Gordonsville is famous for its fried chicken, which was served to passengers oftrains stopping in town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries by local women carrying platters of the delicacy on their heads. Nationally-known at that time, Gordonsville's fried chicken earned the town the nickname of "chicken-leg center of the universe". Today, the Cooper family holds the secret recipe for Gordonsville's famous fried chicken.

To celebrate this heritage, the town will hold its first Famous Fried Chicken Festival, featuring the Cooper's Famous Fried Chicken, on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Join us for friendly cook-off contests for fried chicken, grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese, and pies. Artisans, crafters and wine vendors will also be on hand to sell their wares.