CLAXTON - One young lady will go down in history today as she is crowned the very first "Miss Evans County Chick." The pageant is a warm up for the inaugural Evans County Chick'n Pick'n Festival set for Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Evans County Wildlife Club facility.
      The idea for a fall event came out of a partnership between the Evans Co. Wildlife Club and Claxton-Evans Chamber of Commerce. The two groups decided to co-host an event celebrating the importance of agriculture, particularly the poultry industry in the community, said Tammi Hall, the Chamber's executive director.
      "As the largest employer in Evans County, Claxton Poultry employs more than 1,800 people, pumping in excess of $45 million in annual payroll through the area economy," Hall said.
      The company contracts with more than 200 family farmers in 11 counties to raise farm fresh, all-natural chicken, she said, and exports to many countries around the world, bringing worldwide recognition to the community.
      "We are so proud Claxton Poultry calls Claxton home," Hall said.
      For a festival three years in-the-making, the concrete planning began last November by a steering committee made up of volunteers representing the Chamber and Wildlife Club.
      In addition to the Miss Evans County Chick Pageant today, the festivities will continue on Sept. 11 with a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk and a "Run for the Roost" 5k run.
      Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of a Chicken Cook-Off and a Wing-Eating Contest, both sponsored by Claxton Poultry.
      The Wing Eating Contest is open to "amateur" eaters age 18 years or older who are in good health.
      A service of remembrance will be included in the schedule of events, Hall said, to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001.
      Additional events include all-day food concessions, crafts, exhibits, children's rides, live entertainment, and the NeSmith Cheverolet Truck Show and Monster Truck Rally.
      Registration forms and details for each event can be found on the Chamber website at www.claxtonevanschamber.com.
     The pageant begins today at 10 a.m. at the Evans County Wildlife Club.
      The Chick'n Pick'n Festival on Sept. 11 is a family event. No pets or alcohol will be allowed inside the festival grounds. Admission is $5; children 5 and under are free. Admission for military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and veterans will be $3 (with ID).