Police Looking to Stop Chickenfest

How is a college tradition ruining the great outdoors for the rest of us?

Law enforcement officials are teaming up to stop Chickenfest, a secretive event held every year somewhere in the woods of Maine. Chickenfest has been described to me (in my college days) as a show/party held in a secretive location deep in the woods. The event has developed a reputation for underage drinking, over drinking and drugs. The event is very popular among U Maine students, however the event is not associated with the university.

Law enforcement officials want to stop the show from happening this year because of the dangers to the event goers, the public and the land they party on. Police say many attendees drink heavily then drive, sparking many OUI incidents. The land owners also find their property full of trash.

We're very privileged in Maine to be able to enjoy the great outdoors as freely as we can. Most states charge the public fees to enjoy the wilderness. Landowners close their properties down to the public when vandalized, as is the case in last year's Chickenfest.

Last year Chickefest took place in Howland. The property was left 'disgraceful' and is now closed to the public.

Chickenfest draws hundreds and sometimes thousands of people to the event.

Anyone with info is urged to notify local authorities. You can also leave an anonymous tip through the U Maine Campus Eye's program by calling 581-9255 or online umaine.edu/police/campus-eyes. Also taking tips is the Maine Warden Service. Tips can called in at 800-253-7887 or online at maineogt.org.