Putting the Turkey in Turkey Day

The first Thanksgiving celebration in the New World happened in Virginia in 1619. That’s more than a year before the celebration in Plymouth.

If you’re eating turkey today, there’s a good chance your bird never left the state. The Commonwealth raises more than 15 million turkeys in an average year.

Rockingham County alone has hundreds of turkey farms and is credited with giving birth to the modern industry, making it the self-proclaimed turkey capital of the nation.

Of course, not every turkey ends up on a table. Some domestic turkeys receive a presidential pardon. That includes several birds that lived out their days on the farm known as Gobbler’s Rest at Virginia Tech.

“We joke around campus that they get free room and board, as well as free education,” quipped a Tech professor a few years ago.

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➤ Statewide: If it’s too late to prepare your own meal, some major chain restaurants remain open today. (A Partial List)

➤ Statewide: The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation reported that the average price of a 10-person Thanksgiving meal would be $80.48 this year, down from $81.07 last year. That includes turkey and ham along with nine sides, milk, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. (Details)

➤ Statewide: The state’s Click It or Ticket campaign reminds people to wear seatbelts whenever in the car. Eight traffic fatalities occurred last year during the long holiday weekend, and most who died were not belted in. (More)

➤ Lynchburg: Officials warned that you shouldn’t put grease down the kitchen drain. Many places offer free recycling kits to protect your pipes and municipal water systems. (Details)

➤ Statewide: Students can win up to $500 by composing a safe driving jingle that will run through the Christmas season. Entries must be received by Dec. 12 and will be judged by a group called Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety. (More)

➤ Statewide: If you missed the Peanuts gang on TV this year, there’s still time to create a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving of your own. (Here’s How)

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Which is your favorite Thanksgiving protein?

1. Turkey
2. Ham
3. Roast beef
4. Hot dogs
5. Tofu
6. Other

Wednesday’s Results:

What’s your main job this Thanksgiving? 

1. Cooking: 27%
2. Just eating!: 25%
3. Cleaning: 24%
4. Other: 24%

Where was the first Thanksgiving in Virginia celebrated?

Show me the answer