'Celebrate the kickoff of summer': Crowds drawn to Ebensburg for wings, vehicles, music

EBENSBURG, Pa. – Taking a bite of a honey barbecue wing, Todd Bines declared it to be "outstanding."

The Warren County resident and his wife, Kris, were in Ebensburg Thursday, enjoying the food and taking in the entertainment at the 22nd annual Wheels & Wings event.

"My daughter lives in Ebensburg and she recently got married and is on her honeymoon, so we're babysitting our granddog," said Kris Bines.

"We've never been to this. We were at a ballgame Wednesday and we were told about it and we decided to come. I think this is just great, and I wish our town did this."

On hand were a number of area restaurants and food vendors, serving up a variety of wing flavors ranging from sweet to spicy and everything in between.

"This is a great opportunity for people to come out into downtown and check out the bars, restaurants and shops and see what Ebensburg has to offer, " said Danea Koss, Ebensburg's community development director.

"We see a lot of the same people come back year after year, so it's great to welcome everyone back after the winter months.

"It's a way to celebrate the kickoff of summer."

Brandon Auvdel, part-owner of Wingnutz Grill, of Ebensburg, said the business has been attending Wheels & Wings since its inception.

"Our very first event that we ever did was here, and we grew our food truck based off of this event," he said. "Wheels & Wings has grown and has its own following, so there's always a good crowd."

Auvdel said the event is important to the Ebensburg community.

"It gives the people who live here something to do, but it also brings in people from outside of Ebensburg as well," he said. "This is a fun event for everyone to come out to."

The event was rocking into the evening, with musical entertainment provided by local band Octane.

A car, truck and motorcycle show was held and attracted vehicle enthusiasts, who checked out the classic styles.

The event also included a wing-off with a panel of judges determining the best wings, hottest wings, best sweet and spicy wings, and most creative wings.

"Wheels & Wings brings the community together, and it helps the local merchants," said Randy Datsko, mayor of Ebensburg, prior to taking part as a judge in the wing-off. "This all started because of Thunder in the Valley, and it's become something that we want to continue on.

"A lot of people show up, and it's a good time for people of all ages."

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