While finger food enthusiasts wait to celebrate the event that proclaims this year’s King of the Wing, promoters of the contest say they are evolving from a contest into a three-day festival. The director of a newly-formed foundation is inviting the public to “Come for the Wings, Stay for the Culture” in 2026.
Organizers say they will present knitting, basket weaving and coal pot demonstrations; musical acts will perform on two different stages, and young artists from the public and private schools will display their creations. There will also be culinary offerings from a variety of V.I. chefs.
Foundation director Vernon Araujo says the transition will not only help promote local foodways, music and artists, but also create a sustainable vehicle to connect nonprofits with potential benefactors. Among the groups benefitting in the past are Nana Baby’s Children’s Home, Junior Achievement of the Virgin Islands and the V.I. Children’s Museum.
“It’s a good time for a good cause, and that’s what we’re most proud of,” the director said.
This year’s festival — the 15th annual — is scheduled to take place June 13. Since the contest began in 2010, organizers have collected close to $1 million to distribute to half a dozen nonprofit organizations in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
“We are blessed in the V.I.; we have a lot of people here that continuously support the nonprofit sector, continuously reach out and we can count on them year after year to help maintain these programs and services,” Araujo said.
Thousands of foodies converged on Magen’s Bay Beach in 2025 to taste the hand of 36 chicken wing chefs and enjoy the sounds of Grammy Award-winning rap artist Lupe Fiasco.
