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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E317-E318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF THE SAN CARLOS CHICKEN'S BALL
______
HON. JACKIE SPEIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, March 13, 2020
Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th
anniversary of a San Carlos school fundraiser known as the Chicken's
Ball. The name is taken from a tradition of San Francisco's Barbary
Coast when local music halls would hold an annual charity fundraiser.
Chorus performers wore costumes with a lot of feathers, hence the name
Chicken's Ball.
The first ball in San Carlos was held in 1940 and it was organized by
Howard J. Demeke, a teacher at Central School. The money benefited the
PTA milk fund. Its stated purpose was to build the ``unification of a
lasting community fellowship.'' Every two years since, shows have been
produced, including this one in March of 2020.
Approximately 250 volunteers and business sponsors produce the ball
every two years. It is an ``all-consuming effort,'' to quote a local
historian, Linda Garvey, and may be the longest running PTA fundraiser
in the country. The show features three melodramas and three variety
skits based on people and events of the Barbary Coast era of 1890 to
1918. Since the 1940's, more than 60 PTA and civic groups have
contributed original skit ideas. Music is provided by the Poultry
(Paltry) Philharmonic.
Humor and the unexpected are a big part of the charm of the Chicken's
Ball. While skit writers often produce shows with great laughs, some of
the best moments come when the lines are forgotten and actors ad lib to
get over an awkward moment.
Watching community members in novel parts is also fun. Children in
the audience love seeing siblings and friends on stage, particularly if
the part calls for a child to boss around an adult. A lot of the fun
comes from the imaginative sets, all locally produced by skilled
residents.
Performers range in age from 14-94. Singers, dancers, choreographers,
designers, writers and stage crew are all volunteers and accepted
regardless of talent. The theme of the 2020 Chicken's Ball is ``The
Night They Invented Champagne.'' The year's show opens on March 13th
and runs through March 22nd.
This is a chance for San Carlos, a small town with a great deal of
talent and charm, to come together for several months of skit
development, costume design, set construction,
[[Page E318]]
rehearsals, and finally theatrical production. I want to extend my
congratulations to all who make this event possible. San Carlos is a
special place where humor, a love of education, and copious amounts of
talent combine to produce a beloved community tradition. Every two
years San Carlos lights up the stage to support its schools. Learning
to celebrate as a community of Americans is also a profound act of
education. I wish this year's Chicken's Ball a spectacular season.
____________________