The smell of chicken was in the air last weekend during the Gordonsville Fried Chicken Festival.
Approximately 3,500 people attended the event, which honors the town’s fried chicken heritage. In the 1840s, the Town of Gordonsville became a railroad stop, making it a spot for commerce. After the Civil War, Black women began pooling their culinary talents, preparing fried chicken and other favorites and selling them to passengers through the train windows leading to the town being coined the “Fried Chicken Capital of the Universe.” The festival pays homage to that legacy.
This year’s festival was held in a new location and utilized the parking lots along Main Street including the lot behind town hall and the neighboring Partners 1st Federal Credit Union and Blue Ridge Bank lots. There was also a site at 203 North Main Street. Numerous craft and artisan vendors packed the area, along with nonprofit and service organizations and of course, food vendors. Sixteen vendors served up everything from cotton candy, pizza and ice cream to glazed nuts, lemonade and fried chicken.
In addition to selling their chicken, several vendors also entered into the fried chicken contest. Cooper’s Cookin’ & Catering claimed victory, taking first place and the $100 prize. Owner Denise Thompson uses a secret family recipe that is nearly 200 years old. It was passed down through generations and was shared with Thompson by her mother, Mildred Cooper.
In a statement posted to her website, Thompson said winning first place in the contest was “more than a ribbon–it’s the recognition of the craft the company practices daily, sourcing quality ingredients, respecting classic techniques and serving food that feels like home from the very first bite.” Thompson said the win felt like a celebration of everyone who has ever supported Cooper’s.
Placing second and receiving the $75 prize was Tonya Rollins of Carrie’s Soul Food Cafe and local business the Gordonsville Ice House placed third and earned the $50 prize. Sonja Uray of Charlottesville dominated the pie contest, winning all three categories–fruit, cream and custard. She was the only one who entered.
In addition to chicken and pies, folks were able to sample and purchase wines from four wineries–Woodbrook Farm Vineyard, Hark Vineyards, Chestnut Oak Vineyard and Well Hung Vineyard. Live entertainment was provided by The Singing Painter Rachael Karpo and Brushwood’s School of Dance.
Claire Clark with the Gordonsville Visitor Center said both attendees and vendors were pleased with the event. She said vendors are already reaching out for next year’s festival.
“Guests were really pleased and didn’t realize the Gordonsville Chicken Festival was a big deal, but found out by attending that it’s a huge part of our community and its history,” Clark said.
