National Buffalo Wing Festival

National Buffalo Wing Festival is an annual event held in Buffalo, New York, celebrating the city's claim to fame as the birthplace of the buffalo wing. The festival, which takes place over Labor Day weekend, draws thousands of visitors from all over the world to sample wings from a wide variety of vendors. The event not only showcases the culinary delight but also features wing-eating contests, live music, and cooking demonstrations.

History[edit | edit source]

The National Buffalo Wing Festival was inspired by a fictional event mentioned in the movie "Osmosis Jones." Bill Murray's character dreams of attending a buffalo wing festival in Buffalo, NY. Taking this idea from fiction to reality, Drew Cerza, known as the "Wing King," founded the actual festival in 2002. Since its inception, the festival has grown in popularity, becoming one of Buffalo's most anticipated annual events.

Events[edit | edit source]

The festival features several events centered around buffalo wings. Key highlights include:

Wing Eating Contests: Competitive eaters from around the globe compete to see who can eat the most wings in a set period of time.
Wing Cooking Competitions: Chefs and amateurs alike showcase their unique wing recipes in hopes of winning various awards.
Ranch vs. Blue Cheese Dressing Debate: A lighthearted debate that engages festival-goers in the age-old question of which dipping sauce is superior for buffalo wings.
Live Entertainment: The festival also offers live music, dance performances, and other entertainment options for attendees of all ages.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The National Buffalo Wing Festival not only celebrates the beloved buffalo wing but also has a significant impact on the local economy. It attracts tourists, boosts local business, and raises funds for charities. Over the years, the festival has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local and national charities.

Buffalo Wings[edit | edit source]

Buffalo wings are deep-fried chicken wings coated or dipped in a sauce composed of a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and melted butter prior to serving. They were invented in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, by Teressa Bellissimo. Since then, buffalo wings have become a staple of American cuisine, particularly popular during sporting events and casual dining.

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