Fowl take flight at chicken flying contest

GONZALES — Tomorrow marks one of Come & Take It’s most high-flying spectacles: the annual chicken flying contest!

Birds of a feather will take the plunge together when contestants line up to launch these “pullet pilots” out of a second-story mailbox.

After a few years on the roost, the contest has soared back into the spotlight in recent years as the must-see event at CATI. For this year’s event, the Gonzales Rotary Club returns to provide birds upon request.

Contestants need to do nothing more than show up by 1:30 p.m. at the “runway” on St. Joseph Street. For just $10 you can get your bird and enter.

Per contest rules, it should be noted that no commercial broilers or laying hens will be allowed. Experts say these kinds of birds are not fit for flying and could hurt themselves on the way down. Flights will be made from a pole high perch and distance measured from starting point to landing. Chickens must land in the street in front of the contest stage, and any that land outside the boundaries of the street (on the sidewalk or awnings) will be disqualified.

Spectators are welcome to come and witness the aerial onslaught, in which trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd longest flight and the bird most uniquely named.

And if coming in last tends to get “stuck in your craw,” keep in mind that a trophy will be presented for the shortest flight as well.

One entry is allowed per person, and up to 40 entries will be allowed. First come first serve.