The 70th Annual Manchester Chicken Broil set for July 15

The Manchester chicken broil brings together the people, businesses and organizations to cook, serve and eat a delicious bar-b-que chicken dinner. Photo credit: Dale Fisher.

submitted by the Manchester Chicken Broil

The 70th annual Manchester Chicken Broil, the decades-long, entirely volunteer-run tradition in the village of Manchester, is set for Saturday, July 15 from 4 to 7:30pm at the Alumni Memorial Field.

This is the third year the Chicken Broil has taken place on a Saturday (previously it was held on the third Thursday in July), something Chicken Broil co-chair, Jeff Mann is eager to build upon: “We switched to Saturday to draw more families who had a hard time making it during the weeknights because of work the next day,” Mann said. “By making it more accessible to families on the weekend, the goal is to try and get more folks acclimated to downtown Manchester, where they can explore the community and make it a day trip.”

Mann continues “We’re also looking to add more family themed activities. So, stay tuned for that.”

Tickets for the broil cost $12 presale, which can be purchased from a variety of local businesses, or $13 at the gate. Credit/debit cards are accepted. You can also buy tickets online through the Chicken Broil’s website. Tickets include a delicious chicken dinner complete with ½ chicken, roll, butter, freshly-made coleslaw with its secret local recipe, radishes, chips, and beverage. Drive through and carry-out options are available, or you can dine on the field.

Mann has great expectations for what the 2023 Chicken Broil has in store and hopes to keep the momentum from 2022’s successful year going. “We want to sell out and for attendees to stick around and enjoy the live entertainment. Last year was great, but this year has the potential to be even better. Because at the end of the day, all the money goes back into the community.”

This year’s proceeds are going towards the Chi-Bro Park for expansion purposes that includes a disc golf course and a pickleball court, among other things. Mann concludes, “Each year we’re reminded why we continue this tradition. We can’t thank the volunteers enough for their dedication. It takes roughly 500 volunteers for the Chicken Broil to operate every year and without them, none of this would be possible.

“As they say, it takes a village.”

The 70th Annual Manchester Chicken Broil
Saturday, July 15, 4-8pm Alumni Memorial Field, Manchester. Tickets are $12 (presale) or $13 at the gate or online. Cash and debit/credit accepted, or scan the QR code.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

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.