SEEKONK – Last Wednesday night, members of the Attleboro and Seekonk Fire Departments gathered at Boneyard BBQ on Central Avenue in Seekonk, taking part in a chicken wing eating contest to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Officially dubbed the "First Annual Wing-Off," The two departments each put up groups of five for the challenge. Each team was given a total of 90 pounds of chicken wings and five minutes to eat, with the leftover bones from each piece of chicken weighed for a group total. Funds at the event were raised by raffles throughout the night as well as per-pound pledges given to departments for the weight of wings consumed.

Seekonk firefighter Shaun Whalen, who worked as the referee for the contest, estimated that the event raised about $3,000.

Boneyard BBQ co-owner Carnia Ashchian said the contest came together as a community event.

"The last restaurant I ran was in the neighborhood I grew up and I believe in being part of the community," Mr. Ashchian said. "Being right on the line between Attleboro and Seekonk, and with our wings being what we're known for, we figured we would let the big guys battle it out. They came here for a good cause."

Before the chow-down began, members of both teams were optimistic, with each estimating they could take down about 30 pounds of wings.

"It comes down to being a small town in a big city, and the city boys will win" said Attleboro firefighter Jay Mayer. "Slow and steady will win the battle."

"We're going to slaughter Attleboro," Mr. Whalen said.

As the contest began, the mood in the room was tense, with more 50 spectators gathering around the eating table. As both teams ate, the crowd roared with chants and encouragement. For safety's sake, a number of chum buckets were ready for the competitors.

When the scraps had settled, both team's estimates were realized, with each group taking down 30 pounds.

A tie, however, was not to be had. To break the draw, each department sent one man back to the feeding table for a two-minute, five-pound showdown.

At the end of the night, it was the Seekonk department that came out victorious, with firefighter Scott Celikbas beating Mr. Mayer by a quarter-pound.

"I let my team down," Mr. Mayer said after the defeat.

At least he was able to keep the wings down.

"I'm feeling good now. I almost lost it."

Mr. Celikbas said the victory was a team effort, with the strength to win coming from the encouragement of his brother and sister firefighters.

Though the "Wing-Off" trophy went to Seekonk, those on hand all agreed the night's victor didn't eat a thing.

"The real winner here is MDA," Seekonk Fire Chief Allan Jack said.

Two MDA representatives were on hand for the event, with each cheering for one side.

"This is a one of a kind event. It's great turnout, better than expected," said MDA representative Brittany Brown. "I'm here supporting my Seekonk boys."

Ms. Brown also said the two fire departments work frequently with MDA, including annual "fill-the-boot" fundraisers. In nine months with MDA, Ms. Brown said she had never seen a chicken wing eating contest fundraiser.

In addition to the "Wing-Off," the night also featured a hot-wing eating contest. Competitors in this event took shots trying to be the first to take-down a pound "Mojo" style wings, the hottest offered at Barnyard BBQ.

Taking the prize in this event was another Seekonk firefighter, Jeff Magill.

Going forward, event organizers say they hope that this will be the first of many "wing-offs" to benefit muscular dystrophy.

By George Morse