Chicken salad suppers (and oh, those pies!) back Aug. 2

SHARON — For many years beginning in the late 1800s, the women of the Sharon Congregational Church (known as “Busy Bees�), put on an annual Chicken Salad Supper. The tradition was loved by all and continued into the early 1960s.

In 2007, the Busy Bees updated the recipe and revived the tradition.

“We loved the thought of reviving something from long ago,� said member Janet Kelsey. “This shows the church’s heritage and it was an event that we thought could be brought back to life.�

The supper is held in conjunction with the craft fair on the Green, which is Aug. 2  from 4 to 7 p.m. this year.

“The craft vendors kept telling us we should host the supper again because they were hungry at the end of the day,� said the church’s pastor, the Rev. Jody Guerrera. “Rick Hotaling, our deacon, found his aunt’s recipe.�

The entire dinner includes coleslaw, a roll and iced tea along with the chicken salad, all for $10. But wait, there’s more for all the “foodiesâ€� out there. In addition to all the salad and  fixings the Busy Bees also offer more than 25 pies of different varieties.

And that famous chicken salad recipe? It was updated with the help of Maggie Slagel, a professional caterer who used to own Salisbury Catering with her husband, Bob. She shared some secrets from the kitchen.

“The mayo mix has parsley, salt and pepper, tarragon, oregano and all fresh herbs,� she explained. “I add that to the chicken along with celery, carrot and red onion.�

“The recipe was passed down from many generations so we wanted to update it for today’s ‘figure watching’ society,� said Kelsey. “We think that there is probably less mayo and more herbs and spices in our version of the recipe.�

Though the recipe itself is no secret, what might make it so extra tasty is the caring and devotion put into it by the Busy Bees themselves.

Beginning at 5 p.m., diners can sit at tables elegantly decorated by interior decorator and congregation member Judy Albright.

Pie choices include blueberry, apple and peach.

Take-out orders are available from 4 to 5 p.m. and the sit-down dinner will be from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 860-364-5002.