It may sound goofy to out-of-towners, but in Racine, the third weekend of July will always be known as “the chicken feed dance.”

Though it’s a dreaded weekend for area chickens, it’s a tradition in Racine going on its 28th year. This year, the Racine Lions Club will kick off its feed at 4 p.m. Saturday with 600 half-chickens to feed visitors. The $8 meal, which includes many extras, is accompanied this year by The Back Alley Band, which starts its show at 8 p.m. Members of the local 4-H club will have brats and hotdogs on hand, and raffle tickets to support local scholarships will be available.

For four years, a new community center just off of Main Street in Racine has provided extra space and better protection from either sun or rain. It’s one of the best changes Lions President Joe Dee has seen for the annual event in 23 years of involvement. The shade and fans may come in handy this weekend, as well, as the forecast calls for temperatures in the 90s.

“It’s better to have it at the new community center,” he said. “At least you won’t have to sit in the sun.”

The dance itself is free to attend and runs until midnight. Saturday’s festivities are followed by a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday at the Racine United Methodist Church.