Green County 2023 Visitor Guide

on tap in monticello • what's on tap in monticello • what's on tap in monticello • wh

W. Coates Ave P P Embrace the space Lake Montesian & Gardens - Monticello WASHINGTON RD Washington St E. Highland Ave Kennedy St S. Main St 69 PARKING PIER Gazebo Montesian Garden Path

MONTICELLO COMMUNITY CLUB HAS A SECRET Twice a year the Monticello Community Club hosts a chicken BBQ where people stand in line for hours to taste. It's a village tradition with a delicious twist. Charcoal smoke permeates the air every January and July in Monticello

Monticello Homecoming July 7-9

for the semi-annual “Chickeree” fundraisers. The event's success is a credit to volunteers, pitmasters, and the vision of one Roy Dickson, aptly nicknamed “The Colonel.”

People really rave about how great the chicken tastes... it's (because of) our sauce.

More than 60 years ago Dickson, the first “head cluck,” brought in an idea inspired by his time cooking for the local Amstutz Marty American Legion Post. When the legion quit doing chicken dinners, Dickson formulated a plan to raise money for the community. It quickly became an annual pilgrimage for locals and tourists alike. What makes this chicken special? “It's our sauce,” according to the club's treasurer Carol Strause. The original recipe came from the legion, and it's no surprise that the recipe is a well-guarded secret. But there's no secret to how the chicken is grilled. A long, covered cement block pit was built for the event, and it is lined with wood and charcoal. Large wire grates sandwich the chicken halves, as volunteers work in pairs to go down the line and turn each grate. “People really rave about how great the chicken tastes,” Strause said. “The pitmasters start at 5 in the morning getting the fire going. They continuously baste as they flip the chicken over.” And then, doused in that special sauce, the chickens are ready to eat. In just three hours on the second Sunday in July, the Chickeree at Monticello's Homecoming turns out 1,500 dinners, served with potato salad, slaw, dinner roll, ice cream and milk. A second BBQ is held in January. The winter Chickeree is just chicken, no meal, with about 500 half chickens sold. Membership in the Monticello Community Club is open to anyone, from individuals to businesses. And while there are more than 70 members, it takes even more manpower to run the Chickerees. The Monticello Community Club has a long-standing tradition of supporting local projects, with Chickeree profits going to many good causes. Since forming in 1937, club members have raised money and channeled it back to the community for upgrades to the park and pool, ball diamond, concession stand and basketball courts. The club also supports local scholarships, and donates to local humanitarian causes with organizations like Family Promise, Green Cares, Badger Honor Flight, and the Christmas Stocking Fund for families in need.

Montesian Gardens

Native American Artifact Show October 22

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Sugar River

Sugar River

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Lake Ave

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Picnic Shelter

Bridge

Lake Montesian

Island

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Zwingli Church Bake Sale December 9

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Lake Montesian Fisheree Feb 5 Zwingli Church Kalberwurst Supper April 22 Community Garage Sales May 20 Lions Club Car Show & Fire Department Pig Roast May 20 Washington Reformation UCC

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Lake Montesian is a family-friendly fishing spot complete with an island. A paved sidewalk path and a special pier make the lake accessible to all. Montesian Gardens features blooms for all seasons with plenty of benches and a gazebo for enjoying the view.

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Music Fest - July 4 See More Events @ monticello-chamber.com

More info: monticello–chamber.com

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