OPP hope to defend Guns vs Hoses wing-eating title at Kelsey's, June 10
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When the smoke cleared last June, Oxford OPP were declared winners of the first annual Guns vs Hoses wing eating contest at Kelsey's Tillsonburg.
The OPP and Tillsonburg Fire Services each had three teams in the 2013 competition. Oxford OPP Inspector Tim Clark, captain of the winning team, is excited to be back for the 2nd Annual Guns vs Hoses at Kelsey's on Tuesday, June 10. The contest begins at 7 p.m. on the patio.
"Very excite d," Clark nodded, adding with a smile, "we are the returning champions and we're going to try to repeat. Like I said, been training all my life. Last year it was John Murray, myself, Jack Goodlett and Jerry Acchione. We're trying to get the same team back, but we're having some difficulties. We're bringing in a rookie."
While Clark considers himself a wing master, he gave a shout out to Goodlett, the team's anchor, who retired in 2011 after a 37-year OPP career.
"I've never seen a guy eat chicken wings like Jack Goodlett. He's my idol. But I'm a little concerned the firemen have been doing some extra training in their spare time."
Last year's OPP teams also included constables Stacey Culbert, Lisa Narancsik and Nancy Hodgkin, who will be returning for the 2nd annual Guns vs Hoses, and a team of detectives led by OPP Det. John Byrne who are unavailable this year.
"The fire department had three teams as well," noted Kendall Causyn, Kelsey's Manager – Guest Experience. "That last round, I think it was pretty close."
"If you want pictures, I've got some dandies," Clark laughed. "None of me, of course."
Proceeds from the Guns vs Hoses fundraiser go to the winning team's charity of choice. Last year the OPP selected the Scott Rossiter and Hawkins Family Foundation memorial golf tournament. The Opening Patio Party was a kick-back night – Kelsey's gave back 20 per cent to charity for food or drinks ordered by anyone that had a Guns vs Hoses 'kick-back card.'
"It was a great night," said Clark. "A good fundraiser, lots of fun. We had a good crowd on the patio, too."
Last year's Guns vs Hoses format, which lasted about 90 minutes, worked in a relay fashion, followed by live music. Participants had to eat their allotted share of wings before 'handing off' the plate to a teammate.
"It worked very well what we did last year," said Causyn. "Every year we're going to be tweaking it, give them a different element of surprise... which will not be disclosed until that night, the 10th."
"No gold fish," said Clark. "I don't want to do a goldfish."
TURTLEFEST
"I'm on the dunk tank for Turtlefest, too," noted Clark, who will take his turn Friday, June 13 during the Downtown Block Party. "I think it's 6 p.m. – I have to keep reminding people there's a screen in front of me, they're not throwing AT me... everyone was all excited."