Main Street and Center Street filled with chicken wing lovers at the third annual Genesee Valley Autumn Wing Fest on Saturday Sept. 24. Since this past weekend was also Parent’s Weekend, families from all over attended. The weekend showcased beautiful weather while also providing participants with a great way to kick off the first few days of fall.
All proceeds from the event went to the Association for Preservation of Geneseo—most specifically toward the restoration of The Wall in Geneseo. The Wall is a historical landmark and gateway into the Village of Geneseo. Stones have fallen out, however, and the wall has been crumbling for decades. Over the past few years, the “Save The Wall” project has been in full swing. Members of APOG collect donations and volunteer to oversee restoration.
At the Wing Fest, attendees purchased tickets for $15, which allowed them to sample wings from eight different eateries in Livingston County. This included The Village Tavern, The Beachcomber, Livingston Lanes and Pub, Mt. Morris Lanes & Pro Shop, 3-Legged Pig BBQ, Duffy’s Tavern, The Nines at Livingston and The Riviera. From extra hot to garlic parmesan to chili, the wings came in all flavors—it was sure to satisfy anyone’s tastebuds.
Families and friends flocked from tent to tent evaluating all the obscure, crispy, fresh and local chicken wings. The different restaurants set up tents to serve attendees wings or drumsticks. Guests also had the opportunity to speak to the employees of the restaurants.
“Wing Fest is such a fun event—plus the proceeds are going to a good cause,” general manager and catering manager of Beachcomber restaurant Mary Alice May said. “It’s really great to meet locals, Geneseo students and their parents.”
In addition to wings, the event also included live music, face painting, ice cream, food trucks, a wing eating contest, the opportunity to get a photo with a chicken mascot and other enjoyable performances.
“In my opinion, The Village Tavern wings were the best. They put a different twist on their wings. It wasn’t your ordinary chicken wing,” geology major freshman Miranda Felong said. “It was a fun event, especially for Parent’s Weekend. With all the live entertainment, I will definitely come back next year.”
After trying wings from all eight stations, people voted on their overall favorite chicken wing. At the end of the festival, The Village Tavern won the title of Best Wing in the Valley for the third year in a row.
All in all, Wing Fest created a festive way to kick off the autumn season and to enjoy food with one’s family and friends.