NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – Crowds in turkey hats filled the downtown streets Thanksgiving morning as Neptune Beach marked the 40th Petesgiving and unveiled Pete Jensen Way, a newly designated portion of First Street honoring the longtime town marshal and owner of Pete’s Bar.
Mayor Cori Bylund pulled a cloth from a street sign to reveal the name amid cheers, calling the moment a celebration of a local tradition that draws neighbors and visitors each year.
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Pete Jensen Way was named for Pete Jensen, who served the town in several roles over the years, including town marshal, tax collector, assistant fire chief and acting town clerk, and who owned Pete’s Bar, officials said.
Many attendees embraced the holiday spirit with turkey hats and costumes. Dan McClain, visiting for the first time, said he set aside cooking duties to join the crowd.
“This is my first time,” he said. “I love it.”
Longtime participant Joe Wilhelm, a Mayport resident, said his turkey-deco hat is more than 30 years old and was worn in memory of his father.
“All of these posers with their little goofy turkeys — this is the real thing,” he said.
Organizers and residents said Petesgiving remains a community event that brings people together.
“The municipality and everyone comes together and just says, ‘Hey, we’re gonna hang out and meet up with people,’” Wilhelm said.