What peculiar law exists in Gainesville, Georgia, that might make eating your lunch a little more complicated?

Gainesville, Georgia, proudly proclaims itself as the "Poultry Capital of the World," but its love for chicken doesn’t stop at just producing it—it’s written into local law. In 1961, the city passed an ordinance declaring it illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork. Yes, you read that right. Fried chicken, in Gainesville, is legally required to be eaten with your hands. The law was introduced as a playful nod to the city’s poultry heritage, but it technically remains on the books. While enforcement is almost unheard of, there was one famous instance in 2009 when a 91-year-old woman was "arrested" for eating fried chicken with a fork, though it turned out to be a lighthearted prank orchestrated by the local tourism board. This quirky regulation stands as a testament to the town’s enduring pride in its poultry fame and its sense of humor about its place in Southern food lore. So, if you ever find yourself in Gainesville, ditch the utensils, embrace the grease, and enjoy your fried chicken the way the law (and tradition) intended!