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American River Messenger

Fair Oaks Chicken Festival Sept. 21

Sep 12, 2024 09:07AM ● By Judy Andrews

Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District staff are with Rocky the Rooster at last year's Fair Oaks Chicken Festival. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District


FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Start practicing your chicken calls because it’s almost time to celebrate the 19th Annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival from 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at Fair Oaks Park (11549 Fair Oaks Blvd.).

Presented by the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with activities and entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

“The Fair Oaks Chicken Festival is a beloved tradition that celebrates the culture and charm of Fair Oaks and brings the community together in a fun and unique way,” said Recreation supervisor and festival chair Sabrina Bernardo. “The family-friendly atmosphere promotes a sense of pride that keeps people coming back year after year.”

With attendance numbers ranging between 9,000 and 10,000, organizing an event this size is no small feat. According to Bernardo, festival planning begins a year in advance and requires an extensive network of volunteers.


Rocky poses with last year's Cluck n' Crow Winner Brian Maker. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District


“Our volunteers help make the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival happen,” said Recreation supervisor Mary Stoakley. “Whether assisting in the kid's park, helping out with parking, or welcoming event attendees at the entrance, they make a huge difference!”

The Fair Oaks Youth Advisory Board is one of the many volunteer service groups participating.

“The youth group serves in an advisory capacity to the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District’s Board of Directors and assumes responsibility for certain activities throughout the year, including the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival,” Stockley said.

“The students will sell cold water bottles at the event for $2. The funds raised will support their activities throughout this year's term,” Stoakley added.

Other participating organizations and long-time community partners include the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Fair Oaks.

“We started hosting the Cornhole Tournament three years ago and enjoy watching the event grow into a friendly and fun competition,” said Chamber of Commerce CEO Kimberley Pitillo. “It’s a great opportunity for the chamber to be out in the community, building awareness of who we are and what we do.”

Said Rotary Club President Keith Walter, “The Rotary Club has been a cornerstone of the festival since its inception. In recent years, the club has hosted the popular beer and wine garden, raising approximately $15,000 yearly for local causes. The funds we raise are vital in providing scholarships, assisting the food bank and supporting youth, seniors and veterans’ programs.”

Beer and wine are donated by the Fair Oaks Community Foundation and local breweries.


Last year's festival attendees enjoyed watching the Cluck n' Crow Contest. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District


Pancake Breakfast

The Orangevale Grange is hosting a special pre-event Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Grange Hall, 5807 Walnut Ave., Orangevale. A hearty breakfast costs $10, a regular breakfast costs $8, and a child’s breakfast (ages 8 and under) costs $5. The first 100 attendees will receive a free Chicken Festival promo bag.

Contest Highlights

The following contests require pre-registration and an entry fee. Prizes are awarded to the top winners. Registration details are at forpd.org/chickenfest.

There will be a Cluck n' Crow Contest presented by Kiwanis Club Orangevale/Fair Oaks, a Cornhole Tournament presented by Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, the California Cornhole Association and OVCornhole, and a great Chicken Decorating Contest.

More Activity Highlights

Rocky the Rooster will greet and mingle with kids. Bring your camera for photos.

Kids will enjoy Rocky’s Roost Kids Park areas, featuring free and pay-to-play activities.

Visit more than 70 craft and community vendor booths.

Adults over 21 can visit the Watering Hole (beer/wine garden) presented by the Fair Oaks Rotary Foundation.

Take a food break at the Feed Court (food trucks) presented by SactoMoFo.

Strut to live band music from 12:30 to 6 p.m.

For parking and general event information, visit forpd.org/chickenfest.