Chickendaze whips up barnyard brew

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This article was published 08/06/2023 (800 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

by JURA MCILRAITH

Chickendaze is returning to Oakbank for its thirteenth year and organizers are expecting a repeat of last year’s record-breaking turnout.

Chicken-themed festivities begin Friday June 9 with the Blender Barn opening at 6 p.m. and wrapping up on Sunday June 11 at 6 p.m.

Chairperson Mike Bertram said Chickendaze has partnered with Farmery Brewery to create a craft beer for the festival. A limited quantity of Barnyard Brew will be available as they see how popular it will be.

This year’s parade will take place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and make its way down Main Street in Oakbank. Midway rides open at noon along with the vendor village.

Chicken races and the baseball tournament run at various times throughout the weekend. The musical performances this year include Petric, the Sean Taylor Band, the SCI Sabre Soul Band and Prairie Fire.

Other activities include a Prairie Exotics display, Chicken Poop Bingo, kids and adults wing eating contests, a colouring contest and a community church service.

Bertram added that the organizers are proud of the Safe Ride Home plan they have in place. A shuttle bus travels through the town during the hours Chickendaze runs. As well, visitors that live outside of town can book rides with the Rural Ride Shuttle service on Friday and Saturday evening.

These services are free, but donations can be made to Victims of Impaired Driving (VOID).

More information and a complete schedule can be found at chickendaze.ca.