Schaumburg Wingfest crowns new champion

The 16th annual Woodfield Area Children's Organization Wingfest & Bags Tournament charity event crowned a new champion Sunday in an afternoon of fundraising, laughs and friendly competition at Drink Nightclub in Schaumburg.

Across the 16 local restaurants judged, newcomer Sweet Caroline's Crab-n-Que of Hoffman Estates came out on top to win the "Best of the 'Burbs" Thighsman Trophy and a $250 cash prize. Sweet Caroline's impressed five judges in a blind taste test enough to dethrone 2015 champions Frato's Pizza of Schaumburg.

Ala Carte Entertainment representative Bob Whitehead, who accepted the award for Sweet Caroline's, said the win was extra special in their first year of competition.

"We've only been in business for a little over a year and a half now," Whitehead said. "This is our first year competing in Wingfest and it feels just fantastic to have won."

The day's fundraiser included wings and bags tournaments, wing-eating contests and live music to benefit the Woodfield Area Children's Organization, which has been helping disadvantaged children since 1979.

"This was the best Wingfest yet," Whitehead said. "We had the most sponsors we've ever had and it all goes to a great cause. That's the best part."