Get your bibs on, because the fifth annual National Buffalo Wing Festival is bound to pull in over a million people this weekend, and you don't want to be left out.
A variety of events, including the Miss Buffalo Wing Contest, live music, and a 5k run - all for a $5 admission fee - make this event at Dunn Tire Park more than worthwhile.
With over 25 restaurants represented at the festival, the event should appeal to anyone who appreciates local cuisine, beauty pageants, or binge eating.
Sonya Thomas, a 37 year-old from Virginia, currently holds a time record for the festival, eating 161 chicken wings, or 5.09 pounds, in a matter of twelve minutes. She also weighs in at a whopping 105 pounds.
Though Thomas, who ranks third amongst her peers, seems to be the person most likely to win the competition this year, other speed eaters from the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) will prove to be a tough match.
Last year's champ, Gainsville, Fla. native Chip Simpson, plans to bring on the heat again this year.
"It's always going to be a challenge," Simpson said. "You find a technique you like and you generally stick to it."
Preparing for the competition, though, is not as rigorous as some may think.
"We don't go out and eat 200 wings," said Simpson. "We eat like 20 wings to practice technique."
His personal favorite wing flavor? Barbecue.
"Buffalo" Jim Reeves might be ranked 19th in his class, but his hometown advantage could put him in the lead this year. From South Buffalo suburb Boston, N.Y., he is often heralded as a regional speed-eating hero.
A former Army officer and athlete, Reeves has been in some kind of competition all his life. However, with speed eating, he is always excited to compete against the top eaters, no matter what that might mean for his chances of winning.
"The main reason I stuck with it (speed eating) is that all the competitors are nice and friendly," Reeves said. "There is a real sense of comradery."
The IFOCE helps to supervise and regulate competitions all over the world, keeping a list of speed eaters to help facilitate tournaments, venues, and sponsors, while dedicating themselves to keeping the sport safe and creating an atmosphere where competitions can take place for the public enjoyment.
Josh Washburn, junior biomedical sciences major, said the event gives attendants yet another chance to taste the competition around town.
"It's a good time," Washburn said. "You get to sample a lot of different wings from Buffalo."
Though Washburn mentioned that the wings do cost a small fee to sample, the competitions make the trip worth it.
Even those who don't take pleasure in chowing down on the famous Buffalo poultry dish might still take interest in the chicken runs or contests for hot sauce recipes. There will even be a couple exchanging wedding vows at 4 p.m. opening day.
With so much going on, Matt Rizzetta, the Public Relations Director of the IFOCE, foresees a large turnout.
"This is one of the most highly anticipated events that we put on all year long," he said.
The fifth annual Buffalo National Wing Festival will be this weekend at Dunn Tire Park from noon till 9p.m. Saturday and from noon to 7p.m on Sunday.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
