National Thanksgiving Turkey to Land at Disneyland

Following Presidential Pardon “The Happiest Turkey on Earth”

Heads West to “The Happiest Place on Earth!”

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2005) - - Today following the traditional Presidential pardon of the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a White House ceremony in Washington, D.C., the 2005 National Thanksgiving Turkey became “The Happiest Turkey on Earth” by heading west to “The Happiest Place on Earth” - - Disneyland! Accompanied by National Turkey Federation Chairman Pete Rothfork on United Airlines Flight 197 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, the famous fowl flew first-class 2,288 miles nonstop to the west coast for a special Thanksgiving Day honor.

On Thursday the famed bird will be the grand marshal of Disneyland’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as the park celebrates its 50th anniversary year. After the parade, the turkey will move in to Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in the park’s Frontierland section to meet his eager fans.

“It was an honor to represent the turkey industry at the White House and help President Bush welcome in the Thanksgiving holiday season,” stated Rothfork. “And now we’re delighted to have the National Thanksgiving Turkey be a part of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary and Thanksgiving Day festivities.” The 19-week old tom turkey weighs about 35 pounds and was raised under Rothfork’s direct supervision. He was brought up on a farm owned and operated by Jim and Vicki Trites in Henning, Minnesota.

“We’re excited to have the 2005 National Thanksgiving Turkey as our guest at the Disneyland Resort,” said Matt Ouimet, president of the resort in southern California. “The magic of Disneyland appeals to everyone and we are looking forward to having him join us and meet our guests from around the world."

“United is honored to assist the National Thanksgiving Turkey in fulfilling the dream of all domestic turkeys—to be able to fly,” said Jeff Foland, United vice president, North America Sales. “It makes perfect sense the National Thanksgiving Turkey would relish the chance to fly United first class to Disneyland after being pardoned and we’re proud to assist in making him the ‘happiest turkey in the air’.”

U.S. President Harry S Truman was the first Commander-in-Chief to be presented with a Thanksgiving turkey (in 1947) by the National Turkey Federation. This year’s presentation marks the 58th anniversary of a tradition that has continued through 10 successive presidential administrations.

About the National Turkey Federation

The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. turkey industry, providing services and conducting activities, which increase demand for its members¹ products and protect and enhance the ability to effectively and profitably provide wholesome, high quality, nutritious turkey products.