Family of 7 works at 4-H Chicken Shack fundraiser
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JACKSON, Tenn. — The 4-H Chicken Shack at the West Tennessee State Fair is officially open for business. Alex McCarver flipped chickens Tuesday at the fair. The 17-year-old said he started working at the 4-H Chicken Shack several years ago. “It’s hot. It’s sweaty. It’s smoky,” he said. McCarver said his whole family works, all seven of them — five brothers, ages 7 to 17, plus mom and dad. “We’ll be here all day cooking as long as the fair’s open,” he said. His younger brother Zach also works in the pit. He sprays chickens with a special vinegar sauce. “It is twice as hot in there as anywhere else,” he said. “We just love it. Students earn credit for every hour they work. “Proceeds from the Chicken Shack go to provide trips for the young people who participate in 4-H and different activities,” UT County Extension Director Amy Elizer said. Those who don’t cook help by cleaning, prepping and serving customers. McCarver said his three youngest brothers do things like work the drink trailer, wrap silverware and clean tables. “We all work together because there’s a greater purpose here,” McCarver said. The West Tennessee State Fair runs through Sunday.
