73rd Chicken Broil: numbers down amidst threat of severe weather, wildfire smoke, and more
74th Annual Chicken Broil. Photo courtesy of Jeff Mann.
by Leon Mann
The Manchester Chicken Broil has completed their 73rd successful year of feeding the community. The day ran smooth and 5,500 dinners were sold, which fell short of the estimated 7,000. This was the first time in 50 years that dinners served fell under 6,000, but that is likely due to severe weather warnings, wildfire smoke diminishing the air quality, and widespread concerns regarding vegetables. As always, the chicken shone as the star of the meal and the coleslaw never disappointed.
Despite the low numbers, the Chicken Broil will continue to donate every dollar earned from the event back to the community. Originally, the Chicken Broil was a fundraiser to construct a fence around the Alumni Field, where it is currently held and has been held for many years. The Chicken Broil has raised nearly $1.5 million dollars for the community since 1954. If you have ever attended a sporting event at the athletic complex, enjoyed our city parks, explored the walking paths, purchased flowers from Manchester High School’s FFA building, or experienced the Christmas decorations downtown in the wintertime, you have benefitted from the Chicken Broil’s donation funds. Every ticket purchased supports everyone in the community for 73 years and it will continue to do so.
Preparations for the 74th Chicken Broil are already well underway and will take place on July 17th, 2027. The Chicken Broil Committee is working on minor changes and are brainstorming new ideas to help raise attendance numbers. No matter what changes occur, the only thing that will not change about the Chicken Broil is the meal itself. If any readers have comments, questions, concerns, ideas, or are interested in volunteering for the next broil, you can reach out to manchesterchickenbroil@gmail.com. The Chicken Broil committee looks forward to seeing you next year!
You must be logged in to post a comment Login