The second-annual Bainbridge Island "Tour de Coop" is scheduled for Saturday, July 17, from 11-4pm. The vision of islander JoAnn Trick, the Tour de Coop offers a self-guided tour of Bainbridge Island chicken coops, with 100% of the proceeds going to Helpline House. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Tour last year, the number of available tickets has been doubled to accommodate the first 400 purchasers.

This year ten new coops across the island will be featured, four of which were built in the past year with an eye to participating in the Tour. The featured coops include such exotic and extravagantly named venues as: Les Coquettes, Château Poulet, Firehouse Chix, Flying Pig Coop, Chicken Hut, ModChicken, Chick-a-pen Parish, La Maison de Fleur de Mille/La Casa de Huevos, Cabina Gallina, and The Eagle Harbor Congregational Church P-Patch Chicken Coop.

Last year, the Tour successfully raised more than $2400 for Helpline House. When asked if she will continue organizing the event, JoAnn Trick says "So far, it's still fun, so I keep doing it."

As part of the Tour, chicken expert Paul Farley will be on hand at Bay Hay and Feed from 3-4PM to answer any questions from poultry enthusiasts and novices alike. A special after-Tour celebration at Bay Hay and Feed, sponsored by owners Ce-Ann Parker and Howard Block, is open to all Tour-goers and coop owners, and will include chicken chili, drinks, and egg-inspired appetizers.

Ticket sales for the Tour de Coop will begin Saturday, July 10, at Bay Hay and Feed and Classic Cycle. Cash or check accepted. Purchased tickets include a map and directions to the chicken coops. Ticket prices remain the same as last year: Individual by bicycle: $8; Individual by auto: $10; Four people by carpool: $30. For more information about the Tour de Coop, please direct emails to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it