By Dee Longfellow
It might be the event we’ve all been waiting for. How ‘bout some mouth-watering ribs? Or chicken. Anything that goes on the grill!
This Sunday, Sept. 4 from 12 noon to 7 p.m. the public is invited to the municipal parking lot on Vallette, just east of York St., behind the Knights of Columbus, where almost 20 grillers are ready to pick up the tongs, fork or spatula and compete for prizes. Entry to the event is free.
“You will learn more just by watching the other contenders and enjoying the process,” said Bill Steber, the Grand Champion Griller in 2019. “Also, it’s for a great cause.”
Great judges, which usually includes Mayor Scott Levin, will be there using their skill to choose the best sauce, best ribs, best chicken, the People’s Choice award and a Grand Champion.
Last year’s Grand Champion was Steve DeBoer with the Smokin’ Tailgators, with runner-up Up on the Rooftop’s Bill Stever.
Best Sauce in 2021 went to Tuxedo Park Tsars, led by Frank Pedote; Big Daddy Q, Mike Juneman took the People’s Choice award; Smokin’ Tailgators, Steve DeBoer won for best chicken; and best ribs of all were from Fallin’ Off the Bone with Dan Gibbons.
The rest of the day
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. Tacos will be available this year as well. To top it off, Pilot Pete’s will be pouring teas, lemonade and coffee.
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 balloon twister, face painters, crafts, slide, roaming magician and other fun and games.
The band line-up is as follows:
Simply Sound – 12:30-2 p.m.
Lake Effect – 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Common Area Maintenance (CAM) — 5-7 p.m.
Stay until the end to see who the winners are!
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 an especially challenging year for the not-for-profit, as it strove to meet the increased demand brought on by the crisis. For more information, visit elmhurstwalkin.org.
