EWAN’s annual competition brings tasty food, live music, kids activities, raffles, auctions, more
For those who can’t quite bring themselves to let go of summer, the ‘Cue for a Cause offers everything they need to keep it alive. Live music, cold beer, and the sweet, smoky smell of barbecue will keep the summer vibes going.
The Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (EWAN) will host its annual ‘Cue on Sunday, Sept. 3 from 12 noon-7 p.m. at the city lot at York and Vallette, behind the Knights of Columbus. Entry is free.
The event centers around an amateur barbecue competition. Eighteen teams will be competing to prove their ribs, chicken, and sauce are the best, as determined by a panel of judges. The team with the highest combined score in all three categories will be named the 2023 Grand Champion.
While the public does not get to sample the competitors’ food, they are able to taste the sauces and vote on their favorites. They won’t go hungry though. In addition to Barbeque Jim’s—a ‘Cue fixture—this year also brings pizza, taco, and grilled cheese trucks, as well as Pilot Pete’s refreshing drinks.
Beer and wine will be on sale and the root beer float and Italian ice booth will be back to provide cool summer treats.
Three live music acts will keep things rocking throughout the day including The School of Rock, Common Area Maintenance, and Forget Hannah. Meanwhile, children can stay busy in the kids’ play area with crafts, balloons, face painting, an inflatable slide, and more. (Will Joyce S. show off her skills with a hula hoop again this year?)
Visiting the raffle and auction tent is a must. From fall planters; Hawks, Bear, Bulls, and Cubs tickets; a pizza oven; and so much more, there’s something for everyone. Sure to be one of the popular items is a signed Dick Butkus jersey.
All proceeds from the event will be used by the Walk-In Assistance Network to serve Elmhurst families and individuals in need. Since 1997 EWAN has worked to see local residents through tough circumstances, providing more than $1.75 million in financial assistance. According to executive director Jackie Crnkovich, 2023 has been the busiest year on record for EWAN, so a successful ‘Cue is more important than ever.
For more information about EWAN and the ‘Cue, visit elmhurstwalkin.org.
