Community spirit lives on

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, 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 Sunday, April 18. But it’s more than a performance. The event, which takes about a year to plan, brings together community members and creates lasting friendships.

"I think what keeps the Chickens’ Ball going year after year, is that the audience remembers the great performances and the cast and crew treasure the journey,” said Chickens’ Ball Chair Sunny Kottmeier.

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 time period of 1890 to 1918 for the biennial show held at Central Middle School with proceeds benefiting local schools.

Work begins long before the curtain rises.

Development of skits begins months in advance. Parent Sonya Sigler, a performer who helped author one of this year’s six skits, explained the brainstorming process began in July. Work never stopped, as Sigler was finishing decorating a hat for her costume days before opening night.

Sigler joined the community effort in 2004 when she auditioned as a singer. Now she’s a performer who is also working on a one- to two-hour documentary about the long history of the Chickens’ Ball and the commitment of those involved in the event.

"It really is an opportunity to see your friends and neighbors perform,” she said.

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

District Trustee Beth Hunkapiller was asked to return as a judge this year, a title she says is quite difficult. Secrecy is key and maintaining objectivity is important, she said.

But more important to Hunkapiller, is the community aspect to the Chickens’ Ball tradition.

"The community cares about kids having music and fine arts. It’s an expression of their care that they’re willing to perform,” she said.

Even those involved have yet to see all the skits.

Connie Barton- Barba, who has been involved in the Chickens’ Ball for 38 years said, "I can’t wait to see what creative ideas come from these groups. It’s always amazing and I think that is one of the greatest things about the ball — it provides a blank canvas for creative people to show their talents and have them appreciated.”  

Shows are 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18 and April 25, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 22 through Saturday, April 24 and Thursday, April 29 through Saturday, May 1 at Central Middle School theater, 828 Chestnut St. in San Carlos. Tickets for the preview matinee show are $15 to $25. Tickets for all other performances are $18 to $28. Tickets are available online at www.2010chickensball.org.

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