'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
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Hundreds of workers on strike at Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia
More than 500 workers are on strike at the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, about 200 kilometres south of Prince George.