However, due to the travel restrictions and fear of transmission that comes hand in hand with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are anticipating a much smaller, more intimate Thanksgiving season this year.

This is potentially debilitating for a variety of different Thanksgiving-related industries and companies, especially turkey farmers. The United States is home to about 2500 turkey farms. For many of them, the holiday months represent close to half of their annual sales.

With gathering sizes reduced, many farmers fear that the demand for smaller, personal-sized turkeys will surmount their available stock and leave them with a surplus of larger birds.

A typical male turkey weighs about 20 pounds, while the females are around 16. Farmers had committed to the percentage of each that they would grow long before COVID-19 hit. So, now all they can do is hope for the best.

COVID-related cancellations of state fairs and other events, where turkey legs are a popular food item, have already impacted turkey sales greatly. The closure of universities and schools also resulted in a greatly reduced demand for turkey breast meat.

Going forward to the holiday season, there’s no way of knowing just how severely the industry will be impacted. For many turkey farmers, all they can do is watch and wait.

The post COVID-19 may ‘Kill’ Thanksgiving Turkey Sales appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

Also, in conjunction with the holiday flotilla, visitors can enjoy the 16^th annual Enchanted Airlie event at nearby Airlie Gardens.

Both events are typically a big draw in the area, with people traveling in to enjoy the festivities. But like many events in 2020, some changes needed to be made to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.

Thankfully, organizers have been able to revise both events in order to alleviate any public health concerns, and comply with any local regulations.

“It’s important for us to do whatever we can to keep these North Carolina holiday traditions in place,” said Bill Baggett, co-owner of Blockade Runner Beach Resort and a founding supporter of the Flotilla.

As you’ll read below, this year, boat dock owners along the flotilla route will have an opportunity to be very involved in the parade.

“The Flotilla is happening with a little twist this year,” said Linda Brown, Committee Chair. “Instead of a boat-judging contest with 50,000 people on the shoreline, it’s going to be a dock judging competition from the water. We encourage all residents and businesses on the Flotilla route to decorate their docks with seasonal lighting. Floodlights and spotlights are not permitted as they will impair navigation on the waterways.”

From the boats, the dock decorations will be judged during the Friday and Saturday nights following Thanksgiving. On Sunday, the winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded.

“We invite our flotilla captains and all owners to decorate their boats and come and see the beautiful docks and homes from the water. See the holiday lights and place your votes for the People’s Choice Award,” said Brown.

Airlie Garden’s Enchanted Airlie

For those who are more of a ‘land-lover’ the nights of the Thanksgiving weekend can be enjoyed by strolling through 35-acres of night-time forest lit by over a million sparkling lights.

This all takes place during the Airlie Gardens’ Enchanted Airlie featuring walking trails, holiday displays, and seasonal music.

“Enchanted Airlie is a beloved tradition and we have worked hard to ensure that we continue that tradition in the safest way possible,” said Janine Powell, Director of Donor Relations. “Tickets will sell out in advance.”

Unfortunately, this year, Santa will not be at Airlie Gardens due to safety concerns. Another change this year, is that food and drinks will not be sold at the Gardens. Visitors are welcome to bring their own however, and don’t forget to bring a mask.

The post North Carolina Holiday Flotilla made Safe for COVID-19 appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.