The Wayne Regional Arts Council chose chickens as the main theme for the event for several reasons. First, chickens are familiar to everyone, especially in the rural community. Second, they are often associated with humor. Third, there is a great potential for art ideas and materials coming from chickens.
The Wayne Chicken Show is organized by the Wayne Area Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, it has received several awards including the Nebraska Outstanding Tourist Award (1996) and two Nebraska State Pinnacle Awards (2005). It was featured in the Library of Congress in 1999 and mentioned on TripAdvisor’s list of America’s Top 10 Wackiest Summer Events in 2010.
Originally a one-day event, the Wayne Chicken Show now runs over the entire weekend. It kicks off on Friday afternoon and ends around midday on Sunday. Friday events are collectively known as Henoween. A section of Main Street closes to traffic, allowing for a street fair with flea market, food stands, craft vendors, and entertainment for kids.
Saturday is the main day of the festival. It kicks off with the colorful Chicken Show Parade that marches up Main Street to Bressler Park. The parade features around 100 entries and the best ones are awarded prizes. Saturday activities include a variety of contests such as Rooster Crowing, Chicken Flying, Best Chicken Legs, Biggest, Smallest & Most Unusual Egg, National Cluck-off, Hard Boiled Egg Eating Contest, Egg Toss, and Egg Drop/Catch. Participants can bring their own chicken or rent one. Main Sunday events are Crowning Motors Car Show and Poker Run.
The National Cluck-off is one of the festival’s main highlights. This is a contest of who can do the best chicken impression. Contestants are required make chicken sounds and actions for 15 seconds. It is important to be so loud that you are heard throughout the park.
Photo: Ali Eminov
