South Zanesville’s chicken barbecue, a tradition 65 years strong

SOUTH ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A 65-year-old tradition returns this Sunday at the South Zanesville Fire Department.

The annual chicken barbeque at the fire department features half a chicken, homemade coleslaw, apple sauce and a roll for $10 dollars. All of the funds raised go to the South Zanesville fire department to cover various costs of operation. Fire Chief Russell Taylor offers advice for those looking forward to the meal.

“All I can say is get here early. It starts at 11 (a.m.) until they all sold out. The chickens always great. The Zanesville (High School) boosters out in Zanesville cooks the chicken. They’ll be here about 6 o’clock in the morning,” Taylor said. “Just feels great to see people come support us. We have done as many as 1,300 chickens and sold them in 58 minutes.”

There will be a drive-thru set up for people in a hurry and those who dine in the fire station will be treated to a free drink in the form or tea or coffee. Chief Taylor says he looks forward to seeing the people who come into the station for their barbecue chicken.

“Just seeing everybody come back, talking to people, seeing retired people, seeing our local community that supports us, either with this or with taxes. They come and enjoy talking to the guys. We’ve done a lot of improvements inside at the fire station. They will be able to see where their money goes,” Taylor said.

Lunch will start being served at 11 a.m. on Sunday until they run out of meals. The South Zanesville fire department can be found at 24 east main street and more information can be found on their Facebook page.