DeSoto Wings and Ribs Competition and Festival rescheduled

April 2, 2025- Due to flooding and dangerous weather conditions, DeSoto County Dream Center and all of the community partners involved made the difficult decision to postpone DeSoto Wings and Ribs Competition and Festival from April 5 to April 19. The community-wide festival will remain at Olive Branch City Park from 11 am to 4 pm.

Festival organizers said the event postponement means that there is still time to get involved and partner with DeSoto County Dream Center in providing resources, encouragement and hope to the underserved in DeSoto County. The Rib Cook off Association is officially sanctioning the rib AND wings portion of the competition, guaranteeing a battle between the Mid-South’s grill masters.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes Mississippi’s own American Idol finalist, country music star, Zachariah Smith.

Other event highlights include:

• Cornhole tournament
• Bounce houses and games for kids 
• Live musical performances
• Food trucks
• Blazin’ Challenge wing eating contest
• Cruzin’ with the Arc Car Show in collaboration with The Arc Northwest Mississippi 

Admission is free to this family event, however People’s Choice Wing Tasting tickets will be available for purchase.

All proceeds from the DeSoto Wings and Ribs Competition and Festival will directly benefit the DeSoto County Dream Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading Christ’s love to the underserved in our community by providing essential resources such as food, clothing, healthcare, and educational assistance. Last year, the estimated 7,500 guests in attendance and event sponsors helped raise over $30,000, impacting the underserved in DeSoto County.

“It was one of the most enjoyable and exciting events we could have done last year!” said returning cooking team member, and Echols Catering co-owner, Alisha Echols. “DeSoto Wings is a great exposure for any business involved and for a great organization like the DeSoto Dream Center.”

Teams eager to showcase their culinary prowess and win cash prizes can sign up for various categories including Traditional Wings, Unique Wings, and Ribs. Additionally, participants can register for the Wings People’s Choice category, where the winner takes home half of Wings People’s Choice registrations and more bragging rights, while helping impact the underserved in DeSoto County. 

For more information, to sponsor, or to register as a cooking team, go to www.desotodreamcenter.org/desoto-wings