Hot wings contest to heat up Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT (GTNS) ? Chicken wing fans, assemble. Wings in the Spring is coming to Mt. Pleasant?s Central Park 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Expected to bring together at least a dozen amateur chefs from around the southeast Iowa area to downtown Mt. Pleasant, the first-ever Wings in the Spring chicken wing cooking contest will award cash prizes to the top competitors as well as the people?s choice recipient.

In addition to chicken wing tasting, there will be opportunities to sample various Iowa craft beers from over five local breweries and two local distributors. Live music will also be onsite during the duration of the event.

Competitors need to provide samples for 200 to 300 people, a 100-foot heavy duty extension cord, if needed, their own table, the contest entry fee and any grilling, cooking, or serving equipment needed.

To sign up for the contest, contact Lisa Oetken at loetken@mountpleasantiowa.org or 319-385-3101 ext. 225.

The event is in conjunction with the kick-off of Market on Main farmer?s market, which brings together farmers, ranchers and artisans selling locally-grown produce, as well as handcrafted crafts, candles and much more.

According to Oetken, the Mt. Pleasant Chamber hopes to plan some type of special event for every Market on Main this year in an effort to work with downtown retailers to boost Mt. Pleasant?s local economy.

?There will be something there for everyone on Tuesday,? said Oetken. ?We are expecting a large turnout for our kickoff to Market on Main, and should have a good deal of fun as a community.?