The 12th annual Covenant Health Big Kahuna Labor Day Festival concluded another successful year, bringing together thousands of community members at World’s Fair Park on Sunday, Aug. 31. The celebrated event raised more than $55,000 for vital local charities. 
 
At a press conference held on Nov. 6 at the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) Building at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, event officials presented checks to the beneficiaries.
 
The festival’s main attraction, the Southeast’s largest wing competition, was bigger than ever with over 35 top culinary teams from across the region competing for titles and bragging rights. The winning teams also received an invitation to the World Food Championships. Thousands of festival goers enjoyed the spectacular weather in downtown Knoxville and sampled countless wings throughout the day.
 
“Seeing the Knoxville community come together with such enthusiasm is the reason we do this every year,” said Matt Beeler, the festival’s founder. “To be able to present over $55,000 to Thompson Cancer Survival Center, the Educator Resource Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is a testament to the incredible support from our attendees, volunteers and sponsors like Covenant Health and Ingles Markets. We are profoundly grateful for everyone who made this day a success.”
 
Beyond the premier wing competition, the festival delivered a full day of entertainment for all ages. Families fill the Kids’ Corner, which featured a variety of inflatables, and crowds were wowed by the high-flying acrobatic feats of the Ultimate Air Dogs. The day also included a top-flight musical lineup with acts such as Arkansauce and Fireside Collective, all leading up to a stunning finale: one of the largest pyro-musical fireworks shows in America.
 
The funds raised will provide significant support to the missions of both the Thompson Cancer Survival Center and the Educator Resource Center, reinforcing the festival’s deep-rotted commitment to the East Tennessee community. Planning for the 13th annual event in 2026 is already underway.
                                                                               
To learn more about the Big Kahuna Wing Festival or to be a part of the 2026 event, visit here.