Media Advisory: White House pardoned turkeys heading to Gobblers Rest at Virginia Tech
For the third consecutive year, the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate “wingman” will make their home at Virginia Tech, after being pardoned by the president in a formal White House ceremony.
Tater and Tot, White House pardoned turkeys in 2016

What: For the third consecutive year, the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate “wingman” will make their home at Virginia Tech, after being pardoned by the president in a formal White House ceremony. News outlets are invited to meet the turkeys, photograph and shoot video following their arrival from Washington.
When: Wednesday, November 21, 2018 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Gobblers Rest, the Livestock Judging Pavilion, 445 Plantation Road, Blacksburg, Virginia
Read official Virginia Tech news release
- Rami Dalloul, a world-renowned poultry immunologist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, will be on hand to answer questions and provide interviews for media outlets.
- A public open house to meet the two newest members of Hokie Nation will be held Friday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Livestock Judging Pavilion, 445 Plantation Road, Blacksburg.
Contact: Bill Foy | 540-998-0288 | fwill55@vt.edu