Today, in celebration of the National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF), Founder/Producer Cleveland Spears, III, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation President and CEO Mark Romig, festival sponsors, partners and business leaders joined together to unveil new additions to the event and to officially commence the 8-day countdown to the start of the festival on Friday, Sept. 20, at Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The New Orleans Saints Mascot Gumbo was on hand along with the Saintsations in the French Market District to celebrate the fourth-year festival presented by Raising Cane's.
Organizers announced the festival's new green initiative that will reduce the environmental impact of the expected 200,000 attendees. The initiative encourages festival-goers to reduce plastic waste by placing bins for all recyclable goods throughout the festival grounds.
"We're excited for another year of uniting people together over a weekend of culture, entertainment and the love of fried chicken," said FCF founder/producer and president and CEO of Spears Group, Cleveland Spears III. "This year's event will elevate festival goers' experience with an exciting music lineup, new attractions and over 30 independently owned, local and national restaurants."
FCF is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 20, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The national festival, presented by Raising Cane's, attracts dishes and southern favorites from restaurants nationwide. After hosting more than 175,000 guests in its third year, organizers are planning for over 200,000 guests along the Mississippi River in New Orleans during the festival weekend.
"All of us at Cane's are excited to once again serve as the presenting sponsor for the National Fried Chicken Festival right here in New Orleans," said Todd Graves, Raising Cane's Founder and CEO. "It's no surprise to us that it is quickly becoming one of the largest food festivals in the country. We love showcasing our favorite food and the culinary talents of so many to a national audience!"
Festival attendees can enjoy nationally-renowned restaurants from Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana at this year's fest. The festival will also feature vegan and gluten-free options as well as local restaurant favorites such as Ma Momma's House, Blue Oak BBQ, We Dat's Chicken & Shrimp, District Donuts Sliders & Brew, 14 Parishes and many more. For the full list of restaurants, click here.
"We're excited to partner with National Fried Chicken Fest for another year in its effort to provide a boost to the local and statewide economy," said Mark Romig, NOTMC President and CEO. "By giving small business owners and entertainers an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage, the festival is supporting the economy during a typically slower tourist season in September. Local restaurants and entertainers have the great opportunity to showcase their talent to a large and diverse audience spanning three days."
Restaurants will compete for bragging rights in the festivals two highly coveted tasting contests, "Best Fried Chicken" and "Best Use of Fried Chicken in a Dish."
The festival will also feature an exciting lineup of entertainment for all across three stages. The main stage music lineup presented by OffBeat Magazine will include performances by the world-renowned St. Augustine High School Marching Band, the new group Bounce Royalty, comprised of Choppa, Cheeky Blakk, and DJ Jubilee, making their first performance as the newly formed group of bounce legends; Bonerama, and much more. The Crown Royal DJ stage will feature hours of exciting beats from a wide variety of DJs, including what festival organizers are referring to a Crowd Karaoke, Saturday afternoon. A new addition to the fest's entertainment includes the NOLA Culture Pavilion. The NOLA Culture Pavilion will provide a platform for community and cultural organizations to showcase their talents and traditions. View the full music line-up here.
Returning attractions also include Cane's Square presented by Raising Cane's, the Mist and Chill lounge presented by New Orleans & Company and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, and game-day screening for NFL and NCAA football fans. Festival attendees will also enjoy a new beer tasting garden and a Coors Light Cold Stream experience presented by Miller Coors.
While the festival continues to be free and open to all, attendees can upgrade their experience to the Chandon Bottomless Bubbles Lounge or the Crown Royalty Lounge, both offering tented, furnished lounges with food and beverage offerings.
FCF is a free outdoor festival in New Orleans that brings the community together to celebrate and indulge in one of America's favorite foods. The festival would not be possible without the support of amazing partners and sponsors, including Raising Cane's, Capital One, Miller Coors, Crown Royal, AT&T, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and New Orleans & Company and countless other media partners and contributors.