- A crowds cheers in 2019 as Larry Anderson and Walt Anderson as they threw rubber chickens off the roof of a building their grandfather once used for his drug store. The annual tradition will once again be held on Sunday. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW
Christmas Capers 2021 – It will be raining rubber chickens in downtown Madison on Sunday
Published 3:34 pm Wednesday, December 8, 2021
MADISON – The forecast says it will be raining rubber chickens in downtown Madison this week. An unusual tradition from Madison’s past has been making a popular comeback over the past couple of years and is returning again on Sunday. The city and historical society will present the third annual Madison Christmas Capers on Dec. 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. Lifelong residents will reprise the legend with ‘Doc’ Hughes tossing live chickens from his drug store’s roof to spectators below.
The custom of Christmas Capers originated in 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc’ Hughes rented the Humphrey-Hughes property at 200 Main St. in downtown Madison. Doc Hughes opened his drug store business at that location, which he operated until 1972.
During years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s, Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers,” according to “Madison Station, Historic Downtown Madison, 1856-2015” by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.
On Christmas Eve, ‘Doc’ Hughes threw live chickens from the roof of his business. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Anyone who caught the chickens (sometimes turkeys, some people say) received the prizes and kept the chicken for Christmas dinner.
In recent years, the Christmas Chicken Capers evolved from live chickens to rubber chickens with gift cards from local retail stores.
At 4 p.m., Doc Hughes’ grandsons, Larry and Walt Anderson, will re-enact the legend by pitching rubber chickens with gift vouchers tied to their legs from Hughes Drug Store’s balcony. Gift vouchers are valued in thousands of dollars.
Rotary Club of Madison will serve free hot chocolate and cookies. Madison City Community Orchestra will entertain the crowd.
Christmas Capers will continue when the city and Torch Technologies present the second annual “Madison Christmas Night at the Movie.” The free film will be shown at Home Place Park at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Madison City Schools Stadium.
- This vintage photo shows the crowd gathered on Main Street to catch the free chickens with gift certificates attached. CONTRIBUTED
