'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
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.