Celebrated on 06/21/2026
Did you know that turkeys have excellent hearing and can see in color, with a field of vision of about 270 degrees? National Turkey Lovers' Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in June, encourages people to appreciate these fascinating birds beyond the Thanksgiving table.
National Turkey Lovers' Day was first observed in 2013, created by the National Turkey Federation to promote turkey as a versatile and healthy protein source throughout the year. The holiday was strategically placed in June to counter the seasonal association of turkey with Thanksgiving and Christmas, encouraging consumers to enjoy turkey during summer grilling season.
Since its inception, the holiday has grown through social media campaigns and partnerships with celebrity chefs who share turkey recipes and cooking tips. Today, it is celebrated with special promotions at grocery stores, turkey-themed events at farms, and online contests. Many people mark the day by trying new turkey cuts like ground turkey or turkey burgers, often sharing their creations using the hashtag #NationalTurkeyLoversDay.
The average American consumes about 16 pounds of turkey per year, with a significant portion during non-holiday months. Turkey is the second most consumed meat in the United States, after chicken. * A single turkey can produce enough meat to feed a family of four for several meals, making it an economical choice.
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