The Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 79th Annual Mount Nebo Chicken Fry on Saturday, August 29, at Mount Nebo State Park, located at 16728 West State Highway 155, Dardanelle, AR 72834. This year’s theme, “Chicken, Pickin’, and Politickin’,” celebrates the rich poultry tradition of the Arkansas River Valley.
Since 1948, Mount Nebo has been home to this beloved event, where Tyson’s award-winning cooks and Chamber volunteers serve up crispy chicken strips, smoked chicken, and all the fixings.
The Chicken Fry was once the political gathering of Arkansas, drawing leaders from across the state to enjoy the food, the view, and the company of Yell County voters. After a move to Veterans Riverfront Park for several years, the community rallied in 2017 to bring the Chicken Fry back to its original home atop Mount Nebo, where it continues to thrive.
We’re also proud to share some incredible news: the Chicken Fry was named the 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Food-Themed Event by Arkansas Heritage. Since 2016, the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame has recognized the state’s most iconic culinary traditions, with winners chosen by historians, chefs, and food experts. This honor is a true testament to the Chicken Fry’s excellence and lasting impact on our community.
This year’s children’s activities promise fun for the whole family, including a friendly competition to determine the “Best Chicken Caller” in the State of Arkansas, the Great Yell County Checkers Tournament, and everyone’s favorite Largest Chicken Dance Gathering in Yell County. At 2:30 PM, take part in the Chicken Scramble, where lucky catchers can even take a chicken home!
The Chicken Fry also partners with local nonprofits for fundraising fun:
● River Valley Runners will host the Chicken Fry 10K, starting at Dollar General and racing up the mountain.
● River Valley Food 4 Kids will hold a good ol’ fashioned Pie Auction, right in the middle of the politicians’ speeches.
● River Valley Adult Learning Alliance will host the always-popular Chicken Poop Bingo (wherever the chicken poops is the winner!).
The Chamber welcomes other nonprofits to join in future festivals and fundraisers.
The Chicken Fry is more than just a meal—it’s a day-long celebration that feels like a family reunion, with a little friendly competition mixed in.
Chicken Dinner
11 AM – 4 PM | $8
Your meal includes:
● Choice of grilled chicken or chicken strips
● Mt. Nebo cumin rice
● Baked beans
● Potato salad
● Coleslaw
● Bread, pickle, cookie, and sweet tea or bottled water
Payment options: Cash, check, or credit card.
Live Entertainment – Main Stage
● Onna Collins and the Night Shift will perform at 1 PM.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying food, music, and fellowship atop the mountain.
For the full schedule of events and updates, follow the Mount Nebo Chicken Fry Facebook page or contact the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce at 479-699-5246.
“As I get older, I realize just how true this statement is: Something I have learned about community events is that it’s a lot of damn work.
When I wonder if it’s worth it, I think about the folks who volunteered in the past who are no longer with us. I think about the memories we’ve made along the way and the new generation of people stepping into leadership roles in our community.
Yeah, it’s worth it. It’s worth carrying on these great traditions and the friendships we make right here at home.
I urge everyone to get involved with a booster club, organization, or cause you are passionate about. Be a leader. Be a builder. Be part of your community.
These traditions don’t continue on their own. They continue because people care enough to show up, roll up their sleeves, and do the work.”
