52nd Annual Mother’s Day Chicken Barbeque

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A day celebrating mothers, and the best way to enjoy it was with chicken barbeque.

The Washington Township Fire Department hosted their 52nd annual Mother’s Day Chicken Barbeque at their station on Adamsville Road. For only nine dollars, community members, especially the mothers, enjoyed chicken, cole slaw, green beans, and plenty more. Volunteers assisted with the event by starting to serve the food shortly after 10 a.m. Preparations took place throughout Saturday evening. The Washington Township Fire Department puts on this event each year to raise money for new equipment, training, and general operations.

“Well like I say, we’ll do the dishes you just bring mom in. The community is great and they take care of us so we try to take care of them. And we’re just really ecstatic that we are able to sell out year after year with our chicken dinner,” said Washington Township Fire Department Chief, Gene Hanning.

Kelsey Mobley is one of three generations of mothers who attended the event, and she says they were inspired to support the Fire Department and also enjoy the special day together as a family. For their family, the Mother’s Day chicken barbeque is a tradition.

“Now that I’m a mother I know all the sacrifices that my mom and my grandma have made for us. And it’s just a generational thing that’s stepped down. And I hope to give that to my son as well. But we like to come, spend the time together, spend the day together. We get to spend it with my uncle since he’s here working today. And it’s just a tradition,” she said.

Up to 1,200 chicken dinners were served this Mother’s Day.