Manchester Chicken Broil — a source of community pride

2014 Chicken Broil — Photo Courtesy of Karl Racenis

by Marsha Chartrand

There are many recipes for the long-standing success of the Manchester Chicken Broil.

Of course, most would say that #1 is the world-famous chicken dinner with the almost-equally famous coleslaw. And there’s the aroma of the chicken slowly roasting on the pits. There’s the camaraderie of running into old friends who come back to Manchester just for this once-a-year event. There’s the sense of excitement — not only down at Alumni Field, where you can either pick up your meal at the drive-through in those classic white boxes, or eat it at picnic tables on the field like they used to 70 years ago — but in the downtown area as well, and at homes around the community where the Broil is an annual excuse for a family-and-friends party.

But my contention is that the real recipe for 70 years of success of the Chicken Broil is this: It’s the sense of community pride that is generated by hundreds of volunteers — working together, perpetuating a generations-old tradition, and raising money that has contributed to hundreds of worthwhile causes in this community over the last seven decades. Starting with a fence around the Athletic Field and ending with a two-year commitment of $40,000 over two years to the pickleball, basketball, and tennis courts at Chi-Bro Park, knowing that you have been a part of these projects — something so much larger than yourself — is something that can truly instill pride. And, for 70 years, the Chicken Broil has been able to do that for thousands of men (and even some women).

Thanks to the Chicken Broil, those who have worked the event have learned — sometimes from a very young age — what it means to really work hard and complete a job. They learn that it doesn’t matter whether it is hot and muggy or chilly and rainy, there’s a job to be done. And they can take pride in the accomplishment of that task. And thanks to the Broil, the entire community of Manchester has learned that things can really be done better by everyone working together than by just a few doing a job. Together, we can accomplish bigger and better projects — things that could not be done if we hadn’t tried to make it a team effort.

The results of the Chicken Broil have given us a pride in the community that everyone can feel. Being part of that community spirit and being able to contribute to the effort involved brings us all together as neighbors and friends working for one goal. The immediate goal may be serving up a bunch of dinners, but the by-product of that cohesive effort is a proud, independent, and closely knit community.

And this lesson is something that perhaps Manchester needs to re-learn in these times when community organizations, events, and traditions are falling by the wayside.

May all your chickens be plump and juicy on July 15 this year … and may your community spirit increase accordingly!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.