Open to the public… you can buy tickets at main gate, day of $15.00 – Military personnel FREE with ID – Kids 12 and under FREE
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Wingfest 2025
Join us for the Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest in Grove City, Ohio, on October 4th, 2025! In partnership with Visit Grove City and Grove City Parks and Rec, we’re bringing delicious wings, live music, and family fun. This event celebrates great food, music, and community while supporting worthy charities: Southwest Career Academy (scholarships for manufacturing interns), Ghosts of War America (Veterans helping Veterans), and Gigi’s – service dogs for veterans in need.
Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 | Noon to 9:00PM
American Nitrile
3500 Southwest Blvd.
Grove City, OH
Featuring 4 live musicians at Wingfest!
One Man Band | 11am to 1:00pm
Reelin’ In The Years | 1:30 – 4:30
The Christopher James Band | 5:00-6:30
Haywired (country) | 7:00-9:00p.m.
American Nitrile is Proud to Support Veterans.
Veterans, show your military ID and enjoy FREE admission to the Wingfest!
TRAVELING FROM OUT OF TOWN?
Book 1 night and get 2 tickets to Wingfest!
DONT MISS OUT ON THE FUN!
Kids fun zone with bounce houses, wing eating contest, bobbing for wings contest, tailgate party showing college football games, and a cornhole tournament.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Food Trucks Coming to Wingfest:
OUR LIVE MUSIC GUESTS
HAYWIRED
Haywired formed in 2011 and is comprised of six very talented musicians that play today’s hottest, newest style of country music and some of the best of 90’s and traditional country music as well. Haywired as toured all over Ohio and Indiana and has opened up for artists like Lee Roy Parnell and Little Texas. Haywired will entertain you throughout their show as they bring you a professional, fun, and energetic show for all to enjoy. So, if you are ready for some great country music, and if you’re ready for a great time, then you won’t want to miss a Haywired show.
Tim Owings’ – One Man Band
Tim Owings’ OneManBand has been playing in and around Ohio for over 30 years now. He sings, plays guitar, harmonica and uses a drum machine with his feet! It’s a full band sound. He has over 300 songs in his catalog and covers every genre with an emphasis on classic rock!
Reelin’ In The Years
REELIN’ IN THE YEARS is central Ohio’s premier cover band, playing your favorite classic rock hits from the 70s and 80s. Our shows feature amazing vocal harmonies, incredible guitar solos, and engaging energy from the band as we tackle familiar songs you rarely hear a live group perform. Follow us on social media, or subscribe to our email list, and join our ever-growing number of intensely loyal fans by visiting our website: RIYBand.com
The Christopher James Band
Christopher James Music delivers versatile and engaging live music, tailored to suit any venue or event. Whether you’re looking for the intimate feel of an acoustic set, the harmony of a duo, or the energy of a full band, we’ve got you covered.
- Christopher James (acoustic) features rhythm guitar and lead vocals, perfect for laid-back vibes.
- Christopher James & The Claus (duo) adds Ralph Hoskins on vocals and bass for a richer sound.
- Christopher James Band (full band) brings it all together with Tom Harmon on percussion, delivering a high-energy performance.
From classic rock and blues to pop and country, we offer an eclectic mix of styles that guarantees something for everyone. Let Christopher James Music take you on a musical journey you won’t forget.
Join our growing fanbase by following us here: Christopher James Music | Facebook
2024 Wingfest Winners
GRAND CHAMPS
A. DeMarco & Co.
MOST ORIGINAL
BW Wings
WING EATING CHAMP
Kale Coey / Hangin’ Wangs
BOBBING FOR WINGS CHAMPS
OUR EVENT PARTNERS
GROVE CITY GOLD WING SPONSORS
This year’s Wingfest proceeds benefit South-Western Career Academy, Ghosts of War America, and GiGi’s.
In 2024, American Nitrile donated $5000 to the Southwest Career Academy, who provided volunteers for the event.
EVENT PHOTO GALLERY
Join us for a day of fun, music, good food and competition –
where we put our local teams to the test.
Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest is a chance to come together and celebrate our great community and American Nitrile – bringing manufacturing back to the USA, all while supporting great causes – financial support for students in the manufacturing, welding, and hospitality programs at South-Western Career Academy and Ghosts of War America – providing needed assistance to help get veterans off the streets and get them the care they deserve.
At this family-friendly event, you’ll have a blast listening to great music as you enjoy scrumptious wings (place your vote for best tasting wings) while you enjoy an ice-cold beer or some great treats from the food trucks! You’ll laugh watching contestants bob for wings as your friends and family are having fun playing cornhole.
SIGN UP FOR EVENTS
Wing Smokin’ and Cookin’ Contest
Enter your team of 2-4 people and show off your skills to our panel of judges to become the Second Annual Hot Wing Champions! Money and prizes will be awarded in the categories of Crowd Favorite and Most Original, and the Grand Prize-winning team takes home $1000!
Register Your Wing Team
Fill out the form below to get started!
Bobbin’ For Wings contest
It’s like bobbing for apples except with chicken wings and a wagon full of ranch dressing. Put your skills to the test for a chance to win money and prizes, and oh yeah, as many wings as you can eat in two minutes!
Wing Eating Contest
Think you have what it takes to grab the grand prize as the ultimate wing eater? Bring your appetite and maybe a bib and some Tums! Money and prizes awarded to the winner for our first annual wing eating champion!
For information on registering teams or being a sponsor: Tracy Pabst at tpabst@americannitrile.com
CELEBRITY JUDGES
Trey Kauffman
Trey Kauffman is the founder of GroveCityEvents.com, your one-stop shop for everything happening around town, and the owner of Mosaic Life Creative, a creative web design and digital marketing studio based right here in Grove City. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce—when he’s not out chasing big ideas or hotter wings. As a celebrity judge at the Grove City Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest, Trey’s bringing his taste for bold flavor and bigger heat—the kind that makes your eyes water and your heart race. He’s not here to play it safe—he’s here to wing it, sweat a little, and maybe fall in love with a drumette or two
Chef Jimmy Mitchell
Meet Chef Jimmy Mitchell – Columbus’s own flavor wizard with 30+ years of kitchen magic. He’s the brains (and taste buds) behind J Mitchell’s Spices & Sauces, including the legendary WooHoo Sauce and his fiery Five Alarm Hot Sauce, brewed with ghost peppers and Carolina Reapers he grows himself! A self-proclaimed spice junkie, Jimmy’s grilled, smoked, and sautéed his way through restaurants, hospitals, and catering gigs. These days, he’s cooking up fun in classes, mentoring foodpreneurs, and chilling at cabins with his wife – fishing rod in one hand, hot sauce in the other.
Chef Geoff Baumberger
Long before becoming Regional Chef & Operating Partner for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Geoff Baumberger fell in love with cooking during family holiday meals. A Culinary Institute of America grad, he’s opened award-winning kitchens in Columbus, Phoenix, NYC, and Beverly Hills. Now back in Ohio, Geoff mentors chefs and leads multiple restaurant concepts. Off-duty, he’s golfing, snowboarding, or grilling—and always up for ice cream. At Wingfest 2025, he’s back as a celebrity judge, ready to crown the best wings with a smile and a full plate.
Jeff Bailey
Commercial banker by day, concert junkie and PC builder by night. I’m Jeff Bailey, a military brat turned Southeast Ohio native turned Columbus foodie. Wings have been a staple since childhood in the Appalachian hills, and my palate’s been sharpened by a lifetime of global eats and local heat. In my day job, I help businesses grow as a strategic banking advisor, and I’m proud to serve on local nonprofit boards focused on giving back. When it comes to judging wings, I’m all about that crispy skin, tender meat, and bold garlic flavor – for a spicy kick. Bring on the dry rubs and saucy legends—I’m ready!
John Martin
John Martin is the President of Martin Painting & Coating Co., located in Grove City. With decades of leadership in the commercial and industrial painting industry, he has built a reputation for integrity, quality, and community involvement. Outside of work, John is an avid fisherman who enjoys boating and spending time on the water with family and friends. This year, he brings his discerning eye, and taste buds, to the Grove City WingFest judging panel, where he looks forward to the spirited competition and, of course, sampling some of the city’s best wings.
Tim Hall
Radio voice by day, bourbon-sipping golf junkie by weekend. I’m Timmy Hall—afternoons on Common Man & Timmy from 3–6pm on The Fan. I’ve been on the mic in Columbus since 2012, and while I grew up in Northern Virginia (with pit stops in Raleigh and KC), Central Ohio is my forever home. I live in Hilliard with my wife and teenage son, who kindly tolerate my dad jokes and NCAA basketball rants. When I’m not on-air, I’m into football, home & garden projects, great food, and debating the quotability of Christmas Vacation. When it comes to wings? Give me crispy, flavorful, and bold—bonus points if they pair well with bourbon.
Pam Downing
Pam Downing is an experienced educator and leader with a diverse career that spans international work, economic development, and over two decades in career and technical education. She currently serves as Principal of South-Western Career Academy, following leadership roles at Apollo Career Center and Greene County Career Center.
Outside of work, Pam enjoys reading, canoeing and kayaking, traveling, and rescuing pets. She cherishes time with her husband Phil, sons Chad and Bill, daughter-in-law Maggie, and granddaughter Maeve.
Pam’s favorite wings are Traditional Buffalo and Garlic Parmesan, and she’s thrilled to be a Wingfest judge: “I’m looking forward to trying a lot of different wings!”
Heath Donohue
Meet Heath Donohue, representing Breck’s Paving as a celebrity judge for Grove City’s 2025 Wing & Music Fest! Heath is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained culinary powerhouse with over 30 years of experience turning up the heat in some of the country’s top kitchens. From sizzling at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants to serving up perfection at the legendary Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse, he’s seen (and seared) it all.
But just when you thought his career was on fire, life served him something even better: fatherhood. When his first daughter was born, he traded chef whites for burp cloths and embraced his new title — Stay-at-Home Superdad.
Now he’s back in action, judging wings with the precision of a seasoned chef and the enthusiasm of a dad who’s finally getting a break from chicken nuggets. He knows his way around spice, smoke, and saucy flavor — so competitors, bring your best. Chef Dad is watching!
Brian Lloyd
Brian Lloyd is the proud Co-owner of i9 Sports® Southwest Columbus, located in Grove City. As part of the nation’s largest multi-sport provider dedicated to high-quality, community-based youth sports leagues, Brian is passionate about creating a fun, positive experience for kids and families alike.
A Marine Corps disabled veteran and Grove City resident for over 30 years, Brian is also a self-proclaimed buffalo wing enthusiast. This year, he is bringing his spicy spirit to the Grove City Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest as a celebrity judge—ready to stir up some excitement and have a clucking great time!
Kelly Belly
Kelly Belly BBQ is a BBQ enthusiast who creates BBQ recipe and how to videos on social media including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Kelly Belly brings a fun and exciting approach to how to make good BBQ while showcasing different techniques, skills, and recipes. Kelly has lived in central Ohio with his family for 30 years in Powell where he is active volunteering his time with Stockhands-Horses for Healing, making BBQ for first responders and foodbanks, and pursuing his dream of one day becoming a famous BBQ content creator. You can support Kelly by following him on all the different social media platforms where you can find him by searching for “Kelly Belly BBQ”. Kelly Belly not only has a taste for good wings, but he also makes world class wings himself so he has the discriminating eye and taste buds to know what to look for. He’s very excited to be a celebrity judge at this year’s wingfest
EVENT INFORMATION
No Coolers
No Weapons
Security / Bag check @event – Backpacks/purses will be checked
Folding Chairs are allowed