bowl this year.” As Thanksgiving approaches, she emphasized the importance of spending time with family and friends, giving back to the community, and, of course, continuing to cheer on the Lions.
Aidan Cluckinson Takes Center Stage
At the ceremony, MDARD Director Tim Boring couldn’t contain his excitement as he remarked, “As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, I am thrilled to be here today to pardon Aidan Cluck-in-son.” Boring scatted a playful twist on words, calling Aidan the “definition of true grit” and claiming that he “never gets fouled.”
The festivities surrounding the turkey pardon come just in time for the annual Thanksgiving Day football game, where the Lions are set to face off against their long-time rivals, the Chicago Bears. The game kicks off at 12:30 p.m., adding even more excitement to the holiday celebrations.
A Look Back at Previous Turkeys
The tradition of pardoning a turkey has been embraced in Michigan for several years now, with Aidan Cluckinson being the third turkey to enjoy this special honor. Last year’s pardoned turkey, aptly named Dolly Pardon, brought much joy to the community, while Mitch E. Gander was honored in 2022. These whimsical names and the accompanying ceremonies have become a delightful highlight of Michigan’s Thanksgiving festivities.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
Aidan Cluckinson isn’t just a quirky name; it represents the heart of Michigan’s community spirit, combining holiday fun with local sports enthusiasm. With so many submissions for the turkey’s name, it’s clear that the people of Michigan enjoy getting creative and participating in beloved traditions.
As families across South Lyon prepare for a weekend filled with feast and fun, the pardoning of Aidan Cluckinson reminds everyone that Thanksgiving is about more than just a meal. It’s about coming together, sharing joy, and, importantly, embracing the community’s culture.
So as you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, be sure to raise a toast to Aidan Cluckinson, a symbol of love, laughter, and local pride. And don’t forget to cheer on the Lions as they take flight in search of victory against the Chicago Bears. Happy Thanksgiving!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
