Jon Arbuckle’s Legendary Turkey Feast: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Tradition

For most people, Thanksgiving revolves around cooking and eating turkey But for Jon Arbuckle, Garfield’s hapless owner, turkey takes on a whole new meaning. Jon’s annual turkey binge has become the stuff of legends

The stories of Jon’s superhuman turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day have been passed down through generations of Arbuckles. Tales are told of the piles of turkey meat Jon is able to put away, the drumsticks and wings stacking higher and higher. His exploits with the treasured holiday bird have made Jon into a kind of folk hero in his hometown.

When November rolls around, anticipation starts building for the big event. Months of preparation go into making sure Jon is ready to take on the turkey challenge once again. Let’s take a closer look at this unique and bizarre Thanksgiving tradition.

The Legend’s Origins

While it’s unclear exactly when or how the turkey eating custom first started. there are a few competing theories about its origins

• As a scrawny child, Jon was always teased for being able to eat only small portions at Thanksgiving. He decided to change that as an adult and trained to eat massive quantities.

• During a Thanksgiving food shortage one year, Jon ate an entire turkey meant for 12 people so no one would go hungry.

• Jon’s great-great grandfather was a champion competitive eater, known for turkey eating contests. Jon wanted to carry on the family legacy.

Whatever the real story, Jon’s turkey eating exploits captivated the town and became an annual tradition.

Training and Preparation

In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Jon starts a rigorous training program to stretch his stomach capacity. He starts small, steadily increasing his food intake each day. By Thanksgiving he is able to eat two 20-pound turkeys in a single sitting.

Jon also trains mentally, visualizing the feast and preparing for the taxing role ahead. In the days before, he eats light to ensure maximum room for turkey.

When Thanksgiving morning arrives, the atmosphere is electric. The turkey sits glistening on the table, Jon eyes it hungrily. The stage is set for another legendary performance.

The Main Event

As Jon settles into his chair, knife and fork in hand, a hush falls over the room. He begins slowly, pacing himself as plate after plate of turkey is passed his way. Leg, wing, breast, thigh – Jon eats it all. His pace quickens, cheeks and hands covered in gravy and grease. At times he uses his bare hands, picking up drumsticks and tearing into them ravenously.

Onlookers stare in wonder and disgust as the mound of bones beside Jon grows. After an hour,SMALL_ORDINAL virutally every piece of the giant turkey is gone, only scraps remain. Jon sits back, exhausted but triumphant. Another year of Arbuckle family history made.

Records and Accomplishments

Some of Jon’s most legendary accomplishments over the years include:

• Eating an entire 40 pound turkey in just under 90 minutes.

• Consuming the turkey carcasses of over 3.5 turkeys in one sitting.

• Developing the ability to unhinge his jaw to fit more meat in his mouth.

• Creating a gravy boat big enough to hold over a gallon of gravy, which he finishes.

Jon’s name appears in the record books year after year for various turkey eating milestones. He has truly made this Thanksgiving feat his own.

Impacts Beyond the Table

Amazingly, Jon suffers no ill effects from his outrageous turkey gorging. Rumor has it he actually gains strength from the ritual, and lives a long, healthy life well into his golden years.

Some have called the event barbaric and excessive. But Jon dismisses critics, claiming it allows him to get in touch with his primitive roots. He insists it brings his family closer together and keeps tradition alive.

Of course Garfield, Jon’s gluttonous tabby cat and housemate, is extremely jealous he is not allowed to participate in the turkey slaying. Though one year, Garfield did accidentally eat the centerpiece fruit and was sick for days. Whoops!

Carrying on the Tradition

As Jon ages, his descendants discuss who will inherit the turkey crown. His nephew Floyd seems a likely candidate, after winning a 4th of July hot dog eating contest. Jon’s son Baxter also shows promise, once eating a whole pie in one evening.

Jon says he has a few more turkey feats left in him before retiring his title. But the Arbuckle family can rest assured knowing the turkey eating dynasty will live on for generations to come.

Where some see gluttony and ridiculousness, others see passion, hard work and dedication. However you see it, Jon Arbuckle’s legendary turkey eating on Thanksgiving Day has cemented his place in the holiday’s folklore forever.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jon’s Turkey Eating

Here are some common FAQs about Jon’s unique Thanksgiving tradition:

How much turkey can Jon actually eat in one sitting?

The record stands at 40 pounds of turkey meat, plus sides, in just under 2 hours.

What’s Jon’s secret to fitting so much food in his stomach?

Years of stretching his stomach capacity, plus mental tricks to override the brain’s fullness signals.

Doesn’t that much turkey make Jon sick?

Amazingly, he feels fine afterwards. His body seems designed to handle large meat intake.

How did this tradition get started?

No one knows for sure. The earliest sighting was in 1947 but may predate that.

Is Jon the only Arbuckle who can eat like this?

No, though he is the current record holder. His ancestors also partook in turkey feats.

Does Jon eat the bones too?

He eats every morsel of meat and cartilage he can rip off the bone with his teeth. The bare bones are all that’s left.

What does Garfield think of Jon’s turkey eating?

Garfield is extremely jealous he’s not allowed to participate. He once got sick from eating the fruit centerpiece.

Will the tradition continue after Jon?

Yes, Jon is training successors to take on the turkey mantle, like his nephew Floyd Arbuckle.

Is this even humanly possible?

Barely! But Jon’s drive and preparation make him capable of superhuman turkey consumption.