Manchester Chicken Broil

The third Saturday in July is where you can find one of the Midwest’s biggest charcoal chicken broils located in picturesque Manchester, Michigan starting at 4 p.m.

This annual event draws over 8,000 guests, who flock to Alumni Memorial Field southeast of Main Street in this small town on the River Raisin.

Workers direct traffic to the free parking areas while 500 volunteers from the Manchester area manage the four 100-foot long charcoal broiling pits, where they prepare and serve the world-famous chicken dinners.

Watch the melted butter get sprayed over the plump chicken halves during the slow-broiling process. Witness the volunteers slice up one-and one-half tons of fresh cabbage on vintage German kraut cutters as they mix in gallons of a secret-recipe dressing to create the tasty coleslaw everyone raves about. Radishes, bagged potato chips, a roll with butter, and a drink garnish the dinner plates and round out the meal.  Enjoy dining on the field or get a boxed dinner to go in the speedy and convenient drive-through line.

All profits are designated for community projects.

Since its inception in 1954, and thanks to the tremendous community support and work of local volunteers, over $1 million dollars has been funneled back into the community. Thanks for your support!