If you thought it was hot outside on Friday, June 24, then you can thank the 2022 wing eating contest. The Brookville Blazin' Inferno challenge brought the heat as twelve brave contestants battled it out to see who could master the hottest sauces. Contestants included:

· Justin Bradley
· Chad Burton
· Grant Halcomb
· Clayton Kinnett
· Matt Helferich
· Mike Powell
· Gavin Cain
· Craig Brown
· Brandon Monroe
· Giancarlo Destefano
· Robin Catron
· Micky Wilson

Reigning champion Justin Bradley came ready and fired up to keep his throne. With a determined demeanor, Bradley boldly challenged his opponents with a fierce speech and declaration of pending victory. 

Gage Pace officiated the contest, walking the table to ensure all contestants followed the rules to pass each round.

For round one, all twelve contestants were given four wings coated in the Carolina Reaper hot sauce. This was too easy for our participants and all, but one, passed the round swiftly. With 11 contestants left, a two-minute break was given to allow the burn to settle in while new wings were brought out.

Round two began with four wings coated in Skyline's hot sauce. Once again, all but one contestant passed, proving that these sauces are nothing to our participants. Another two-minute break ensued to let the burn simmer as the next batch were brought out.

Round three proved to be the deciding point on who could continue and who needed to stop. Ten contestants were given four wings coated in sauce donated by El Reparo. For those who don't know, this sauce not only comes with a warning label, but is so hot, it can be used as an industrial cleaner. Our contestants could feel the burn rise as they powered through their wings. Water was drunk and deep breaths were taken, but round three ended with only six people remaining.

As round four brought the next batch of wings, our contestants remained determined to see this contest through thanks to the cheers and applause from our rambunctious crowd. The support of family and friends shouting out encouragements set our contestants on fire, and they readied themselves for the heat. The wings were coated in hot sauce donated by Dairy Cottage. Contestants took these wings steadily, but there was no shortage of struggling either. Red faces, teary eyes, and even a nosebleed accompanied the finishing round and leaving just three contestants left.

Reigning champion  Bradley accepted defeat with grace as he bowed out upon completion of round 4. Now, with three contestants left, the final set of wings were brought out and the intensity was ramped up. 

Five wings coated in a secret sauce and the contest became a race. Who would finish the wings first? Who would become the new champion? The final round means contestants have to be the first to finish the wings, lick their fork clean, lick their plate clean, and prove they aren't holding any remnants in their mouth. The crowd screamed and cheered for our final participants, which whittled down to just two.

Craig Brown and Mike Powell battled it out head on. While Craig took his time with his wings, Mike attempted to keep a steady pace despite the searing burn in his mouth. Both contestants spared one another, and their wings, no mercy.

Round five ended with Craig Brown as the new wing eating contest champion. That's five rounds, five different hot sauces, and 21 wings. Even though gallons of water would be needed, Brown welcomed the victory with resonating cheers and applause from the crowd. He was presented his cash prize and winning plaque from Gage.

Special thanks are given to:
·Brandon Ball, owner of Crazy Dogs, for supplying the wings.
· Ron Spratt, the kitchen manager of Crazy Dogs, for preparing the wings.
· Kyrsten Hokey and Cheryl Kaiser for bringing out new batches to the contestants.
· Gage Pace for officiating.
· Brian for hosting the event with avid detail.
· James Kozuch for assisting in organizing.
· Liz Stenger and Brent Lee from WRBI Country 103.9 for hosting a live podcast (Main Street Races/American Legion)
· The Daily Scoop for providing free ice cream to our contestants.

Thank you to everyone who came out and participated or watched the Brookville Blazin' Inferno challenge. The high-stakes battle to beat the heat remains an intense, yet captivating competition for all to enjoy!

Congratulations to Craig Brown for claiming victory and we hope to see him back next year to keep his title!