As we prepare for our annual chicken barbecue on April 10 (May 19, 2024) to benefit the Cotati Historical Society and Museum, we remember that this tradition began back in 1940, as a benefit for the St. Joseph Church parish. The first three years, during World War II, the gatherings were held on picnic grounds in the Sonoma Valley, led by Parish Priest Rev. Denis Glennon. In 1943, because of the war caused gasoline shortage, what had been a parish picnic was moved to the Cotati Plaza. Assorted attractions were added each year, the public was invited, and in 1950, people came from all over the Bay Area to break previous attendance records. The theme was “Food, Fun and Frolic for 5000” and residents from Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Penngrove and Roblar as well as Cotati worked on the committees. They were proud to report that they would be serving 900 pounds of potatoes, what was described as “mountains of chili beans,” sacks of onions, 800 loaves of French bread, three steers and 1500 chickens. Companies all over the Bay Area supported the major effort with labor and donations. The volunteers served barbecued chicken, just as we do these days, but they soaked it overnight in local wine (no details available on varietal), and they also featured deep pit roast beef. Producing it required weeks of effort by volunteers to dig huge pits in the Plaza, cut and age the firewood, butcher and season the beef and wrap it in packages to go into the pits full of hot coals. This required several nights of fire tending by men of the community. Inspired by barbecues of old days, current volunteers will serve barbecued chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls and beverages. We also will have a bake sale, homemade jams, beer, and wine for purchase, and live music. A silent auction will offer an intriguing variety of items for bidders. This major fund raiser helps us preserve the history of our unique community.