Embracing both its stunning natural surroundings and cosmopolitan features, Knoxville, Tennessee, is a one-of-a-kind destination ideal for your next big getaway. Regardless of whether you're traveling with your family, a group of friends, or your significant other, Knoxville will deliver with attractions, scenery, activities and so much more.
Upon arriving in Knoxville, you’ll find yourself in awe of the stunning vistas. Outdoor enthusiasts have flocked to the area for decades due to ample opportunities for outdoor activities. From riding ziplines to extreme kayaking, Knoxville and the surrounding area has it all. If you're a fan of food and drink, this city is most definitely for you. The area is home to a multitude of restaurants, diners, bars, clubs, food trucks, cafes, and much more. You’ll find dining options such as world class BBQ, neo-Italian, soul food, bar food and the list goes on. To get one of the best food experiences that Knoxville has to offer, schedule your trip for June and head to the Big Kahuna Wing Festival.
Newer to the Knoxville festival circuit, Big Kahuna Wing Festival has already established a following of thousands and it's growing each year. Held at the scenic World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn, the event takes roughly 40 teams of wing cooks and pits them in a cooking competition. The winner takes home $2,000 and the title of Tennessee State Champion. Patrons get the opportunity to sample the wings and even participate in a wing eating competition. There will be great live music performed during the event as well as plenty of refreshments to wash down the wings. If you're making it a family trip, your kids will love the Kids Corner and the entertainment catered to children. Take your next vacation to another level. Head to Knoxville and help crown the next Tennessee State Champion at the Big Kahuna Wing Festival. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Matt Beeler, representative for the Big Kahuna Wing Festival, to talk about this great event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
MB: We are in our 4th year of the festival. We have had up to 40 Wing competition teams and between 6000 and 8000 people in attendance at the festival. It’s held at the World's Fair Park Performance Lawn in downtown Knoxville and it’s scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2016. We will fill the park with the tantalizing sweet smell of hot wings, talented wing teams, and performance stage highlighting extraordinary entertainment, the highly anticipated hot wing eating contest, a silent auction, Kids Corner and unlimited fun for the entire family!
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
MB: We are actually doing some demographic studies this year on the event but it is well attended by all three you mentioned.
RAL: Take me through what attendees will find at the event.
MB: We bring a great mix of activities to the event each year. Along with the wing competition we have a large kids area with bounce houses, face painting, balloons, VIP area with air conditioned tents and food prepared by some of the best restaurants. In addition we’ll have live music all day and wing eating competition against former Green Bay Packer Gary Brown. Those who come to the festival are able to sample wings from all 40 teams and vote for their favorite as the People’s Choice award. The winner of the overall championship is declared State Champion as proclaimed from our governor, and hold the Big Kahuna 4’ custom steel trophy for the next 365 days!
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
MB: Holiday Inn Worlds Fair Park is our official hotel sponsor for the event. Their rooms overlook the park and city. There are also many great boutique hotels close to the event such as the Oliver Hotel.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
MB: Each of our competitors are local restaurants and businesses that see a great boost of new customers from the event.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
MB: The event is all to raise money for our three charities (Empty Stocking Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank, and The Butterfly Fund). We have been fortunate to raise $90,000 in our first three years.
The mission of the News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund (ESF) is to provide food and toys to disadvantaged East Tennesseans during the holidays.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
MB: Combining some of the best hot wing recipes from teams around the nation with all of the other exciting activities, the Big Kahuna Wing Festival is one fantastic event. Please mark your calendar for June 11, 2016 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and make plans to come listen to fantastic music and eat some of the best hot wings in the South. Our entire team looks forward to seeing you at Worlds Fair Park in Downtown Knoxville, ready to celebrate the 4th Annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival!
For more information about the Big Kahuna Wing Festival, please visit their website.