On most nights when families decide to eat out, the last thing they want to see are individuals in the restaurant shoveling food in their mouths with pieces of food all their faces and perhaps some loud coughing and gagging to go along with it.

 

Those rules, however, don’t apply one night in Bridgeport each year. That night will be Jan.  29, and it will once again be at Buffalo Wild Wings.

 

On that night, beginning at 6 p.m., the United Way of Harrison County will be hosting the 2020 Hot Wing Eating Contest. Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings and a few folks who either like to help a good cause or really like wings, funds will be raised for the United Way.

 

“This is an especially big fundraiser, particularly at the moment, because we have to raise a bit over $200,000 by the end of February to meet our goal of $800,000,” said Tina Yoke, the director of the United Way of Harrison County.

This event has the potential to knock a large portion of the funds needed away Yoke said in the past the event has raised almost $120,000. Last year, the number was at nearly $70,000. She’s hoping to see big numbers again.

 

The event is highly competitive. In fact, she said the funds raised come from roughly two dozen participants each year. Anyone can enter and has until Jan. 28 to do so. Click HERE to register.

 

As for the contest itself, it consists of seeing just how many wings can be eaten in eight minutes. You can win two ways in the men’s division and women’s division One way to win is by seeing who can eat the most wings in eight minutes, while the other is to see who raises the most money by eating whatever amount they can push down in eight minutes.

 

Funds are raised by paying the $15 entry fee. Funds are also raised as individuals competing collect sponsorships that go to the United Way. Individuals can make a flat donation or a donation per wing eaten.

 

This year, there will also be a high school competition. That doesn’t mean high school students, but rather representatives from various high schools looking to earn bragging rights.

 

“Were having a battle of the high schools for the first time with representatives that include coaches, teachers and even assistant principals,” said Yoke.

 

The principals include Bridgeport’s own Mark Jones. He’ll be joined by Notre Dame’s Kelly Leight, said Yoke.

 

“We have a team that works on the competition every year and are always looking for new groups or ways to enhance the competition,” said Yoke. “This was the idea that came from the group this year and we hope it really adds to the fun.”

 

Individuals having questions can contact the United Way’s office at 304-624-6337. They can also donate, at the above link online, or can use the number just listed to call in a donation. Yoke said those individuals will be sent an invoice if not comfortable donating online.  

 

Editor's Note: The photos inside as well as the cover shot are from past United Way Hot Wing contests that were also held at Buffalo Wild Wings in Bridgeport. As you can see, there's usually a large crowd and things can get a little bit messy. Photos in the story are by www.benqueenphotography.com.