Food, fellowship at Chicken Jamboree

The Christian Men’s Prayer Breakfast group will once again host the Chicken Jamboree at Thompson Falls Power Park on July 20. Originally set up by nine men in Big Timber 35 years ago, the Chicken Jamboree started when those men were brainstorming how to bring the community together. 

The men put their money together to buy chicken and the grills to cook it on. Word started to spread, and more and more people started to help making baked beans and potato salad for sides and organizing live music for entertainment. 

The first Chicken Jamboree was so successful that it became an annual tradition. Each year there has been a stage for live music and also offers an opportunity for Christian testimonies to be shared. The stage is open to whoever would like to perform or share. 

Don Burrell has been involved with the Chicken Jamboree, grilling the chicken, for almost all the years that it has been put on. Burrell enjoys the atmosphere that the Chicken Jamboree creates and hopes that it will continue strong in the future and possibly grow to become more and more popular. 

This year, there will be a fire truck and a police car at the park for youth to come and check out. It will be a good opportunity to learn about the vehicles and jobs that firemen and police officers do every day. Other youth activities include face painting, a wading pool and a sandbox.

All the food and beverages provided are complementary and there is no cost to come to the event. The purpose of the Chicken Jamboree is to bring the community together with great food, talented music and good company for a fun-filled day.   

The Chicken Jamboree will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are being accepted and greatly appreciated. Don Burrell can be reached at (406) 544-5160 with any questions or to get involved.