GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Oct. 17, 2023) – Don’t forget to flock to Gainesville-Hall County this weekend – the 2023 Gainesville Chicken Festival, "Georgia’s Official Chicken Cook-Off," is BACK and better than ever.
Known as the Poultry Capital of the World, the City of Gainesville looks forward to bringing back this fan-favorite event Saturday, Oct. 21, featuring 17,000 pounds of freshly cooked chicken. Sample tried-and-true recipes, plus some new ones, from professional and amateur pitmasters cooking on the Lake Lanier Olympic Park Plaza who know how to prepare award-winning drumsticks, wings, legs, tenders and thighs.
To indulge in tasty samples of chicken and other offerings, attendees must purchase a wristband. A $6 wristband gets you 10 ample samples and there’s no limit on the number of wristbands you can purchase. Purchase a single wristband or bring the family and get five for $25. Wristbands may be purchased at the gate or in advance until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, online: https://gainesvillega.governmentwindow.com/estore/298-chicken-festival/10-chicken-festival-tickets.html Those securing presale wristbands must pick them up on site the day of.
The following cook teams – which will be barbecuing, frying, grilling and sautéing the day’s grub – will also be judged in multiple categories for a chance to win the grand champion title, among others: Ninja Pig BBQ, Cluckin’ Around, Motor City Limits, The Sky is Falling, River Roadies, Gainesville Fire Department, Smokin’ Dave's, Peckerwood Country Club, Matt’s Chicks, Smoke Show BBQ, Off Duty Q, Walgreens and Fired Up. Festival-goers will have the final say as to which team receives the prized People’s Choice Award, so don’t forget to vote!
Augusta native Greg Hester takes the stage from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to bring you live music the day of the 2023 Gainesville Chicken Festival. A Southern boy raised on soul music, Hester captures stories and tales from his gritty southern world and brings them to life with a catchy groove.
"Take one part soul man; take one part Augusta, Georgia native; add in the blessing and backing band from one of the most legendary entertainers that has ever walked this Earth, Mr. James Brown; and what do you get? Mr. Greg Hester," states the artist's biography.
Companion food and beverage vendors in attendance will include Downtown Drafts and Tap It Growlers, offering beer and wine; Paw Paws Peanuts, offering boiled peanuts and freshly squeezed lemonade; and Midland Social Ice Cream and Kona Ice, which will be serving up frozen treats – even hot cocoa.
Stop by the concession stand where the City will be slinging some Gainesville Chicken Festival-branded merch, like T-shirts, sweatshirts, walking chicken balloons and more.
Have the kids with you? Don’t miss out on a bounce house, face painting by Bubble Squad Entertainment, hand-painted “quick chicks” by The Arts Council, a punching bag by the Army National Guard and chicken-themed crafts by the Hall County Library System – downtown Gainesville branch.
Enjoy the best of what the 2023 Gainesville Chicken Festival has to offer, including a FREE shuttle to and from the event. Take the headache out of parking and park off site at Lanier Park, located at 675 White Sulphur Road, Gainesville. From there, attendees will be shuttled to LLOP. Shuttles will run from 10:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. and are handicap accessible, service animal friendly – no pets, please, and air conditioned/heated. Parking at LLOP remains limited, but available on a first come, first served basis. For boats, courtesy docks will also be available on a first come, first served basis.
Finally, last but certainly not least, thank you to our amazing 2023 event sponsors: ACG Solutions, Cadence Bank, Cobb-Vantress, Coca-Cola, Colonial Packaging, Duplicating Products, Fieldale Farms, Georgia Access, Hulsey Environmental Services, Industrial Pipe & Supply Co., LAD Truck Lines, Marel, Mar-Jac Poultry, National Chicken Council, North Georgia Industrial Services Inc., Peach State Bank & Trust, SouthState Bank, Syfan Logistics, Tip Top Poultry, Tyson, United Community, Wayne-Sanderson Farms LLC and Wilheit Packaging LLC.
For more information, including updates, “Like” @LakeLanierOlympicVenue on Facebook or visit exploregainesville.org.