ST. PAUL, Minn. (GRAY) – In part of what’s become an annual tradition at the Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz presented the state’s official Thanksgiving turkey.

While the president famously pardons turkeys at the White House each year, Minnesota’s yearly presentation doesn’t get its star birds off the Thanksgiving menu.

“It is not a pardon,” Walz said Tuesday, “It’s a turkey presentation. And they’re big, they’re beautiful and delicious.”

This year’s prize bird was a tom named Gru who weighed more than 40 pounds.

“After this, he will come home with us and be the main guest on our Thanksgiving table,” said 4-H student Shelby Barber.

The event has proven a yearly opportunity to highlight the state’s robust turkey industry. According to Walz, the North Star State is

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