HOT CHICKS

Annual symposium for chicken owners is March 26

The Wylde Center and the Atlanta History Center will team up for the first time to present the fifth annual symposium, “Chicks in the City.”

The event will be held on March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, in Buckhead. The popular program is designed for people who own or wish to keep a backyard flock.

From novice to expert and even for those who are just thinking about the benefits of adding fresh eggs to their diet, the symposium will provide instruction in a fun and lively atmosphere. The day will include a mixture of classes, exhibitors and social functions.

Attendees will choose from a variety of interactive sessions led by local chicken experts, and will have the opportunity to see the Atlanta History Center’s flock of Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Rock hens at the Smith Family Farm on the campus. The day will include a lunch break to enjoy an outdoor picnic or to purchase food from onsite food trucks, as well as a late afternoon reception and silent auction at the Smith Family Farm.

“As our experience organizing the Atlanta Urban Coop has taught us, more and more city-dwellers are discovering that it is possible, and enjoyable, to raise their own chickens,” said Stephanie Van Parys, executive director of the Wylde Center. “The dual benefits of farm fresh eggs and reclaiming ownership of the local food chain have inspired hundreds of people in and around Atlanta to give chicken raising a try. Plus, the chickens eat insects as well as some kitchen scraps, providing an environmental benefit, along with the fresh eggs.”

Tickets are $65 for the symposium ($50 for Wylde Center or AHC members) or $30 to only attend the afternoon reception ($20 for Wylde Center or AHC members), and may be purchased at wyldecenter.org.