Poultry Days to Celebrate 75th Anniversary in June
The World’s Largest Chicken Barbecue is in Versailles on June 12-14
Information provided by Ohio Traveler/Darke County Visitors Bureau
VERSAILLES – Tucked into the rural charm of Versailles, Ohio, a festival with humble beginnings has grown into one of the state’s most flavorful and well-attended summer traditions. Each June, Versailles Poultry Days hosts thousands of visitors for a three-day celebration centered around community, entertainment — and of course — those world-record holding chicken dinners!
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In 2025, Poultry Days sold 40,179 chicken dinners to officially crown the event as the World’s Largest Chicken Barbecue. The festival has sold more than 1.2 million BBQ dinners since it began in 1952.
What began as a one-day community barbecue has evolved into a full-scale festival — an impressive feat for a village of just under 3,000 residents. Over the decades, the event has expanded to include live music, carnival rides, games, artisan vendors and a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Still, at its core remains the signature attraction: the famous chicken dinner. Festival organizers are preparing for another record-setting year. Each dinner is a time-honored staple, featuring a half barbecue chicken, potato chips, applesauce, a roll with butter, and a refreshing orange drink.
This year’s theme is “Cheers to 75 Years!” It’s a fitting tribute to both the village of Versailles and the festival. Just like the TV show’s famous theme song says, “Where everybody knows your name,” Versailles offers a family-friendly atmosphere for lifelong residents and first-time visitors alike. The late George Wendt, who played the lovable Norm in the sitcom, attended the festival in 1983. A Versailles resident successfully created a campaign to save Cheers from being canceled after its first season, and Wendt visited to show his appreciation. Legend says the chalkboard that says “Go Tigers” in the pool room is in reference to the Versailles Tigers.
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Beyond the barbecue pits, Poultry Days offers a packed schedule of entertainment and attractions for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is the Grand Parade, on Saturday, June 14, bringing floats, marching bands and community spirit through the village streets. The festival also hosts the Ultimate Disc Tournament, widely considered one of the premier competitions of its kind and a must-attend event for enthusiasts across the country.
Additional activities round out the weekend, including the Miss Chick and Little Miss Poultry Days contests, a Kiddie Tractor Pull, and traditional competitions such as the Cake Contest and Egg Contest. A Flower Show, Art Show and Photography Show further showcase the talents of the local community, while food vendors and craft booths offer plenty to explore between events.
The festival is held on the grounds of the Versailles Board of Education at 459 S. Center Street, while the Ultimate Disc Tournament takes place nearby at Heritage Park. Admission to both the festival and its many attractions remains free, making it an accessible and appealing destination for families and travelers alike.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore the broader charm of Versailles during their stay. The village, recognized by Ohio Magazine as one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns in 2022-2023, features a walkable downtown, sculpture trail and murals, and interpretive signs that share the area’s rich history. Accommodations such as Hotel Versailles provide a modern and comfortable place to stay, while dining options like Silas Creative Kitchen offer a refined culinary experience. Just outside of town, the Versailles Winery invites guests to sample a selection of handcrafted wines.
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The roots of Poultry Days run deep in the area’s agricultural heritage. In the early 20th century, Versailles earned a reputation as the “Poultry Capital of the Midwest,” thanks to its thriving egg and poultry industry. Influential operations such as Weaver Brothers Inc. and other regional farms helped establish the village as a key player in poultry production. Truckers traveling through the area even dubbed it “Chicken City,” a nickname that reflected its prominence in the industry.
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Today, that legacy lives on through Poultry Days, a festival that celebrates both the past and present of this tight-knit community. With its blend of tradition, entertainment, and unmistakable flavor, the event continues to draw visitors from across Ohio and beyond.
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Click here for more information, including a full schedule of events.