Coming soon! The granddaddy of all events — the 70th Manchester Chicken Broil

Getting your dinners on the field is still a popular option. Photo Courtesy of Karl Racenis

by Marsha Chartrand

It's been featured on "Under the Radar — Michigan."

It has hosted governors, local representatives, and other famous Michiganders.

The recipes are world-famous, but they're still a well-kept secret.

And it's raised the equivalent of $1.4 million for important community-building projects in Manchester.

What could it be, other than the Manchester Chicken Broil?

Yes, it's that time again. The third Saturday in July is quickly approaching and the Chicken Broil is looking at all of its classic features — mouth-watering chicken, tangy coleslaw, chips, a roll and butter, radishes, and a bottle of water — all served up by friendly Manchester faces and a side of entertainment in the background at Alumni Field.  Not only that, but this year, they'll be adding a few new traditions as well (see more about that next week!)

Manchester has its own special way of pulling together on a project, and nowhere is that better illustrated than at the Chicken Broil. Two, three, and four generations of families have participated in this great tradition and keep it going each year. Although the names of the organizations may have changed (or even gone by the wayside), these workers pick up on their jobs each year as if they had never stopped.

Oh — that's right. They haven't. They're kind of like the Energizer Bunny ,,, they keep going, and going, and going ,,,

It's fair to say that life in Manchester would not be the same without the help of the Chicken Broil. The parks, the fire department, the athletic complex, the schools, the library, the historical society, and many more entities have benefited directly over the years from grants provided by the Manchester Chicken Broil. If you have lived in Manchester even a short time, it is likely that you have participated in one, or many, events that exist thanks to the support of the Broil. You can't look anywhere without seeing the trademark of the Chicken Broil. This year, it's the tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts at Chi-Bro Park.

If you are newer to Manchester, and haven't yet made it to a Chicken Broil, make sure that the 70th Annual broil is on your calendar, 4 - 7:30pm on Saturday, July 15. If it's already part of your family tradition, we'll see you there!

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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.