MUSIKFEST CHICKEN LADY PUTS ‘FEATHERS’ BACK ON FOR FESTIVAL’S 30th ANNIVERSARY

Chicken Lady

Courtesy: ArtsQuest

The beloved Musikfest Chicken Lady, Pat Holetz, will fly into Musikfest this weekend, the first time in five years, to meet guests and lead the Chicken Dance as part of the festival’s 30th anniversary celebration.  Holetz will make three appearances Aug. 3, including  leading the Chicken Dance at Wells Fargo Festplatz at 2:45 p.m.

For more than two decades, Holetz donned the feathers of the Chicken Lady, serving as Musikfest’s official ambassador. In 2004, however, she flew the coup, retiring to Florida. One of the 24 individuals who have volunteered at all 30 Musikfests, Holetz has returned to the festival each year to volunteer, but this year marks her first appearance as the Chicken Lady since 2008.

“Being the Chicken Lady gave me an opportunity to be a representative of our community, and also part of one of the premier music festivals in the nation,” Holetz says. “I loved meeting all the children and guests at the event, and I developed many lasting friendships with some very special people through the years.”

The Chicken Lady will greet children and families at Mutual of Omaha Banana Island and Plaza Tropical from 1:30-2 p.m., then appear at Wells Fargo Festplatz from 2:30-3:30 p.m., performing the Chicken Dance during Joe Stanky & the Cadets’ set. She will also visit the Wells Fargo Festplatz Merchandise Tent from 3:45-4:15 p.m.