Barbara Hardt, Gilpin County. The information went out on social media, just days before the event, announcing “Wings Over Gilpin” at Roy’s Last Shot.  

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, a line of cars trickled through the lot. A serpentine, moving slowly, one at a time to the front of the line, to collect the bounty. Many waited for a half hour or longer. It was a beautiful sight. 

Social distancing was in place. Masks were worn. Cars stayed a respectful distance apart. 

Chip Smith showed up to pick up some wings and handed out copies of The Mountain-Ear, for people to read while they waited.  

Like many area restaurants, Roy has remained open for pickup and delivery. Yet most days the parking lot sits empty. The barstools are stacked atop the bar. The restaurant serves local food to go through the side door.

On that Thursday locals showed up in record numbers, to wait in line, patiently, for some savory wings and fries. Linda Wagner, Donna McNeil, Ted and Heidi Davis, Michelle Sally, Nicole Straub, Anna Picard, Roy and Barbara Stewart made it happen. They handed out a thousand pounds of free wings, 150 pounds of French fries, three gallons of ranch dressing, a shared masked smile, and a handful of love.

Standing at the edge of the kitchen, this reporter enjoyed taking a photo, looking in, watching the magic happen, the genius at work. Some may say it doesn’t take much to cook up some chicken wings and hand them out. But the reality is, this was more than magic. This was a community operation of love.

One couldn’t help but think what an amazing community we live in. It’s so tough right now for everyone. Even going out of the house to get a special little treat is hard. 

I, for one, am very grateful for these folks that continue to bring something positive to the community. Despite the times. Despite the lack of business. Despite so many things we are facing. Overhead costs at any local restaurant are much higher than what they are making. Not even including staff. Yet here we are, crunching on a tasty treat.

The next event will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Keep an eye on the paper for further details. Brats, hot dogs and chips will be served.

 Love from the community: Thank you so much to Roy and Barb and everyone behind the scenes at the Last Shot to provide the free chicken wings over Gilpin. It was so good to see people, reminds me of the good ol’ days, and the food was excellent. Thank You Sincerely, Ron and Barbie

Many thanks to Roy’s Last Shot for the delicious dinner of wings and fries.  I had forgotten about your generous offer in your post, and was surprised when I finished up working from home and dinner was ready!  Jim had gone by and gotten the wings and fries! We had just enough left over bbq sauce to make them extra special. Many thanks, Jim Smith & Kirsten Springer

It was awesome of them to hook the neighborhood up! -Michael Koziel

Thank you, Roy and Barb. -Judy Moir

(Originally published in the May 30, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)