What’s better than spending a Sunday afternoon relaxing near a scenic river and eating barbecued chicken with several hundred of your close friends and neighbors? That’s what happens in Scottville, the second Sunday of July. The annual Chicken Barbecue has been a tradition in Scottville for many years. The event was started as a way to raise money for the city’s Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River. That event has evolved into a community picnic of sorts. Sponsored by the Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce at the Scottville Main Street program, the Chicken Barbecue brings the community together.

“It’s a great way to support the community and to build the community through fun oriented relationships,” said Erin Doan, one of the event’s planners. “It’s also a great way to connect and see our neighbors in a way we normally do not get to do because we are all so busy with life. The event creates a relaxing, fun atmosphere that people really seem to enjoy each year.”Doan is the coordinator of children’s entertainment, which includes a smoke house with the Scottville Fire Department, Scottville choo-choo rides, face painting, and many other activities.

The Chicken Barbecue takes place at the Western Michigan Old Engine Club show grounds, located inside the Riverside Park. Chicken is served from noon to 2 p.m. For those who are unable to attend, delivery is available within the Scottville city limits. The event also features a pre-arranged drive-up service as well.

Doan said the barbecue is a great way to socialize and get to know neighbors. “The community is stronger when it comes together. We are created as relational beings and I feel that this event fosters the relationships that are so important for a town like Scottville to keep going like it has for generations.” The Chicken Barbecue is the result of extensive planning. Doan said the committee starts meeting in January and communicates at least once a week. “Planning and communication are important, but the most important secret is execution,” he said. “All the planning in the world won’t make things get done. Each person involved in the barbecue event needs to know their roles and responsibilities and then simply get it done.”

Immediately following the Chicken Barbecue is the Western Michigan Old Engine Club’s tractor pull and the annual rubber ducky race. Hundreds of rubber ducks will be dropped into the river, picked up by the current, then float under the South Main Street bridge to the park’s boat launch. There, members of the Scottville Fire Department are on hand to retrieve the ducks. The first one across wins $500 followed by $250 for second, $150 for third, $125 for fourth, $100 for sixth, $75 for sixth through tenth and $25 for last place.

Meals prices for the Scottville Chicken Barbeque are $8.50 for half chicken and $6.50 for quarter chicken. Rubber duck tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at Scottville area retailers or at the barbecue.