Rapid City Celebrates Thanksgiving With Turkey Pardon Ceremony

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Rapid City’s Thanksgiving tradition continued on Wednesday, Nov. 26, as Mayor Jason Salamun granted clemency to a turkey named “Chris Farley” during the city’s fifth annual Turkey Pardon event. The ceremony, hosted by HomeSlice Media, was held at Main Street Square and welcomed the public for a lighthearted celebration focused on giving thanks.

Richard Burton, the owner of Chris Farley, shared his excitement about the event. “I had to wake him up; he was still asleep on his roost this morning,” Burton said. The turkey was particularly vocal during the ceremony, gobbling eagerly as attendees gathered around.

Mayor Salamun expressed joy in participating and ceremoniously pardoned the turkey while referencing the late comedian Chris Farley. “It’s okay to have fun, it’s okay to smile,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to tell everybody Happy Thanksgiving.”

This year’s turkey pardon added Chris Farley to a growing list of locally pardoned turkeys, which includes past honorees like Lucky and Giblet Johansson. This tradition mirrors similar customs upheld at state and national levels since the era of President Abraham Lincoln.

Burton reflected on the day, saying, “It was kind of cool. I think he’ll enjoy it. He’s a good chill dude anyways.” Following the ceremony, Chris Farley returned to his farm, where he can live out his days peacefully.