It’s about time to spread your hot wings on a grill and fly. The 24th annual World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival will be held 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 18th at River Garden Park at Riverside Drive between Jefferson Avenue and Union Avenue.
About 50 teams, including a team from Brazil, are expected to participate in this year’s event, says event founder Paul Gagliano.
Five of those teams, which have won the contest over the past five years, ALSO will compete for a $25,000 World Cup Wing Series prize if they win this year’s contest, Gagliano says. Those teams are Fat Side Up, Hold My Beer and Watch This, Ain’t it the Life, Foul Balls, and Barnyard Pimps.
“With $25,000 on the line, it’s all about staying sharp, staying confident, and delivering when it matters most,” says Michelle O’Guinn of Ain’t it the Life team.
The hot wing festival, dubbed “Wing Fest,” also will include a wing eating contest, a parade, and live entertainment headlined by Ashton Riker.
This year’s festival will benefit Ronald McDonald House and, for the first time, St. Jude Walk. “I think it’s a great addition to our mission to assist in the St. Jude Walk, which will take place in September in Tom Lee Park. We’re promoting them with QR codes on the Website, so people can join the walk or make a donation to St. Jude through our Website. Worldwingfest.com.
“There’s nothing like the excitement of firing up the grill for this hot wing contest, knowing every wing we craft is helping raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities and supporting families when their kids need the hep and support the most,” says Mitch Erwin, Fat Side Up head cook. “We’re genuinely thrilled and proud to bring our best wings to the table for such a meaningful cause — sharing the experience with great friends and competing against some truly impressive, talented teams just makes it all the more special and rewarding.”