Dexter Knights Plan Memorial Day Chicken Broil

As part of this year’s Memorial Day , the is planning a communitywide chicken broil at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 30, after the village’s 10 a.m. parade down Main Street.

John Finke, past grand knight for the organization, said the broil has been a tradition in the community for more than 20 years and serves as the Knights’ largest fundraiser.

“Ordinarily we have the broil on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, but we decided to do it on Memorial Day this year and designate the proceeds to the veterans,” Finke said. “We talked to the American Legion and they thought it was a great idea.”

The meal will consist of half a chicken breast, baked potato, cole slaw and beverages for $9. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Women’s Auxiliary will sell baked goods at the hall throughout the afternoon.

“We’ve cooked anywhere from 400 to 700 chicken halves in the past,” Finke said. “The majority of our customers are drive-through, but the hall will also be available for dine-in customers as well."

Finke said this year proceeds will benefit the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor as well as the Salvation Army of Washtenaw County’s homeless shelter for U.S. veterans.

“Proceeds from the boil go right back into the community,” Finke said. “The VA Hospital is the farthest we’ve gone, but that’s because it is where the American Legion identified the need is greatest.”

The Knights’ broils have previously helped the , Dexter Community Schools special education, Faith in Action and the St. Louis School in Chelsea, Finke said.

“We’re not making money to get rich. We’re making money to give it to the community, that’s what this is all about. We’re first and foremost about supporting charities,” he said.