By Kate Bartlett
This Labor Day weekend, Saturday August 30 and Sunday, August 31, marks the 24th annual National Buffalo Wing Fest. This year, the festival returns to Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, promises a weekend full of flavor, fun and festivities for wing enthusiasts from near and far.
Drew Cerza, also known as the Wing King, is the festival founder and has been running the festival since its inception. The idea was inspired by a scene in the movie Osmosis Jones. “In the movie, Bill Murry’s character talks about going to Wing Fest, and I realized that at that time there was no such festival. It seemed crazy to me that the city known for its Buffalo Wings didn’t have a Wing Fest, so I decided to start one.”
Since it’s inception in 2002, the festival has grown into a national phenomenon, attracting 23,000 visit
ors last year and over 500,000 in total over the past 23 years. Last year, attendance included 45 different states and 24 countries. The 24th Wing Fest brings an exciting lineup of activities, contests, and of course, mouthwatering wings from some of the best vendors in the country.
This year, the festival features 63 new wing flavors as participating restaurant chefs have challenged themselves to step of their creativity as they compete for national awards. 20 featured eateries including 15 of the top wing joints from across the nation will serve up over 100 styles of unique regional and delicious wing sauces. Contests include the United States Chicken Wing Eating Championship (Wing It On!), Buffalo Buffet Bowl, Hot Wing Eating, Amateur Wing Eating Contest, Bobbing for Wings and Baby Wing Costume Pageant. Cooking contests will take place throughout the event as well as live music and entertainment performances suitable for all ages.
Special appearances by Buffalo Bills Greg Rousseau will take place on Saturday from 2-4pm and everyone that attends Wing Fest has the opportunity to enter a contest to win a 2-year lease on a Nissan Rogue Rock Creek. The VIP Party Deck returns this year with the VIP Craft Beer Experience on Saturday, which includes admission, single offer chicken wings, local craft beer tastings and souvenir cup. A portion of these proceeds benefit Hope Rises and the Bills Mafia Babes charities.
Drew never imagined the festival would grow into what it has become today, and is proud that it is still running 24 years later. “The festival has grown and evolved several times over the years as the food and festival industries have changed,” remarks Drew. “We’ve adapted and grown to change with the times, and I’m pleased with the evolution. We are proud to run a quality festival that is popular not only in the Buffalo community, but across the country, and even the world. The festival has demonstrated longevity, and is thriving.”
The Wing Fest gives Buffalo the chance to embrace and take ownership of the chicken wing. “This festival has allowed people from coast to coast, and around the world, to know that this is where it started,” explains Drew. “Every year we welcome thousands of people to Buffalo to taste new and exciting recipes, and rediscover the old, here in the place where it all began.”
Drew’s favorite thing about the event is the energy of the restaurants and the people. “It’s incredible to bring all these restaurants together in celebration of our food here in Buffalo. The energy is great. I love meeting people from all over the country, even internationally and hearing stories of their travels to come to our great city.”
Drew invites everyone to come out and experience the festival that celebrates the food indigenous to Buffalo on Labor Day weekend, Saturday 11am-8pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. $20 per person/per day, children 8 and under free. VIP Party Deck $45 includes first drink free, private seating and bar. Cash and credit cards accepted; presale available as well as at the gate. For more information visit https://buffalowing.com/ and follow on social media.
Large Caption: Since it’s inception in 2002, the festival has grown into a national phenomenon, attracting 23,000 visitors last year and over 500,000 in total over the past 23 years. Last year, attendance included 45 different states and 24 countries.