'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
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.