By Jessica Morrow
Reporter

American Nitrile’s annual Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest drew crowds for a full day of food, live entertainment, and community spirit on Oct. 4.

Lined with food tents and sizzling smokers, the festival featured a full day of entertainment, with local bands keeping the beat while pit-masters served up wings in every flavor imaginable.

“Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest is more than just a food festival—it’s a chance for our community to come together, enjoy great music and great wings, and help support education and veterans,” said event organizer Tracy Pabst.

The festival featured performances by One Man Band, Reelin’ In The Years, The Christopher James Band, and Haywired. Bands kept the crowd entertained between rounds of sampling and judging. Lines formed early at the cooking tents as teams competed for top honors in several categories.

The competition was fierce but friendly, with standout flavors from across the region.

Bad Bill’s BBQ took home the award for Most Original Flavor with their sweet yet spicy Sweet Buffalo creation. The crowd voted and crowned A. Demarco & Co as the Fan Favorite. The festival’s top honor of Grand Champion went to Slap Yo Self, whose seasoned wings were favored by both judges and festival-goers alike.

Proceeds from the event support several local causes, including the Southwest Career Academy, Ghosts of War America, and GiGi’s.