Also known as the Star City of the South, Roanoke’s scenic surroundings and activity packed downtown area make it the perfect destination to plan your next Virginia adventure. The city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors will find opportunities for numerous activities at the Appalachian Trail and Smith Mountain Lake. Everyone should try to visit the Taubman Museum of Art, which features an extensive collection of folk art and early American paintings.
The Roanoke Wing Fest is the largest one-day food event in Roanoke, and it will take place August 26 at Dr Pepper Park in Downtown. This year’s event will feature at least eight teams competing to see who has the best wings in the city, including contestants from food trucks to national chains. The competitors will serve up a variety of wing creations, and the patrons will vote to see who has the best recipe. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in prize giveaways, Clucking Karaoke, and The Chicken Strut. The event is also home to the city’s largest cornhole tournament. Those looking to participate in the tournament can register before the festival through the event website. Musicians including Poe Mack, Moccasin Creek, Cory Campbell, and more will perform throughout the event, and a kids area will feature fun activities and games for all ages. We got the chance to interview Waynette Anderson, a representative for the event, to learn more about this chicken wing blowout.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
WA: This is the 8th Annual Roanoke Wing Fest.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
WA: We expect between 6,000-8,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
WA: Everyone loves wings! So everyone comes!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
WA: We host Roanoke's largest cornhole tournament each year and, it's also Roanoke's largest one-day food festival!
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
WA: There will be live music featuring Cory Campbell, Poe Mack, and Moccasin Creek. We also have fun contests like Clucking Karaoke and The Chicken Strut, and we offer a kids play area.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
WA: There will be more food vendors than any festival in Roanoke.
RAL: Tell me about the atmosphere.
WA: We offer a fun and upbeat environment! We have tables and chairs set up, or guests may opt to purchase a VIP tent for their group. They can also bring their chairs if they wish.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
WA: The Holiday Inn Tanglewood in Roanoke is our host hotel. Guests can receive special rates through our venue website.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
WA: It generates a significant amount of money for the area through taxes. Plus, it brings many new people to downtown Roanoke.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
WA: We donate to several area nonprofits each year in exchange for their volunteer services.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
WA: This event celebrates the chicken wing! Guests can experience new creative flavors of wings while having a great time with family and friends. The majority of the vendors offer sample sizes so that attendees can sample a wide variety. Also, kids under the age of 12 are free to enter.
For more information about the Roanoke Wing Fest, please visit the event website.