For 2nd year, Killarney takes home gold for chicken wings at Okemo event

For the second year in a row, the Killarney restaurant in Ludlow has taken home First Place in Okemo Mountain Resort’s annual Chicken Wing Championship, a people’s choice contest held in conjunction with the resort’s Hops in the Hills Beer and Wine Festival.

Okemo Hops in the Hills 2015 Chicken Wing Champions are Killarney owner Mark Verespy, right, who served up Sweet and Savory Barbecue Wings with the help of his children Molly, left, and Connor.

Killarney’s Irish Pub owner Mark Verespy, a Chester resident and firefighter, served up savory wings with the help of his children Molly and Connor.

More than 5,000 beer and wine drinkers turned out this past weekend — Aug. 7 through 9 — to enjoy the beer, food and live music performed by five bands.

The chicken wing tasting took place on Saturday, Aug. 8, with five Ludlow restaurants competing:  The Killarney with Sweet and Savory Barbecue Wings; Mojo Café with Dry Hopped Wings; Squeels on Wheels with Saucey Sow and Kickin’ Sow Wings; 5 Spot Bar and Grill with Bourbon Molasses Wings; Coleman Brook Tavern with Pox Pox Wings.

“It was a very close contest,” said Okemo contest event organizer Marlaina Wing (yes, that’s her real name). “It was great to see such friendly rivalry taking place between our local restaurants and it is a clear indication that visitors coming to Ludlow can expect to find some delicious chicken wings in Okemo Valley.”

Nearly 6,000 chicken wings were consumed during the event and attendees could purchase a judging package, providing them with wing tickets for sampling entries and a single ballot for selecting their favorite.

Plans are  under way for next summer’s annual Hops in the Hills Beer and Wine Festival and Chicken Wing Championship. For more information, visit okemo.com or see photos and videos of this year’s event at facebook.com/okemomountain and twitter.com/okemomountain.