So I know going across the river seems like venturing into a new world for a lot of St. Louisans, but this is a trip well worth the 20 minute drive (that’s right, it’s really only 20 minutes away from downtown, not a lifetime).

Midwest Wing Fest!!

Is this Friday, August 31st from 5-11pm and Saturday, September 1st from 11am-11pm in Fairview Heights, IL at St. Clair Square Mall.

If you had the opportunity to check out the Wing Ding competition in Ballwin last weekend and thought you were in chicken wing heaven, then the Midwest Wing Fest will blow your mind!

So far, there are 20 wing vendors lined up: from Hooters to Hicks Bar-B-Que Company to Big Mamma’s BBQ to Geo’s Wings & More – my sister’s favorite wing joint. They have these amazing Trash Wings, which are fried, dipped in buffalo sauce, then re-fried and re-dipped and PB& J Wings, which taste like Peanut Butter and are served with a side of jelly (my sister’s fave!). And of course, Dandy Inn, which has the BEST chicken wings in the world plus many more…

If you’re not into chicken wings but want to indulge in the festivities, don’t worry, there will also be plenty of BBQ joints and other restaurants where you can enjoy delicious foods as well.

Besides the wings, there will be live music from great local bands:

Friday

5-6pm – Flood Logic

6-8pm – Gentleman Bandits

8-11pm – Hillbilly Authority

 

Saturday

11am-2pm – Falling Martins

2:30-5:30pm – 3rd Story

5:30-7pm – Jeannie Fussleman

7-11pm – Jeremiah Johnson

 

And of course it wouldn’t be a chicken wing festival without the Best Wing contest. There are 4 categories: People’s Choice, Best Gourmet, Best Buffalo and Best Overall.

Then there’s the coolest and most important reason to attend this festival….the wing eating competitions!

On Saturday, September 1st from 5:30-7pm, men, women and teens will have the chance to be crowned the Wing King or Queen…and Teen of the 2012 Midwest Wing Fest!

Men and Women can win $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place, or $25 for 3rd place

Teens can win $75 for 1st place, $25 for 2nd place and $10 for 3rd place

Registration is $15 for adults, $10 for teens (16 and under). Sign up early here to ensure your spot.

There’s also a Kid Zone with face painting and balloon entertainment, a Beer Pong Tournament and last but not least…it’s actually first thing on Saturday morning, The 3rd Annual 5K Chicken Run.

5K Chicken Run sponsored by Memorial Hospital

 

Registration is at 6am with the race starting at 7am. Registration is $25. Proceeds go to benefit disabled veterans. There are several prizes to be awarded in this race:

Fastest Male and Female with Baby Stroller

Fastest Male and Female in Wheel Chair

Best Dressed Chicken (wins $100)

Team with the most participants wins a Team Trophy

Masters Male and Female (top 3 win a prize)

Kids 1/2 Mile Run: All participants receive a medal

 

To register for the 5K Chicken Run, click here. * Must register by 8/30 @11:59pm.

 

Brought to you by Mills Properties

Photos courtesy of midwestwingfest