Long Island's Best Wings to Be Crowned at 'Scout Fest'

A chicken wing festival aiming to determine Long Island's top wing purveyors and eaters will take place in Lindenhurst this Saturday. Hosted by local food influencer Ryan Bliss, known as the "Dave Portnoy of Wings," the event, dubbed "Scout Fest," will feature over 20 vendors.

The festival is scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, with streets outside The Spread sports bar being shut down for the event. Bliss, who has a significant following on Instagram and TikTok, stated that Long Island has "some of the best wings around the country" and aims to bring recognition to the region's culinary scene.

The competition will include a variety of sauced and dry-rubbed chicken wings. A panel of judges, including New York Post reporter Alex Mitchell, Mets radio personality Keith Raad, WFAN's Shaun Morash, comedian Mike Keegan, Chef Mike of Jackson Hall, and wing reviewer Matt from Best Wings Long Island, will evaluate the entries. Mitchell expressed excitement about participating in the event, calling Bliss's brand "one of the hottest things on Long Island’s food scene."

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the wings being judged. For a $45 admission fee, festival-goers can taste the entries at no additional charge. An optional wing-eating contest will also be held for an extra $10, with proceeds benefiting the breast cancer foundation All Boobs Matter. The winner of this contest will be crowned the island's wing-eating king.

Celebrity guests are also slated to appear. Actor Joe Gannascoli, known for his role as Vito in "The Sopranos," will be present to promote his new cookbook, "A Meal To Die For." The festival will also feature bouncy houses, face painting, and the unveiling of Bliss's new "Scout Sauce," available for sampling and purchase.

Tickets for Scout Fest can be purchased online at TheWingScout.com/ScoutFest.