VERSAILLES – It’s going to be “Poultry Mania” all weekend as Versailles aims for a world record. The village of Versailles invites you to visit the 74th Annual Poultry Days festival, June 13-15. You can be part of history as Poultry Days attempts to make it official…Versailles is the home of the World’s Largest Chicken BBQ. Two Semi Loads of Chicken have been ordered, with as many as 16,000 halves being cooked in a single day.
Poultry Days was established in 1952 to celebrate the area’s Poultry Production history. The festival has been conducted for 74 years without interruption, including the 2020 pandemic. Over those years, the festival has served over 1.2 million dinners and plans to serve at least 40,000 dinners in 2025. It’s going to be finger-lickin’ historic.
The four-lane drive-thru and the walk-thru chicken lines (459 S. Center St) open at 3:30 Friday, 11:30 Saturday, and 11:00 Sunday. Pick up for pre-purchased bulk coolers will be at the High School (280 Marker Rd) and is best entered from the West on 121/Marker Road. Individual dinners will not be served in the bulk pickup line. All “chicken” questions should be sent to VPDChickenLine@gmail.com. Come early, as demand for this once-a-year opportunity is unpredictable and we can sell out early.
Poultry Days is also excited to announce that 20 individual artists, duos and groups will perform on four stages over the weekend. This includes ten performances by area high school and college students. The festival is proud to support the next generation of artists by providing an opportunity to showcase their talents. Please come and lend your support, we are confident you will be impressed. The Social Tent will offer ten additional acts, including Zach Attack, Kevin and the Others, SNAFU, Naked Karate Girls, Eight Ball and The Hammer Jockeys. Beverages will be offered from Miller Coors, The Winery at Versailles and Anheuser-Busch. Don’t miss the biggest party in the county.
And there is much more. VAPPA brings back the “Pit Potato” in addition to its famous hand-squeezed Lemonade. This bite-sized snack is fast becoming a festival favorite, complete with its own catchy jingle. The flag raising ceremony by the VFW, High School Band and elected officials will be at 1 pm on Saturday. 5k Run/Walk registration is open until the race on Saturday at 8 am. FREE Kiddie Tractor Pull Sunday, FREE FFA Petting Zoo, FREE Chicken Eating Contest. FREE Family Fun Zone, and FREE Entertainment all weekend.
Larry and Diane Prenger have been selected as Honorary Grand Parade Marshals, which will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday. This year’s festival theme is “Poultry Mania, Where the World’s Largest Chicken BBQ Gets the Title”.
The Chicken Classic Cruise In will begin at 9 am on Sunday with registration at the corner of South Center and West Ward Streets. NO AGE LIMIT ON VEHICLES. Cars, Jeeps, Trucks and Motorcycles are welcome. If it rolls…it rolls.
Calling all kids 7-14! Versailles Youth Sports has once again organized the FREE Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run contest to be held Sunday at 1 pm. Register at VersaillesPoultryDays.com or on the day of the event. This Major League Baseball-sanctioned event provides boys and girls with an opportunity to participate in the Team Championship Event on the Cincinnati Reds field! Last year, the Youth Sports winner advanced all the way to the MLB World Series. And did we mention there are prizes? Don’t miss out!
Ultimate Disc will celebrate its 43rd year in Versailles at Heritage Park. The weekend’s tournament will include over 30 teams from throughout the United States. A full vendor area plus the “Fancy Stand” and a Square Dancing and Zumba demonstration. Other activities include “Sons of the Legion” Cornhole Tournament, Lions Club Chuckaluck, Flower Show, K of C Bingo, Cake & Egg Show, Art & Photography Show, and of course the Miss Chick and Little Miss Poultry Days pageants.
Visit VersaillesPoultryDays.com for the full festival schedule and event details. Follow Poultry Days on Facebook for live updates.
Send an email to PoultryDaysChairman@gmail.com for questions.
Verailles Poultry Days: Serving Up Summer Fun Since 1952.
