"First Bird" Goes To Washington: Foster Farms Sends National Thanksgiving Turkey To DC From SFO On United Airlines' "Turkey One" To Meet The President

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate took off on a United Airlines flight designated "Turkey One" this morning, flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Washington, D.C. The birds will be greeted and pardoned by President Obama on Wednesday, November 25 at the annual Presidential Turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House. In partnership with the National Turkey Federation, this year's Nicholas White turkeys have been raised for the past four months in California's Central Valley by family-owned poultry producer Foster Farms. The birds arrived at SFO via Presidential Turkey motorcade accompanied by the official Presidential Turkey entourage, including handlers and private security detail. 

Late last week, the yet-to-be-named Presidential Turkeys were selected in a final review at Foster Farms' Presidential Turkey Ranch near Modesto, California, where 20 finalists strutted their stuff for the coveted title of National Thanksgiving Turkey. The turkeys were evaluated and selected by the Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, Dr. Jihad Douglas, and Foster Farms turkey grower and third generation turkey farmer, Joe Hedden. A fifth grade class from Eisenhut Elementary in Modesto attended to cheer-on their favorite choice. The White House will officially name the birds based on suggestions that included hundreds of submissions from California schoolchildren.

"We wanted a proud bird, fit to meet the president," said Hedden. "We chose this year's birds based on superior plumage, posture, personality, sociability and manners. Our team worked to socialize the birds as they grew to prepare for the big day at the White House, which included playing music to acclimate to noise and teaching them to sit calmly on a table. This year's turkeys are country music fans."

"The annual presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey is an important tradition that pays tribute to Thanksgiving and recognizes the turkey industry's role in the national holiday," said Ira Brill, Foster Farms director of communications and Unofficial Presidential Turkey Historian. "Foster Farms is honored to raise the National Thanksgiving Turkey for the second time in five years and highlight the significant role of California agriculture in the national landscape."

Representing the Nicholas White, a breed originating in California's Sonoma Valley, this year's National Thanksgiving Turkey boasts bold, patriotic red and white coloration. Although these birds will meet the President of the United States, they are raised no differently than all Foster Farms turkeys, and live comfortably in a barn where they are misted and fanned.

Following the pardoning ceremony, the Presidential Turkey and its alternate will live out their days at Morven Park's Turkey Hill in Leesburg, Virginia. The remaining presidential flock will continue their lives at Foster Farms' Presidential Turkey Ranch.

Learn more about the Presidential Turkey pardoning ceremony and this year's turkeys at www.presidentialturkey.com.

About Foster Farms    
Since 1939, West Coast families have depended on Foster Farms for premium quality chicken and turkey products. Family-owned and operated, the company continues its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality established by its founders, Max and Verda Foster. Foster Farms specializes in fresh, all natural chicken and turkey products free of preservatives, additives or injected sodium enhancers. Based in California's Central Valley, with ranches also in the Pacific Northwest, the company's fresh chicken and turkey are produced in or near each region served. Foster Farms also produces delicious pre-marinated, ready-to-cook and fully cooked products that meet the quality and convenience needs of today's home cooks, retailers, warehouse clubs and foodservice customers. The company's commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service and people is a source of great pride, and a longtime family tradition. For more information, visit www.fosterfarms.com.

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SOURCE Foster Farms

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