Hundreds Savor Cutchogue Fire Department's Chicken BBQ: Photos

CUTCHOGUE, NY — Wearing chicken hats and smiles, a hungry crowd of hundreds turned out under bright blues skies, a delicious aroma in the air Saturday night for one of the most treasured events of the North Fork's summer season — the Cutchogue Fire Department's Annual Chicken Barbecue.

"A summer tradition for 63 years," the event was chaired this year by Chris Voegel; many longtime North Fork families had multiple generations of family members onhand who volunteered time and love to make the vision for the barbecue a reality.

Describing the work done in advance of the big day, the Cutchogue Fire Department said preparations began several months ago. The week of the barbecue kicked off with the large tent being set up, followed by tables and chairs arranged for 600 people, the CFD said.

"The cooking of the chickens is quite important, and the related equipment had to be removed from storage, cleaned and inspected. Friday evening the pits were assembled and ready for the sand on Saturday morning," the CFD said.

Crews at the three pits flipped 2,025 chicken halves for the first cook.

On Friday evening, the Ladies Auxiliary and their volunteers gathered in an annual, beloved tradition to prepare the potato and cucumber salad; Saturday morning, the corn committee shucked corn and set up to cook 7,000 ears of corn, the fire department said.

The fire was lit by Pit Chairman Jack Lademann to officially begin the cook of more than 3,600 chickens. While the fires were settling down, the men were racking the chicken and placing 27 racks on each pit. The racks were flipped 3 to 4 times and sauced each flip. Cooking was monitored by temperature and color.

As hundreds flocked to the firehouse, groups formed in the parking lot for tailgating parties, and at 10 p.m. the Cutchogue Marching Band arrived. The band, under the direction of Tom Roslak, marched into the tent center and played several familiar melodies, giving the folks a chance to sing along with the band.

The Cutchogue Fire Department has 115 members and the Ladies Auxiliary has about 40 "but this is not enough hands to do a barbecue of this size. The Junior Fire Department members also assists where needed — and not to be forgotten are our residents who volunteer for many of the committees. We could not do this without you," the CFD said. "The Cutchogue Fire Department would like to thank all those who support us in whatever way you can. Thank you!"

Lademann, who's been working at the event for more than 60 years now, said that he enjoys the barbecue, which brings the community, young and old, together for good food, fun, and laughter. "We have a good time," he said.

CFD's chicken is so good, in fact, that Martha Stewart raved about it after attending in 1997 — and guests have said for years that it's the best they've ever tasted.

But don't ask for the recipe. "It's a secret sauce," Lademann has said, smiling.