US Presidents pardon turkeys on Thanksgiving; Louisiana pardons a crawfish early in the crawfish season. Emile the crawfish will be allowed to live his life out peacefully thanks to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who picked “Emile” to be pardoned for their “annual pardoning of the crawfish.”
Several were in attendance at the old U.S. Mint in New Orleans to witness the proclamation, including representatives from the the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board. Nungesser says not everyone understands the event. During a visit to the White House, he tried to explain it to Vice President Mike Pence.
This unique event celebrates the crawfish season which is underway. Nungesser says the price might be high now, but it will come down soon.