Mike the Headless Chicken Festival

Have you heard of Mike the Headless Chicken festival? It happens every year on the third weekend of May since 1999. Mike The Headless Chicken festival is about a chicken without a head who lived for 18 months after escaping the fate of becoming dinner. The chicken was owned by a man named Lloyd Olsen. This was seen as a miracle to everyone that knew about it. Therefore, there is now a festival in honor of Miracle Mike. (A nickname for the chicken.)  Many people look forward to this festival every year as a fun family event to attend. 

A freshman at Fruita 8/9, Madison Ottman says: “I think Mike  should have died sooner, he was in pain and being tortured but at least he made a good meal in the end.” Some people may see this event as more of a tragedy rather than a miracle. While thinking about the pain that chicken probably endured, it does seem more a tragedy than a miracle. 

A Freshman at Fruita 8/9, Mindy Neilson says “I love chickens, they are an incredible animal and so fun to play with. Even better to cook. Mike was a fantastic miracle and so interesting to learn about.” Not only is this festival a fun experience and exciting to see, it can also be a learning experience for those who attend.

A chicken named Mike got his head cut off on September 10, 1945. However, the chicken did not immediately die. It continued to live for 18 months. What happens at the festival traditionally is the Poultry show features over 100 of the most region, they end off with a free wing eating contest and more quality live music. What happens in the U.S we have food vendors, artisan vendors, live music also, with a 5k run and car show, free backyard games, wing and peep eating contest and a pancake breakfast.