LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Brace yourselves, Michigan…The Michigan Chicken Wing Festival is swooping back into Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing on August 31st and September 1st, ready to prove that when it comes to wings, Michiganders don’t just cluck around.
This isn’t your average backyard BBQ – it’s the Super Bowl of Wing Festivals and it’s bringing enough heat to make even the most seasoned wing enthusiast break a sweat. Started in 2015, this festival has quickly become the go-to spot for anyone who believes that wings are more than just a side dish – they’re a way of life.
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The website offers a variety of ticket packages, including two VIP options and a wings sample ticket. General admission, however, does not come with any wing samples or complimentary drinks – those will need to be purchased separately from the vendors.
A Wing and a prayer: hoping for the best and frying up the rest.
The Michigan Chicken Wing Festival isn’t just about how many wing vendors show up; it’s about the flavors that’ll make you want to set up camp right next to the fryer.
With a lineup of vendors that could make even Colonel Sanders reconsider his recipe, the festival offers everything from mild-mannered wings to those so spicy they should come with a waiver. And don’t even think about asking for a sample unless you’ve purchased your Wing Sampling ticket in advance online.
Wing It like you mean It.
For those who are 18-years-old and older who think they can handle the heat, the wing-eating contest is where legends are born – or at least where you can embarrass yourself in front of a crowd. For a mere $25 entry fee (plus the cost of your dignity), you can stuff your face with as many wings as you can in three minutes.
And if you make it to the second round, you’ll be rewarded with seven hellfire-hot wings that’ll have you praying for mercy. The catch? You can’t drink anything for five minutes afterward. We’d wish you good luck, but let’s be real – you’re going to need more than that.
Cock-a-doodle-do or die: the “People’s Choice” wing vendor.
The festival also lets attendees vote for the People’s Choice Wing Vendor. Voting opens as soon as you waddle in to taste your poultry delights and lasts until the late afternoon on Sunday. The winner gets crowned the King or Queen of the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival, a title that should come with a lifetime supply of antacids.
Feathered fun…
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This two-day festival is about more than just wings – though, let’s be honest, wings are the main event. With live music, pro wrestling, a game trailer, give-aways, a kids’ zone and a VIP tent where
you can wash down your wings with beer and wine, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to bring your own lawn chair or blanket because, in true festival fashion, seating isn’t provided.
It’s not all fun and games and chicken binging though – there’s also a charitable wing to this. A portion of the festival proceeds will support the Against All Odds Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting cancer survivors with essential needs such as groceries, prescription co-pays, cell phone bills, and transportation to medical appointments. Additionally, the foundation extends its support to underserved families through “Lillian’s,” a free retail store located in the Lansing Mall (formerly the Macy’s wing) which offers support to the homeless, cancer survivors, disabled individuals, veterans, and anyone needing a helping hand with daily essentials.
So prep your stomach and head down to Adado Riverfront Park on Labor Day weekend for a delectable delight that will also support cancer survivors. Whether you’re there to savor the wings, rock out to the live music, or simply witness brave souls tackling the wing-eating contest, one thing’s for certain – you’ll leave with a belly full of wings, memories worth savoring, and perhaps a newfound respect for those who dare to dance with the spiciest of sauces. Just don’t forget the Tums; you’ll thank yourself later.
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