VIDEO: Entertainment reporter Raykael Morris talks to festival goers about their experience during the event.
Thousands of eager festival attendees stood in lengthy lines waiting for their chance to enjoy New Orleans’ first annual Fried Chicken Festival. At least 40,000 fried chicken lovers poured into the Big Easy to get a taste of the 28 vendors’ best dishes.
The event was held in Lafayette Square Sunday, Sept. 25. Festivities started at 10:45 a.m. with a second line led by the Zulu 2015 Witch Doctor and Zulu Tramps.
Some of the vendors included Liberty’s Kitchen, Cafe Reconcile and the Fry Bar.
The combinations of fried chicken seemed endless. From bacon-infused chicken and waffles to chicken gumbo, the festival offered a variety of options for the crowd to enjoy.
The vendors were not only excited to serve the community, but also eager to compete against each other for the titles of “Best Fried Chicken” and “Best Use of Fried Chicken in a Dish.”
Sponsored by Raising Cane’s, the franchise held a chicken finger eating contest. Attendees enjoyed low-cost food, special guests and live music.
Local artists, such as Sweet Crude, Tank and the Bangs and Mannie Fresh gave musical performances. Radio personality Uptown Angela, celebrity chef Leah Chase, members of the Saintsations dance team and New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu also attended the festival.
With children and pets in attendance, the event remained family friendly.
Despite the clean entertainment, some attendees felt the lines were too long. Festival-goer Anna Bode said she waited in line for three hours.
“It’s a lot more packed than I thought it would be, but the music is amazing and the weather is nice,” Bode said.
Though the lines stretched long, most of the crowd agreed the event was a success.
Attendee Christian Caillouet said he believes the festival was a great chance for people to come together and relax.
“It’s just a bunch of fun and I love the positive atmosphere,” Caillouet said.
After the event, judges announced that New Orleans restaurant Original Fiorella’s Cafe won “Best Fried Chicken,” and Chalmette restaurant Jazz City Cafe won “Best Use of Fried Chicken in a Dish.”
Liberty’s Kitchen and Cafe Reconcile also received a $5,000 contribution from the festival producers.