King of the Wing
Annual fundraiser crowns new champions for good cause.
The Professional Firefighters of Marion County booth was jumping during the event. The team took home two trophies. [Photo by Jennifer Hunt Murty/Ocala Gazette]
The Marion County Building Industry Association’s annual signature fundraiser, King of the Wing, saw several teams stoking up their grills on March 3 in hopes of taking home bragging rights for the best chicken wings in the area.
After the smoke cleared, the winners were:
Judges Choice:
1. King of the Wing 2026 – TECO
2. Runner up – Professional Firefighters of Ocala
3. Honorable mention – Hooter’s
People’s Choice:
1. Professional Firefighters of Marion County
2. Rauley’s Twisted, Toasted and Smoked – Stentiford Construction
3. Charlie Horse Restaurant
Best Decorated Booth:
1. Stentiford Construction
2. Flying Boat Tap Room
3. Professional Firefighters of Ocala
“This event will help support The ARC of Marion,” said Denise Alexander, MCBIA executive officer, in an email announcing the winners.
Marion County Fire Rescue noted on its Facebook page that “The Professional Firefighters of Marion County proudly brought home the People’s Choice trophy Tuesday evening during the 2026 King of the Wing Competition held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. The annual King of the Wing event, sponsored by the Marion County Building Industry Association, brought together local teams competing for the best wings in the county — all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the event benefit ARC of Marion County, helping provide vital services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.”
Jose Juarez, creator of the BarbaCuban line of specialty sauces, shared on social media that he was part of the firefighter’s union team effort.
“We won People’s Choice award for our wings made with our Bombero’ Banging Sauce. This was a combination of our 455 Sauce, our Cuban Dust seasoning and their Asian flair. Fun time, great cause,” he wrote in part.
To learn more, go to mcbia.org and arcmarion.org
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