Chickens' Ball theater tradition returns

Feathers will be flying, dancers spinning and — possibly — a neighbor will be singing when the curtain rises on the 2008 Chickens’ Ball in San Carlos.

The biennial event raises funds for the San Carlos Elementary School District by bringing community members together for a tradition reaching back to 1940. Locals will dance, sing and perform in the name of community beginning April 13. But it’s more than a performance. The event, which takes about a year to plan, brings together community members and creates lasting friendships.

"[The women] wore feathers. It’s too bad people think it’s about chickens,” said General Chair Jerrie Welch. "It’s about chickadees. It follows the traditions of the theaters.”

The original Chickens’ Ball dates back before 1900 on San Francisco’s Barbary Coast. Women of ill repute staged the annual competitions which boasted pokes — or bags — of gold for the winning acts. The gold was donated to local charities.

In 1939, Central school — which was the only school in San Carlos at the time — needed to raise milk money for the students. The idea for a Chickens’ Ball came from teacher and PTA Board member Howard J. Demeke with proceeds to go into a school milk fund. The show debuted for one night only to a sold-out crowd in 1940.

Today, local clubs, individuals and parent teacher groups revisit the 1890-to-1918 time period for the biennial show held at Central Middle School with proceeds benefiting local schools.

"Every penny counts,” said Steve Mitrovich, San Carlos Elementary School District superintendent. "I heard about the Chickens’ Ball before I ever moved. ... It’s a tradition in the community. While fundraising is important, funds certainly help, there is a much broader context to the Chickens’ Ball.”

The show consists of six skits and three judges which are changed nightly. Many people become involved because of a link to a school but stay involved for years to come.

"The ball’s major focus is two-fold. It has always has been a fundraiser for all the children in the San Carlos schools, but the underlying focus is also that it’s a community builder,” said Welch.

Work begins on this event well before the curtain rises. Skits must be written eight months in advance, said Music Director Alan Mueller who began working on the event 10 years ago since his wife was involved.

"It’s just fun,” he said. "A lot of younger people don’t quite understand that this isn’t meant to be high-polished theater.”

Mueller encourages new people in the community to get involved, however noting the event is a great way to get to know others.

Stage crew member Joel Meredith remembered the Chickens’ Ball advertised when he was growing up. Meredith wasn’t old enough to attend, however. He decided to lend a hand after returning to San Carlos after college. An engineer by degree, Meredith said he can build it if someone can draw it.

That’s basically how the process goes. He’s part of a crew of guys putting in hundreds of man hours creating the sets that will completely transform the Central auditorium in a couple weeks.

For Meredith, it’s a chance to play with tools he can’t afford and continue his tradition of being involved in theater without ever being on stage. But the best part is learning hidden talents of others.

"You’d be surprised what your neighbors do, or your child’s school teacher,” he said. "You’ll say, ‘I didn’t know she could dance. Or, didn’t know she could sing.’”

Volunteers are still welcome. For more information call 569-3509.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.