One of the most unique hometown festivals anywhere returns to Fruita, Colorado this summer as the Western Slope will observe the 2022 Mike the Headless Chicken Festival.

Where else on Earth is there an annual event that pays tribute to an unfortunate accident that turned into a mini-traveling circus for a time? Read on for more on the story Mike the Headless Chicken, and to see more info about this year's event.

Get our free mobile app

The Story of Fruita Colorado's Mike the Headless Chicken

The story of Mike the Headless Chicken dates back to the mid-1940s in Western Colorado when a male Wyandotte chicken designated for Sunday dinner somehow survived its beheading and went on living for another 18 months.

There are some fantastic photos that show headless Mike running around the pen with other chickens in the video below. For a time, Headless Mike was even part of a traveling Freak Show as depicted in the video below thanks to Mason Obscura on Youtube. From the time he lost his head until the time he died, Mike gained about 6 pounds in the 18 months since the accident.

See the 2022 Mike The Headless Chicken Festival Schedule

Friday, June 3rd: The Festival opens with games, merchandise, vendors, and live music. You'll see Peggy Malone and Josh Gracin open this year's event on Friday Night.

Saturday, June 4th: Saturday's events at this year's festival will include the popular Lion's Club Pancake breakfast, the Disc Golf Tournament, the Mike the Headless Chicken 5K run, the Wheels West Colorado Car Show and Exhibit, the Suds Brothers Brewery Wing, and Peep eating contest, and the day will feature live music from Big Dominguez Electric Jamgrass, Stray Grass string band, the Head for the Hills Bluegrass band, the group Natural Chemistry will headline the evening.

Where is the Mike the Headless Chicken Fest in Fruita, Colorado?

Just come on down to Fruita, Colorado on June 3rd and 4th and you'll find the fun happening along Aspen Avenue in Downtown Fruita.

Activities on Friday begin at 4 PM and last until 9 PM, activities on Saturday start early at 7 AM and the day is scheduled until 10 PM that evening. Find more event info at the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival site.

KEEP GOING: 7 Facts You May or May Not Know About Fruita, Colorado

Nestled just west of Grand Junction, Colo., rests the small town of Fruita. First settled by a couple in 1882, it's grown into one of Colorado's best tourist destinations.

MORE: See How Much Fruita's Population Has Grown Over the Years

How big is Fruita, Colorado? Here is a look at how this western Colorado has grown through the years.

MORE: A Walkthrough of Colorado's Beautiful Palisade Rim Trail

Get south of the Colorado River in Palisade and head down G Road/ Highway 6 to the Palisade Rim Trail. Scroll through the photos below to get a look at the trail and the incredible view near the top.

More From Kool 107.9