Brewskeez and Big A’s Earn Top Wing Ding Honors; Duke’s Sweeps BBQ

Boone Center Inc. (BCI) hosted the 21st Annual Wing Ding & Barbecue Fling at the St. Charles Family Arena on Thursday, June 20.

The fundraising event featured chicken wings, pulled pork, and other side dishes from nine local restaurants, some competing in both the chicken wing and barbecue categories. Guests also enjoyed live music from Trixie Delight, tons of fun yard games, and a trio of beautiful cars from event sponsor Pundmann Ford. All proceeds from the Wing Ding benefit BCI’s employment programs and supports for people with disabilities.

In the coveted People’s Choice Awards, event patrons gave first place wing honors to Big A’s on the Riverfront in St. Charles and first place barbecue honors to Duke’s BBQ Shack in Wentzville. Rounding out the top three People’s Choice winners for chicken wings were Brewskeez Smokehouse & Music in O’Fallon, who took second place, and Duke’s BBQ Shack, who nabbed third. And rounding out People’s Choice honors for barbecue were DeRienzo’s Pizza & Pub in St. Peters, who captured second place, and Cooper’s American Pub & Grill in St. Peters, who won third.

In the separate Judges’ Choice Awards, Brewskeez Smokehouse and Music rose to the top for a first place finish in the wing competition, while Duke’s BBQ captured first place in barbecue for the cross-category sweep. Scoring second place in Judges’ Choice Awards for chicken wings were Rock & Brews in Chesterfield, followed closely by Duke’s BBQ Shack, who took third. And finishing out Judges’ Choice honors for barbecue were Cooper’s American Pub & Grill, with second place, and Quintessential Dining & Nightlife, with third.

Tony Spielberg, BCI CEO, loved that the focus of the crowd was not just on great food and cold beer, but also on BCI’s mission to help adults with disabilities secure the full employment of their choice.

“We welcomed almost 2,000 people to the Wing Ding this year,” said Spielberg. “It’s always incredible to see the community step up in support of a worthy cause. From generous sponsors to incredible restaurants to ticketed guests, we just can’t thank everyone enough.”