Hobble, Hobble: 'Limpy The Town Turkey' Wins Hearts In Reading

READING, MA — A month before Thanksgiving, Reading has turkey fever. Its most beloved resident is a limping turkey, or "Limpy" as he's affectionately known around town.

Limpy's popularity has exploded across Reading over the past week. A Facebook page founded Thursday morning has already surpassed 800 members. The bird has an official logo, which is now on the front of t-shirts. A theme song isn't far off.

"What fun Limpy stuff will a miss this week?" one resident wondered on Facebook ahead of her vacation to Jamaica. Limpymania is here.

Don't let the charming hobble fool you – Limpy isn't afraid to gobble. Just ask Michael Melagrano, who was at the intersection of Main and Summer when Limpy pulled up next to him Friday. He began talking to the turkey to coax it away from his truck.

Limpy, not much of a conversationalist, walked over to the front tire and pecked it – hard.

"He looked back up at me like 'how's that' and just strutted away," Melagrano told Patch.

Melagrano and Limpy go way back. The Hopkins Street resident has seen the bird in his yard regularly over the past couple weeks. He says the gait that's given Limpy its moniker isn't holding it back. It goes where it wants.

"He's got some guts, no doubt," Melagrano said.

For the Limpy brand, the sky's the limit. There's talk of trying to get Limpy on "Ellen," petitioning to make it the Red Sox mascot or opening a restaurant or brewery in its honor. Patch has reached out to Gov. Charlie's Baker office to confirm rumors Limpy will receive a pardon ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

Limpy, very much the hometown turkey, isn't letting the newfound stardom go to its head. Those hoping to get a glimpse of the famous fowl can still find him sparring with buses and mail trucks on Main Street.

"He stops everything," Melagrano said.