Contents Of Envelope From Poultry Days Committee

For years, Steve Baker has been trying to get the secret recipe for the barbeque sauce used on the chicken at the Versailles Poultry Days. The closest he came was during the Troy Strawberry Festival parade last Saturday that was broadcast live on WHIO-TV.

As Baker approached the pick-up truck, pulling the huge inflated chicken, for the live TV interview with Versailles Poultry Days first vice-chairman Kevin Pierron, Baker was handed an envelope that said, "Versailles Poultry Days Barbeque Chicken Recipe." Also on the envelope in red print were warnings: "Top Secret," "Classified," and "Confidential."

Thinking that he finally had the recipe, an excited Baker opened the envelope following the parade, only to discover two tickets contained inside with the statement, "Sorry Steve, maybe next year. But please come and enjoy the chicken on us." It was signed by Pierron.

The 58th annual Poultry Days with the theme, "Are You Ready For Some Poultry?" is scheduled for June 12 through 14 in Versailles.

They anticipate serving 25,000 chicken dinners over the three days.

The annual Versailles Poultry Days parade is Saturday at 11 a.m. The parade, which attracts thousands of people each year, is labeled as one of the largest in the area.

Versailles Poultry Days began in 1952 as a Thursday gathering of members of the Versailles Chamber of Commerce featuring barbequed chicken.

Versailles was once known as the poultry capital of the world.

Steve.Baker@WHIOTV.com