In 1980, Wayne celebrated its first ever Chicken Show, sparking decades of community involvement, new ideas and fun events.
42 years later, the 2022 Wayne Chicken Show comes to fruition once again July 8-10.
This year's theme, “Chicken's Guide to the Galaxy. The Meaning of Life, the Universe and Egg-rything," has set the stage for another egg-citing weekend.
The three-day occasion will kick off Friday, July 8 with several events beginning at 10 a.m.
Participants may compete in the Sidewalk Chalk Competition at the Wayne Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also at 10 a.m., the Chamber will host a coffee event in the 200 block alley, Ekeko Galleries will showcase an art exhibit and the Clucktique Sidewalk Market will open downtown.
Throughout the evening, information booths and souvenir stands will open for the weekend.
At 6 p.m., sign up for Water Balloon Wars in the Majestic Theatre parking lot, bounce around in inflatables, eat pie and ice cream at the City Auditorium and participate in Moon and Kinesthetic astronomy on South Main.
The evening will round off with the Cement Chicken Auction at 3rd & Main, Saucy Hot Wing Eating and a comedy trio with Glen Tickle, Pat Janssen and Kaden Hopkins.
After a day packed full of action, a firework show, starting at 10 p.m. at the Summer Sports Complex, will send a vibrant call to chickens throughout the galaxy.
On Saturday, July 9, all the regular events will run throughout the day including inflatables, souveneirs, food, several Wayne State College Planetarium shows and the Dusty Road Petting Zoo.
Early in the morning, at 7 a.m., the 5K and 1 mile Chicken Runs will begin at Providence Medical Center.
Kiwanis will host an omelet feed from 7:30 - 9 a.m. for everyone, no matter if they got up early to run or slept in a little longer.
Also that morning, clucking along from 1st and Main Streets to 10th Street and past Bressler Park, the Chicken Show Parade will start at 9:30 a.m.
At 1 p.m. Chicken Show Contests, open to all ages, begins.
These bizarre, challenging and humorous contests consist of Chicken Flying, Best Chicken Legs, National Cluck-off, Hard Boiled Egg Eating, Rubber Chicken Chuck and more.
End the second night with Space Jam at Bressler Park, 9 p.m., and Karaoke at The Max, 11 p.m.
The fun and fast weekend concludes on Sunday, July 10 with fun and history.
From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., all vehicles are welcome at no cost for the Crowing Motors Car Show.
Also during these times, the Wayne County Museum, 702 Pearl Street, will open its doors for visitors.
For more information on activities and photos, check the Chicken Show's website www.chickenshow.com.
