OCCC to host second annual ‘Chicken Chuck’ celebration

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) is bringing back one of its most unique and entertaining traditions with the second annual Chamber’s Chester Chicken Chuck, set for Saturday, June 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the south lawn of the Owen County Courthouse.

Hosted in partnership with Babbs Supermarket and the Owen County Community Foundation, this year’s event will also celebrate Babbs Supermarket's 98th anniversary, making it a milestone occasion filled with community spirit, laughter and plenty of feather-filled fun.

The Chamber Chester Chicken Chuck is a playful tribute to an unusual piece of Owen County history. In 1940, local businessmen Dwight Johnson, Chester Babbs and Fred White staged a now-legendary event by tossing live turkeys, ducks and chickens from the courthouse roof, allowing townspeople to catch their holiday dinners.

While the original spectacle wouldn’t fly today, the modern version captures the same excitement—this time using foam chickens for a safe and family-friendly experience. Costumes are not only encouraged but rewarded with $50 going to the best dressed costume voted by audience applause.

At the center of the event is the Wingman Team Challenge, where teams of two will put their chicken catching skills to the test. During the first round, teams have 30 seconds to catch at least one toy chicken tossed from above. Those who succeed move on to a second high-energy round, where the goal is to collect as many chickens as possible within another 30-second window.

The team with the highest total will win the grand prize—Babbs chicken for a year. In the event of a tie, winners will be determined by a random draw.

Teams were chosen June 1 through a lottery drawing.

Giving back is also a key part of the day through the Cluck for a Cause – Charity Chicken Chuck. Local organizations can sign up teams of two, dress in their best chicken-themed costumes and compete for their cause. Any team that catches at least one chicken earns a $50 donation for their organization. This event blends humor and heart, offering a fun way to support local nonprofits.

Following the main competition, the event expands into a full lineup of interactive activities designed for all ages. The Babbs Little Chick Fly invites children ages 12 and under to catch one of 50 foam chickens and redeem it for a prize at the Babbs booth.

New this year, organizers have added a teen division for ages 13 to 17, creating even more opportunities for participation and friendly competition.

Adults can join in during the Babbs Open Fly, where 200 foam chickens will be tossed into the crowd. Some of these chickens will feature special markings on the bottom, unlocking prizes and surprises for lucky participants including a Babbs Shopping Spree honoring Babbs Supermarket's 98th anniversary celebration. What a fitting way to celebrate nearly a century of service to the community.

The event continues to grow each year, building on the success of its debut while introducing new elements to keep the experience fresh and engaging.

Another exciting new addition to this year’s Chamber’s Chester Chicken Chuck is the Window Chicken Painting Contest. Local artist Steve Adams brought the community’s creativity to life by painting custom chicken designs submitted by local sponsored businesses and organizations. Each painted window chicken will showcase the personality and spirit of its sponsor, adding even more color and fun to the festivities. The unique creations will be judged and the winner announced during the event. The winning design will earn the coveted Chamber Chester Chicken Chuck Trophy along with year-long “Clucking Rights.” To top it off, the winning chicken artwork and sponsor will also be featured in The Owen News, giving the champions even more reason to strut their stuff.

“This event is all about community,” said Marce Johnson, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s fun, it’s a little quirky, and it celebrates both our history and the people who make Owen County such a great community. Adding the teen division this year and celebrating Babbs’ 98th anniversary makes it even more special.”

With games, prizes, costumes and plenty of laughter, the Chamber’s Chester Chicken Chuck promises a lively and memorable morning for all who attend.

The Owen County Chamber would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the sponsors and community partners whose support helps make this fun-filled event possible each year: Babbs Supermarket, Owen County Community Foundation, Insurance Services, Byers Home Furnishings, Smithville, Spencer Main Street, Boys and Girls Club of Owen County, World Arts, Compass Rose Farm Sanctuary, Patriot Manufacturing and Cook Medical.

For more information visit myowencountychamber.com.

Residents are encouraged to gather their friends, bring the whole family and get ready to take part in this egg-straordinary tradition—because in Owen County, even history comes with a little fun and a lot of feathers.