Friday, November 21, 2025

Pasadena Turkey Giveaway Expands Into Community Festival

Councilmember John J. Kennedy (left) started the event in 2013. Councilmember Tyron Hampton (right) assumed leadership of the event three years ago.

Editor’s Update: This event has been relocated and moved indoors to the Robinson Park Recreation Center, Community Room, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Avenue.

What began more than a decade ago as a Thanksgiving turkey distribution has grown into a full community festival, complete with live music, produce displays and city leaders joining residents on Friday at the Robinson Park Recreation Center, in the Community Room, at 1081 N. Fair Oaks Avenue.

Councilmember Tyron Hampton assumed leadership of the event three years ago after the death of Councilmember John J. Kennedy in July 2022.

Hampton expects to distribute 400 to 500 more turkeys than in past years, citing economic pressures, rising food costs and recent issues with government food plans.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and besides Hampton will feature Mayor Victor Gordo, Vice Mayor Jess Rivas and Councilmember Rick Cole, along with Pasadena police, firefighters, clergy and community groups. Volunteers will provide drive-through service for residents who prefer to remain in their cars, and Thanksgiving meal deliveries are planned for families unable to cook or without ovens.

Kennedy, who launched the giveaway in 2013, oversaw the distribution of about 1,500 turkeys annually with the help of more than 75 volunteers, according to his sister Lena Kennedy.

Hampton said he further expanded the program to include produce and entertainment to foster connection.

“I think the need for connection is greater than the actual need for these items,” he said.

This year’s festival includes a DJ, live band and farmers market-style produce displays. Hampton said the event is intended to create a space for neighbors to meet, share recipes and build relationships with one another — and with law enforcement in a non-enforcement setting. Last year, residents exchanged turkey preparation methods including deep frying, smoking and baking in a bag.

Hampton added that technology and social media can sometimes hinder face-to-face interaction, making community spaces more important. Black clergy are participating to encourage dialogue between residents and officers.

“When you see that pastor that you know very well having a conversation with a police officer, it opens the door,” Hampton said. “When they see each other in the neighborhood, they’re going to wave and say hello.”

Hampton emphasized that the event honors Kennedy’s legacy while adapting to current needs.

“I want to also thank the Kennedy family as a whole for giving me the opportunity to continue this legacy,” he said. “This is an opportunity for organizations, law enforcement, nonprofits and clergy to come together and celebrate life and love in our community. We watch the news, we hear the news, we read the news — it’s just negative story after negative story. I hope the day brings a lot of joy.”