by Wesley Harris
Downtown Dubach will again celebrate one of Lincoln Parish’s largest industries when the 37th annual Louisiana Chicken Festival returns Sept. 25–26.
The festival beauty pageant is set for Sept. 19 at Dubach School.
Sponsored by the Dubach Restoration and Beautification Organization (DRABO), the festival will bring two days of activities to the community. Plans include a parade, beauty pageant, softball tournament, vendors, contests, food, and entertainment.
The festival recognizes an industry that remains central to the parish’s agricultural economy. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Lincoln Parish farms sold more than $142.2 million in poultry and eggs during the year. Those sales accounted for nearly 96% of the parish’s total agricultural sales of $148.3 million.
The census counted an inventory of more than 5.3 million broilers and other meat-type chickens in the parish, along with more than 111,000 laying hens. Lincoln ranked third among Louisiana parishes in poultry and egg sales.
Commercial broilers are produced in only a portion of Louisiana’s parishes, with much of the industry concentrated in north Louisiana. In addition to providing income for poultry growers, production supports feed suppliers, equipment dealers, construction companies, transportation businesses, processing operations, and other employers.
The festival grew from Dubach’s connection to that industry. Organized in the early 1990s, it was designated Louisiana’s official chicken festival by the Legislature in 1995.
This year’s celebration will begin Friday, Sept. 25, with vendors and activities in downtown Dubach. Arts and crafts booths and food vendors will offer festivalgoers an assortment of handmade merchandise, clothing, jewelry, gifts, and concessions throughout the weekend.
The softball tournament will add a competitive element to the celebration. DRABO is still soliciting teams to play during the festival weekend.
The Louisiana Chicken Festival Beauty Pageant will select queens to represent the festival. Winners traditionally participate in festival activities and ride in the parade, one of the weekend’s most anticipated events. Deadline to enter is Sept. 4.
The parade will travel through downtown Dubach on Saturday, Sept. 26, with queens, floats, elected officials, community organizations, businesses, school groups, and other participants. Residents are expected to line the route for the procession.
The festival is also known for activities that embrace its poultry theme, including the strut, cackle, and crow contest and the drumstick-eating contest. Live music, games, food, and other entertainment will continue throughout the day.
Proceeds benefit DRABO’s work in Dubach. The organization maintains community buildings and flower beds, supports beautification projects, and assists Dubach schools and other local causes.
The festival will be held in downtown Dubach. Additional schedule, registration, pageant, parade, tournament, and vendor information can be found on the Louisiana Chicken Festival Facebook page or by calling DRABO at 318-224-1126.
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