Elijah Kellogg Church Chicken Barbecue
| 02 July 2009
One of the most reliable indications that summer has come to Harpswell is the annual chicken barbecue at the Kellogg Church on Rt. 123. This culinary extravaganza has attracted roast chicken fans from miles around the big outdoor feast for over three decades. According to C.V. Noyes, who is in charge of the event this year, the barbecue will be held on the last Saturday of the month, July 25, on the same weekend as the annual Harpswell Festival, which is being held up the road at Mitchell Field, "So that our guests can enjoy the best of both events."
"This is one of the three big annual fundraisers at the Kellogg Church," explained Win Gillis, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. "The others being the recent yard sale and the Christmas Fair." He went on to observe that, "I am always surprised at the large number of people who come from as far away as Lewiston for our barbecue, along with folks who are visiting the area from out of state. We have become a major social and culinary event on the Midcoast calendar over the years." Thad Winder is in charge of generating a large turnout again this year as Chair of the Publicity Committee.
Overseeing the daunting task of preparing and grilling 250 whole chickens this year will be master chef, Richard W. Collins, ably assisted by several volunteers from the church. Diners will be entertained during their meal by live music provided by a mystery band and a number of talented local singers and musicians.
The highlight of the dinner will be a delicious, fire-roasted half-chicken, which has first been marinated overnight in a secret sauce before being grilled to perfection by Dick Collins and his assistants over a huge, hot, open fire and then served up by volunteers with a generous helping of coleslaw, pasta salad, watermelon and potato chips, topped off by homemade cupcakes that are lovingly baked by the ladies of church, with a choice of lemonade, iced tea, coffee or water to wash it all down.
But first, the crew will be busy in the parking lot until late Friday night, setting up the tables and the cooking area, consisting of ten grills and a huge four by three foot metal fire pit stoked with 50 bags of charcoal. Volunteers are welcome to come and pitch in with these preparations. On Saturday, Dick Wyer and Herb Ferris will be on hand to take charge of the parking. Nearly 700 guests are expected.
Meals will be served from 5-7 PM, and the price for the complete dinner is $10, with live entertainment, community fellowship and warm smiles provided absolutely free.
"After dinner," according to Win Gillis, "Everyone can head back to the ongoing Harpswell Festival at Mitchell Field to watch the 9 PM fireworks out over the water for the end of a perfect day."