The chamber hopes that the inaugural, family-friendly event will grow into an annual tradition.
Fall in 2016 will mean more than the onset of cool weather. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is organizing the first-ever chicken wing and craft beer festival, to take place during the first week of October.
“Everybody likes to eat,” Michael Cameron, chamber chairman, said. “We want to emulate the success from Pig Jam. We thought fall would be a good time. We’ve been looking for another event for a while.”
The chamber wanted to organize a family-friendly event for foodies from around the Tampa Bay area but didn’t want to focus exclusively on barbecue, since Pig Jam in November attracted many barbecue fans and competition teams. The chamber looked for a food that had a broad appeal but wasn’t overdone at events.
“You can find wings on the menu at just about any American bistro-style pub,” Cameron said. “We just think it’s going to be fun. We don’t have anything wing-based. It’s an excuse for the locals to have fun, but also for people to come to Plant City.”
The chicken wing and craft beer festival, which does not yet have an official name, is slated for Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Randy L. Larson Softball FourPlex.
As of now, attendees will only need to pay for parking. Money to purchase food and beverages will be bought with “chicken bucks,” similar to Pig Jam’s “pig bucks.”
“We’re trying to make it family affordable,” Cameron said. “I want it to be available to everybody. We’re excited. I think there will be a lot of different types of food out there.”
Like the Plant City Pig Jam, locals are encouraged to enter the chicken wing competition. The contest will be divided into categories including pro, amateur, restaurant and people’s choice. The festival committee is in the process of recruiting restaurants to come to the event.
To differ from the Pig Jam, the chamber put together a committee of 14 individuals. “We’re trying to not use the exact same committee that we’re using for Pig Jam,” Cameron said. “We want it to be a new committee with fresh ideas.”
Though it’s only the trial year, Cameron hopes that the event will grow into an annual tradition and that it will equal the continued success of Pig Jam.
“As it grows, we may expand it,” Cameron said. “We certainly would be open to the idea.”
In addition to restaurants, the chamber is searching for title sponsors and individual competitors. Those interested in competing in the event or becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact the chamber at (813) 754-3707.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
GET INVOLVED
To sponsor the event or sign up as a competitor, contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce or pick up a registration packet:
Phone: (813) 754-3707
Address: 106 N. Evers St., Plant City
