71st annual Chicken Broil set for July 20, 2024

2024 Chicken Broil poster

submitted by Manchester Chicken Broil Committee

The 71st annual Manchester Chicken Broil, the decades-long and entirely volunteer-run event that takes place in the City of Manchester, located 25 minutes outside Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, is set for Saturday, July 20, from 4pm to 7:30pm at the Alumni Memorial Field, and with it comes some new and exciting additions.

2024 will mark the Broil’s first-ever inclusion of a kids’ corner, as well as an antique tractor display courtesy of the Rolling Generations Tractor Club.

“We’re always looking for ways to branch out beyond the scope of what people expect from the Broil,” Jeff Mann, president of the Broil, said about the inclusions, “and we hope this will entice patrons to not only come out and enjoy a delicious chicken dinner but perhaps stick around a little longer and enjoy these wonderful activities.”

Drive-through and carry-out options are available, or you can dine on the field. The organizers would also like to highlight some minor changes to the drive-through this year. “We’re going to have the drive-through utilize Dutch Drive to create a more efficient experience and to optimize traffic flow so as to not have build-up near south M-52 like we saw last year,” Mann said of the tweaks.

Tickets for the Broil cost $13 presale, which can be purchased from a variety of local businesses, or $15 at the gate and online. Credit/debit cards and cash are accepted at the gate. Tickets include a delicious chicken dinner, complete with 1⁄2 chicken, roll, butter, freshly made (and world-famous) coleslaw made with a secret local recipe, radishes, chips, and beverage.

Mann is optimistic about what the 2024 Chicken Broil has in store and hopes to keep the momentum from 2023’s successful year going strong. “The goal is always to sell out and for attendees to stick around and enjoy the live entertainment,” he said. “Last year was great, but this year, with all the new additions, I think has the potential to soar even higher. Because at the end of the day, all the money goes back into the community.”

This year’s proceeds are going to update the facilities and buildings at Alumni Memorial Field. Mann concludes, “Each year we’re reminded why we continue this tradition. We can’t thank the community and volunteers enough for their dedication. It takes roughly 500 of them for the Chicken Broil to operate, and without them, none of this would be possible. It takes a village.”

IF YOU GO:
The 71st Annual Manchester Chicken Broil
Saturday, July 20, 4pm–7:30pm
Alumni Memorial Field, Manchester, Mich.
Tickets are $13 (presale) or $15 at the gate. Cash and debit/credit accepted. Or scan the QR
code below.

www.manchesterchickenbroil.com

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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.