Highland has a new fall festival! We are ramping up excitement for the Inaugural Flügel Fest. What is a flügel? Flügel is German for “Wing”. This is a chicken wings festival with contests, live music, games, and more. Holding true to Highland’s heritage, using the German term to name the festival accentuates the uniqueness of the community’s tie to its roots. Our community has always been strong, fortified by generations of families, long-time residents and friendships. Flügel Fest was cultivated from exactly that.
Resident Bob Wurth began hosting friends for an annual chicken wing cook-off years ago. Over time, the neighborly get-together evolved into an anticipated event. Mr. Wurth approach our mayor about expanding to the Square. In that moment, Flügel Fest was conceived. City staff formed a committee including Mayor Michaelis, City Manager Mark Latham, Economic Development Coordinator Mallord Hubbard, Building and Zoning Administrator Breann Speraneo, Director of Parks and Recreation Mark Rosen, Director of Public Safety Chief Conrad, and City Intern Stephanie Christian. Together, the team has prepared for the people of Highland a family-friendly, fundraising event that is sure to be a destination year after year.
The day has a jam-packed schedule of attractions. The event will open with a bags tournament. Entry fees will be split 50/50 with the winning team. The Kids Korner will entertain the little ones with crafts and games, face painting, and pumpkin patch. We have items up for silent auction as well as live musical performances by Jeremy Wright from 12pm-2pm, and The Bottoms Up Blues Gang from 7pm-9pm. The wings-eating contest will take place on the stage in the afternoon. Attendees can purchase a punch card for wing samples from all the vendors which doubles as their voting ballot. After experiencing all the samples, attendees will be the deciding judges in the Best West Contest by dropping their punch card in the ballot bucket at the vendor they enjoyed best. Vendors include service organizations, individuals and restaurants. Custom trophies will be awarded to the Best Amateur and Best Professional wings, and to the winner of the wings eating contest. The Jaycees will be providing beer sales and Mayor Michaelis will be providing announcements throughout the day. Vendors will also be offering sides and additional food items for purchase. Proceeds from food and beverage sales, contest entry fees, silent auction and 50/50 raffle will go toward maintenance and preservation of the fountain and Plaza Square Park.
This event has joyfully come together with local Highland businesses, service organizations, and residents eager to participate. We invite all of Highland to come out to eat, drink, play and relax!
October 19, 2019
Plaza Square
11 am-9 pm
