The idea for the festival came from a movie called Osmosis Jones. Bill Murray starred as a compulsive eater with a goal of attending the Super Bowl of junk food, The National Buffalo Wing Festival.

Ironically, there wasn't one.

That is when native Buffalonian Drew Cerza, now affectionately known as the Wing King decided to make it happen back in 2002. This is a case of Real Life knocking off Hollywood!

Thanks for the idea Bill!

The festival has also drawn national media attention from CNN, The Today Show, the Travel Channel, The Food Network, Discover Channel, and newspapers and magazines throughout the world.

Founder Drew Cerza says the NATIONAL BUFFALO WING FESTIVAL paved the way for the CHICKEN WING HALL OF FAME, which will further solidify Buffalo as the birthplace of what has become America’s most popular finger food.

The 2006 Festival saw the first inductions into the newly-announced CHICKEN WING HALL OF FAME.  The Anchor Bar founders Frank and Teressa Bellissimo were the first to be inducted.

In addition, the 2006 festival also hosted its first wedding.

Drew Cerza says he is also very pleased that the festival has generated more than $125,000 for Western New York charities.

The National Buffalo Wing Festival By the Numbers   

• 407,000 people
• 2.4 Million Wings Consumed
• 137 Tons of Wings In Weight
• 191 Restaurants Participated
• $125,000 in Charitable Contributions
• 1 Wedding