Press Release from Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival

The Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival (ACEF) has quickly become a tradition for many families with a weekend of fun, fancy fowls and egg-citing contests. Alabama’s wildly popular spring festival returns to Moulton April 13-15, 2012, bringing with it an additional day for even more activities and live music.

Because live chickens continue to be a top request each year, a new poultry show has been incorporated into the mix where exhibitors of fancy fowls from across the southeastern United States are expected to attend to compete for the Grand Champion title. Sanctioned by the American Poultry Association (APA) and the American Bantam Association (ABA), the ACEF Poultry Show is open to all Bantam and large fowl, and will be judged on various physical points.

"The opportunity to see and learn about chickens continues to be requested each year," said Linda Blaxton, show chair for the ACEF Poultry Show. "The Poultry Show will be especially helpful for those who are interested in becoming involved with show chickens and learning about the process while also allowing the general public to see and learn about different breeds of exotic chickens."

The Poultry Show will take place all three days in the A.W. Todd Coliseum at the Lions Club Fairgrounds and, along with the competition, the Alabama Bantam Club will be on hand to offer assistance and answer questions.

"Many people have never heard of a chicken show and may be quick to think it is a display of big white chickens often seen in the back of trucks," said Glen Cryar, chairman of the Judges Licensing Committee for the ABA and president of the Alabama Bantam Association. "There are over 500 breeds and varieties of chickens recognized by ABA and APA, and these breeds and varieties are all different and are defined by Standards published by these associations. Varying in size from small to large, some chickens look like they are walking on stilts, others appear to be wearing top hats, while others appear to have rabbit fur."

In addition, there will be a Junior Showmanship Program for ages 5 to 18 years old hosted byTommy Lee, district director of the ABA.

The Alabama Tourism Department has named the ACEF one of 25 top food events in celebration of the 2012 Year of Alabama Food. Philly cheese chicken, Cajun-fried chicken on a stick, grilled chicken quesadilla, popcorn chicken, chicken tacos, chicken livers, chicken salad sandwich, chicken pizza and pulled barbeque chicken are just a sampling of what will be available this year.

Music is another key ingredient in the festival’s popularity. Headlining this year on the Logan Pharmacy Stage on Saturday evening is The Kentucky Headhunters. Additional acts set to perform are Barren River Trio, Ray Johnston Band, Lipbone Redding, Black Oak Arkansas, Delta Reign, Honey Island Swamp Band, Lightnin’ Malcolm and Cedric Burnside. Performing on the Walmart Bluegrass Stage include Spatial Effects, Breaking Grass, Pam Thrower and Shine, Madison Mountaintop Band, Rigney Family Bluegrass and Delta Reign.

The festival kicks off on Friday evening offering a variety of good eats, a VIP Bike Night for motorcycle enthusiasts and live music featuring Russell Gulley and Voodoo Bayou. Additional highlights include a chicken clucking contest, the Little Chick Pageant, an egg toss competition, the Rooster Call juried art show, agricultural displays, antique tractors and the Stovall-Marks Insurance Southern Folk Life Artist area where festival-goers are introduced to a diversity of folk skills dating back to the pioneer days.

Hours are Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. All activities are held at the Lions Club Fairgrounds in Moulton unless otherwise noted. Admission is $3/person and free for children five years and younger. For more information, visit www.alabamachickenandeggfestival.com or call (256) 905-0700.