'It's a big attraction': Giant turkey draws tourists to small Manitoba community
His name is Tom, Tom the turkey that is.
The nine-foot-tall statue is La Riviere's most famous landmark, and impossible to miss as you drive by.
"It's a big attraction and it looks very nice in the summer,” said Charlene Currie, La Riviere LUD Representative.
The turkey was put on its pedestal nearly 40 years ago to commemorate the La Riviere's centennial in 1986.
Residents designed and built the turkey themselves after a professional told them it would cost $35,000 to do it, or nearly $100,000 today.
"We decided, well look, there's no way this little community is going to raise $35,000 for that," said Ken Maloney, who helped build the turkey.
It was a high point for the small rural community, but while the turkey is still looking great, things aren't looking quite as good for the community itself.
"Now we only have four farmers. It's hard to make a living on four families instead of a dozen or 20,” said Kim Wiklund, a La Riviere resident.
Today there are only about 200 people living in La Riviere, and several businesses have flown the coop.
"This used to be a general store here,” said Maloney, pointing at an old building. “If you couldn't find what you needed in there you didn't need it! And then we had the credit union down there. That closed a couple of years ago. And at one time there were about six garages here. Things just dwindled out."
But while fewer people may be living here full-time - there's no shortage of people passing by.
Tom the turkey still pulls people in like it's time for Thanksgiving dinner.
"It's the tourism, people that are passing through want to get their picture taken with it,” said Currie.
When they do, Currie said they see all the things La Riviere has to offer, such as its trails for walking, biking, and hiking.
So as long as the statue stands tall, so too does La Riviere, always ready to welcome the next visitor to this wonderful community.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.