Sertoma Chicken Bbq: Date, Time, And What To Expect

The Sertoma Chicken BBQ is an annual event held in May in Lancaster, PA. Organised by the Sertoma Club of Lancaster, the event has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind in the United States. The first BBQ was held in 1953 and the most recent one took place on 21 May 2022. The event usually serves over 20,000 meals, with the proceeds going towards the upkeep, improvement and beautification of Long's Park.

The Sertoma Chicken BBQ is held annually on the third Saturday of May

The BBQ's history dates back to 1953 when the first event was held on October 3, serving 400 chicken dinners at $1 each. The following year, it was held on September 24. It was only in its third year, when it was organised in June, that the event gained traction, with volunteers preparing to serve thousands. The tradition of holding the BBQ in May began in 1956, and it has since become an anticipated annual gathering.

Over the years, the Sertoma Chicken BBQ has grown into a massive undertaking, with hundreds of volunteers coming together to make it a success. The event typically serves over 20,000 meals, with chicken being the main attraction. The BBQ has earned the distinction of being the largest one-day chicken barbecue in the country and has been recognised by Guinness World Records.

The event is organised by the Sertoma Club of Lancaster, and the proceeds are used to benefit the community in numerous ways. A significant portion, over 70%, is allocated for the upkeep, improvement, and beautification of Long's Park. The funds have helped build playgrounds, maintain the pond, amphitheatre, and petting zoo, create a wetland trail, and enhance the overall visitor experience at the park.

In addition to supporting Long's Park, the BBQ also contributes to various other initiatives. This includes funding Compass Mark's Kids Kamp for at-risk youth, providing speech and hearing services, and hosting a Naturalization Day reception for new citizens. The event has left a lasting impact on the community, raising over $2 million throughout its history.

The Sertoma Chicken BBQ is more than just a culinary event; it embodies the spirit of community, tradition, and giving back. It has become an integral part of Lancaster's culture, bringing people together from near and far to enjoy delicious food and support worthy causes.

The event is hosted by the Sertoma Club of Lancaster

The Sertoma Club of Lancaster's annual chicken barbecue is a beloved community event that has been a staple in the city for over six decades. The club's dedication to this tradition is evident, with members spending months preparing and organising the event, ensuring its success year after year.

The Sertoma Chicken BBQ is not just about delicious food; it's a fun-filled, family-friendly outing that offers something for everyone. While the mouth-watering smell of barbecue chicken fills the air, guests can enjoy a range of activities and entertainment. The event features a dedicated Family Fun Area with inflatables, a bounce house, a slide, an obstacle course, and a petting zoo, ensuring that both children and adults have a memorable time.

The Sertoma Club's commitment extends beyond hosting a fantastic event. The proceeds from the barbecue are channelled back into the community, primarily benefiting Long's Park and various charitable initiatives. Over the years, funds raised have contributed to the upkeep, improvement, and beautification of Long's Park, including the construction of playgrounds, the maintenance of the pond, amphitheatre, and petting zoo, and the creation of a wetland trail.

The club's support also extends to vulnerable members of the community. They fund Compass Mark's Kids Kamp for at-risk youth, provide hearing screenings for children in the Head Start programme, host a Naturalization Day reception for new citizens, and contribute to speech and hearing services. The club's efforts leave a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.

The Sertoma Chicken BBQ is more than just a culinary event; it embodies the spirit of community, generosity, and fun. The dedication of the Sertoma Club of Lancaster ensures that this tradition continues to create cherished memories and make a positive difference in Lancaster.

It is recognised as the largest one-day chicken barbecue in the US

The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue, hosted by the Sertoma Club of Lancaster, has been recognised as the largest one-day chicken barbecue in the US. The event has been held annually since 1953, taking place on the third Saturday of May in Long's Park, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The barbecue was initially held in the fall, but by 1956, it had moved to May. In its early years, the event served thousands of chicken dinners, and by 1961, it was being touted as the largest one-day chicken barbecue in the country, serving 15,000 customers. The event continued to grow, and in 1974, newspaper reports detailed the annual traffic troubles that came with the event, with cars backed up on Harrisburg Pike as far as Dillerville Road.

The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue is a massive undertaking, with hundreds of volunteers working to prepare and serve the chicken dinners. In recent years, the event has served around 20,000 to 24,000 chicken dinners, with the fires lit at midnight and the first racks of chicken hitting the grill at 3 am. The event also features a family fun area with inflatables, games, and a petting zoo.

The barbecue is more than just a culinary event; it is a fundraiser for various worthy causes. More than 70% of the proceeds go towards the upkeep, improvement, and beautification of Long's Park. Over the years, funds raised through the barbecue have helped build playgrounds, maintain the pond, amphitheatre, and petting zoo, create a wetland trail, and provide care for the trees and lawns. The event has also supported Compass Mark's Kids Kamp for at-risk youth, a Naturalization Day reception for new citizens, and speech and hearing services.

The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue is a beloved tradition for many, with people travelling from other states to attend. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and organisers, who spend months preparing for the event.

The event raises money for the upkeep and improvement of Long's Park

The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue is an annual event that has been held in Long's Park, Lancaster, for almost 70 years. The event, organised by the Sertoma Club of Lancaster, raises money for the upkeep and improvement of the park.

In its earliest iteration in 1953, the barbecue served 400 people and raised $137. By the third year, the event had grown significantly, with volunteers preparing to serve "thousands" of dinners. The barbecue has continued to grow in popularity and scale, and by 1961, it was being touted as the largest one-day chicken barbecue in the country, serving 15,000 customers a year.

The event has become a beloved tradition, with people travelling from other states to attend. In recent years, the barbecue has served over 20,000 meals each year, with the funds raised going towards various projects in Long's Park.

Over the years, the money raised from the Sertoma Chicken Barbecue has contributed to significant improvements in Long's Park. In its early years, the proceeds often went towards the construction of the Long's Park Amphitheater. Other improvements funded by the event in its first decade included lavatories, lighting for ice skating at the lake, playground equipment, volleyball courts, and charcoal grills.

More recently, the funds have been used to build and renovate restrooms, maintain the pond, amphitheatre, and petting zoo, create a wetland trail, and provide care for the trees and lawns. The event has also helped to fund additional projects, such as Compass Mark's Kids Kamp for at-risk youth and hearing loss prevention and education programs for children.

The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue is a beloved community event that brings people together for a delicious meal and a good cause. Through the dedication of volunteers and organisers, the event has raised significant funds for the upkeep and improvement of Long's Park, ensuring that it remains a valued space for the community to enjoy.

The barbecue has been a tradition for over 60 years

The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue has been a beloved tradition in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for over 60 years, with the first event taking place in 1953. What started as a small gathering with 400 people served has now turned into a massive annual festival, attracting thousands of people from all over.

The barbecue is organised by the Sertoma Club of Lancaster and held in Long's Park, a space that has been integral to the event since its early days. In its inaugural year, the barbecue was held in October, but the following year it was moved to September. By the third iteration of the event, the barbecue had found its place in June, and the number of attendees had already grown to "thousands."

It wasn't until 1956 that the tradition of holding the barbecue in May began, a month that would become synonymous with the mouth-watering aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air in Lancaster County. The event quickly gained popularity, and by 1957, attendance had surpassed 10,000 people. The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue had become an eagerly anticipated tradition, with each year bringing new surprises and delights.

Over the years, the barbecue has not only served up delicious food but also entertainment and fun for the whole family. From the debut of the "Chicken Missile Mark V" in 1958 to the introduction of a seven-foot-tall chicken mascot, "BQ," in 1981, the event has always found creative ways to engage and delight attendees. The barbecue has also been a platform for musical talent, with concerts added to the programme as early as 1963.

While the specifics of the barbecue sauce remain a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few, the event has revealed some intriguing clues about what goes into this magical concoction. Apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and oil are said to be among the key ingredients, with a "little accent" that keeps the recipe a mystery.

The Sertoma Chicken Barbecue has not only been about good food and fun but also about giving back to the community. Throughout its long history, the event has raised significant funds for various causes, with a large portion going towards the upkeep and improvement of Long's Park itself. By 2019, the event had raised over $2 million, a testament to the community's dedication and support.

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