NEW ORLEANS – In honor of National Chicken Finger Day, the Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) organizers have announced that Louisiana based Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is the official presenting sponsor of the inaugural festival. The Fried Chicken Festival presented by Raising Cane's is set to take place on Sunday, September 25, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Lafayette Square, located in the Central Business District of New Orleans.
"We are thrilled to have such an outstanding, local brand be a part of the inaugural Fried Chicken Festival," said Cleveland Spears, III, FCF organizer and President/CEO of the Spears Group. "What Raising Cane's has accomplished over the past two decades is remarkable, and to have them as not only sponsors, but true partners is something that we are extremely proud of and excited about."
The Fried Chicken Festival presented by Raising Cane's will feature a 10-foot ONE LOVE wall where festival attendees will be encouraged to share a message of love and encouragement as well what they love about fried chicken and the festival. Festival organizers have added a Chicken Tender Eating Contest to celebrate Cane's popular dish.
"When we first learned about the Fried Chicken Festival, we knew we had to be a part of it," said Todd Graves, Founder and CEO of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. "We believe this is the next big thing for New Orleans, the south and potentially the country, and that is why Raising Cane's has committed to serving as the Presenting Sponsor. We know that this festival will attract people from across the region to enjoy and celebrate everyone's favorite Southern dish."
More than 26 local favorites will be showcased at the FCF. Featured restaurants include Bayou Hot Wings, Diva Dawg, McHardy's Fried Chicken, Milkfish, The Company Burger, Crepes a la Cart and more. Vendors will create uniquely crafted versions of the beloved Southern dish and other creative takes on the dish that are sure to become festival favorites.
FCF is a free outdoor festival that brings food, music, family and festivities together in celebration of the classic Southern dish. The festival will include events such as the Fried Chicken Tenders Eating Contest and the Best Fried Chicken Contest, which will be judged by local and national food writers, bloggers and critics.
