LANSING (WWJ) Mitch E. Gander gobbled up a lot of attention on Monday afternoon as the first turkey pardoned by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“I am proud to pardon Mitch E. Gander,” Governor Whitmer said, “…and I wish every Michigander a great Thanksgiving.”
Mitch E. Gander’s name was chosen from more than 6,000 entries in a statewide contest that kicked off last week.
The name was submitted by both Mia of Harper Woods and Seneca of Grand Rapids.
Runner-up names include:
-Tahquamenon Tom from Kerry, Chesterfield, and Ben in Ann Arbor
-Turcules from Jack in Brighton
-Otto Moe Beel from David in Ann Arbor
-Ryan Gobbling from Christian in Ishpeming
-Simon Fowl from Jennifer in Taylor
- Lynyrd from Dorothy, Chelsea, and Mike in Alpena
-Mack E. Gnaw from the Hayes family in Cadillac
-Roger Featherer from Joan in Kalamazoo
-Steve Thighzerman from Sean in Ypsilanti
-Tom Thanks from Sean in Ypsilanti and Elarose in Big Rapids
-Teddy Roostavelt from Michelle in Manistee
“For many Michiganders, the week before Thanksgiving is stuffed with holiday activities, meal prep, and time with family,” Governor Whitmer added. “But before we gobble down our Thanksgiving meal and baste in the glow of family and friends, it’s important to take time to reflect on everything we are grateful for (like) our family, friends, and loved ones, even though they might ruffle our feathers sometimes….”
Mitch. E. Gander also released a statement of his own, reading in part: “I’m relieved I won’t be spending Thanksgiving on a dinner table. Let’s flap our wings together, Michigobblers!”