The 16th annual Big Game Party and Wing Sauce Competition at Open Arms Community Church brought members of the community out in vast numbers to enjoy a fun, family friendly atmosphere as the Patriots play the Rams in Super Bowl LIII on Sunday evening.
“We host this annual event as our way to share God’s love in a practical way with the community through this friendly event where they can enjoy the atmosphere in a safe space, have fun and meet others,” said the Rev. Mike McAvoy, pastor of Open Arms. “This is our 16th year, and each year the number of attendees has continued to grow. I believe this year will be our biggest thus far: We are already a quarter full and it isn’t even 6 p.m. yet.”
The event not only showcased the game on a very large screen and hosted the wing competition — they also had a seperate area for children to play and watch the movie “Incredibles 2” while the adults enjoyed the wing competition and game. Besides wings, attendees also brought various other snacks, desserts and potluck dishes.
According to McAvoy, the wing competition had become so fierce in previous years that they decided to switch things up this year and split the competition into two categories: traditional and non-traditional wing sauce.
“This year there are approximately 20 competitors between the two categories,” McAvoy stated.
Some of the wing sauce competitors talked about their participation.
“This is my first year attending the event,” said Gloria Eliason. “I am a member of the congregation and decided to come tonight for the fellowship, food and fun — as well as trying my hand with my entry into the traditional wing sauce competition.”
Crystal Collins provided an example of ingredients of a non-traditional wing sauce that she entered into the evening’s competition, which consisted of extremely hot sauce, various cheeses, sour cream, a dab of ranch and a touch of garlic salt while the wings boiled.
Meanwhile, Jeff Thacker, who also entered the non-traditional sauce competition, would not reveal his “top secret” ingredients; however, he disclosed that his special ingredients were a dry rub instead of a sauce.
Winners for the two categories were chosen by random crowd members who were brave enough to try each sauce. The only stipulation was that they had no relation to any of the contestants.
For the first time this year, residents of Maple Manor, an inpatient treatment facility for addiction, were brought by van to enjoy the game and fellowship.
“Tonight is a big deal for our residents,” said Maple Manor employee Jackie Butler. “It is an amazing opportunity for them to get out and have fun. It is so gracious of Open Arms for the invitation to this event, as well as Sunday services.”
In fact, Open Arms has long been an inviting church, according to the employee.
“The congregation has always treated our residents with respect and non-judgement, which can be exceeding beneficial to their recovery process,” said Butler.
Mike Connolly stated he was happy to be at the event as it offered “a safe, sober place with good people who are accepting, non-judgemental, and nice enough to have invited us here this evening.”
