Calling all backyard grillmasters. It’s on!
After a year hiatus due to–what else–the pandemic, the ‘Cue for a Cause, benefitting the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network, is coming back on Sunday, Sept. 5 from 12 noon to 7 p.m. in the City parking lot at York and Vallette behind the Knights of Columbus.
Registration is now open for anyone interested in testing their skills against other barbecue enthusiasts. Entrants can choose to compete in ribs or chicken, but to be named Grand Champion, they must compete in both categories as well as in the sauce category. The deadline to register is August 21.
Bill and Michelle Steber were named Grand Champions in 2019, and they have already signed up to defend their title this year. Their 2019 win was all the more remarkable for its impressive turnaround as they had landed in last place in the 2018 ‘Cue. Bill feels good about their chances in 2021, saying they practiced a lot throughout the quarantine. Not only did they practice, but their win inspired Bill to develop three sauces which he sold for charity last year.
For Bill, the best part of the day was spending time with the family and friends who came out to support him and Michelle. His advice for first-timers: “Remember that there is a journey in every slab of ribs. Take the time to practice and research your skills. It’s worth it!”
Bill encourages everyone considering competing to give it a try.
“You will learn more just by watching the other contenders and enjoying the process,” he said. “Also, it’s for a great cause.”
A new addition to this year’s ‘Cue will be a pie and cookie bake-off. Meat has ruled the day in the past, but it’s time to give desserts some love. Registration to compete in the bake-off can also be found on-line, and the deadline to sign up is Sept. 1.
Everyone is invited to attend the day of competition and fun. Live bands will play throughout the day and, while the competitors’ fare can’t be tasted, Barbecue Jim’s food truck will be there to satisfy all barbecue cravings. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, along with the popular root beer float stand. The kids will enjoy plenty of entertainment, including a roving magician, balloon twisters and a giant slide.
Raffles also play a part in the day. Among the most sought-after prizes will be the typical Bears, Sox, and Cubs Tickets. This year, attendees will also be able to bid on a day on Lake Michigan on a privately owned yacht. Another hot ticket item is a hard-to-come-by electric bike. Tickets for the bike are available on-line prior to the event. Also available on-line are split-the-pot tickets for those who cannot be there on Sept. 5 but want to show some support.
More information about the day can be found on the EWAN website, elmhurstwalkin.org. Rules, registration forms, a list of prizes, the above-mentioned raffles, as well as information about becoming a sponsor or donating a raffle item are all available there.
The Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network has been serving the Elmhurst community since 1997, providing emergency financial assistance for local families in need. The pandemic created a challenging year for the not-for-profit, as it strove to meet the increased demand brought on by the crisis.
