Century-Old Chicken Salad Sandwich Tradition in Opelousas

The blast of cool air and the start of November can mean only one thing at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Opelousas. The first Thursday of the month for more than 100 years has meant the annual Chicken Salad Sandwich Sale. Planning takes all year long and 150 loaves of Evangeline Maid bread are carefully unloaded. This year, the women will make more than 2,000 pre-ordered sandwiches.

Starting with 200 Loaves of Bread

Well before dawn, more than 20 devoted members of the Episcopal Church Women, donning their signature blue aprons, arrive at the church Parish Hall kitchen. The first group of women will arrive before 4 a.m. to begin chopping and mixing. The team works tirelessly at modified tables as they lovingly crafted over 2,000 mouthwatering chicken salad sandwiches, each one a testament to their enduring dedication.

"It's all about bringing our community together and supporting our church," said the Church Rector, Father Laurent De Prins. "The women of our church have been doing this for generations, and it's always a joy to see the smiles on people's faces when they get their sandwiches."

Every year is a sell-out!

The fundraiser is not only an Opelousas tradition but a cornerstone of community fellowship. Inserts placed in each order proclaim, "WE'RE MORE THAN JUST CHICKEN SALAD". The sandwiches, made with a not-so-secret blend of ingredients passed down through the years, have become a staple to mark the beginning of the holiday season.

Epiphany Church Flyer

Once the clock strikes noon, the final sandwich will be meticulously wrapped, marking the end of another successful year of the tradition. The legacy of the Epiphany Episcopal Church Women's Chicken Salad Sandwich fundraiser continues to live on.