By Joseph M. Morgan
SYLVANIA, Ala.—The Sylvania High School Quarterback Club will be hosting the 1st annual WingFest fundraiser tomorrow night at the Sylvania High School Football Stadium from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wingfest is a community-wide fundraiser and chicken wing competition to raise money of the Sylvania Rams football team. There are 16 competitors, including some of the most reputable hot wings restaurants, organizations and individuals from all over DeKalb County and beyond.
Sylvania High School Football Coach Matt Putnam is coordinating the fundraiser. Putnam said he is expecting a good turnout for the fundraiser and hopes to see people from all over DeKalb take part in the evening of competition, food, fun and live music. Tickets for the general public cost $10 if bought today and $15 tomorrow night at the gate.
The contest is set up so each ticket will have the different names of the 16 competitors on it and is good for one wing from each contestant. Attendees will stop at each contestant’s cooking station get their sample and have their ticket punched at each station until they have received all 16 wings. After sampling all 16 wings, members of the public will choose their favorite wings and cast their vote by giving their punched ticket at the end of the competition to the contestant that they believe served the best wings. Whichever contestant ends up with the most punched tickets at the end of the night wins the people’s choice award portion of the competition.
The competition will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in 2 different categories: A. Best Hot Wing, and B. Most Unique Wing. There will also be a “People’s Choice Award” is voted on by all wing eaters. Putnam said RHS will provide each contestant with 3 to 5 cases of wings Tuesday, August 4 before the event. Contestants will then cook the wings and give away 1 wing to each person who bought a ticket to attend the event.
“There was no registration fee for contestants, and we will provide the wings,” Putnam said. “It’s a great opportunity for restaurants and individuals to compete, gain exposure and advertisement in the community, cook a lot of chicken, and to help a bunch of young men and future leaders in our community.”
Putnam has put together an impressive list of competitors including: Jefferson’s, Topher’s Wings, Dempsey’s BBQ, Santa Fe, Ruby Tuesday’s, Zaxby’s, Ol’ Tymers BBQ, Chattanooga Billiards Club, Dixieland Restaurant and a handful of contestants competing as individuals. Entertainment and music will be provided by DJ Roger Allen, Colt Buttram, Chad Sizemore, Lea Searight, The Tatum’s and Trey Browder. KID ZONE will also be on hand with inflatables for the kids and a dunk tank.
Tickets are on still on sale for the rest of the day today for $10 from all Sylvania Football Players, or can be bought tomorrow night at the event for $15.
