LAKEPORT >> A dozen competitors are ready for one of the hottest contests — yes, in terms of heat and competition — this summer, and the public is invited to help choose the winners. Barbecue amateurs and experts will pit their skills against one another Saturday, August 5, at the eighth annual “Grillin’ on the Green” at Westside Community Park 1401 Westside Park Road, Lakeport.
This year’s grill competitors include teams from the City of Lakeport, the Lakeport Kiwanis, the Early Lake Lions, and the Delta Iota Tau Sorority. Also signed up to vie for bragging rights are Team Smokin’ Aces (Adam Bruch), Beef Cakes (Jessie Richardson), JQ’s (Jason Stricker and Dave Hansen), Team Lakeside (Dennis Rasner — Nurses Association for Sutter Health), Just the Tri Tip (Tim Biasotti), Livin’ Made E.Z. (Adam Newell), Happy Papa BBQ (Robert Norton), and Aaron and Rob’s BBQ (Aaron Vandewarker).
The 5-8 p.m. event will feature the popular barbecue competition with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment for all ages. The event is an annual fundraiser for development of the park.
Local organizations, individuals and professionals go head-to-head in the cook-off, preparing their best barbecue recipes for attendees who then cast People’s Choice votes for their favorites. A group of celebrity judges will select their favorite as well. This year’s celebrity judges are Record-Bee Editor Dave Faries, Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin, and Mendocino College instructor Christine DePasquale.
Event attendees will enjoy a variety of barbecued dishes, accompanied by side dishes and beverages, and three hours of entertainment including live music by the LC Diamonds, children’s water activities, a car show featuring vintage vehicles from local car clubs, and horse-drawn wagon rides sponsored and presented by the LC Horse Council. Snow cones from Marta and Domingo Avillea will be available.
Ticket prices for the event are $25 per adult, $10 per child between the ages of 5 and 12, and no charge for children 4 years old or younger. Tickets are available in advance and will be sold at the function. All proceeds benefit the Westside Community Park development. Call Cindy Ustrud, 263-7091, or Dennis Rollins, 349-0969, for more information.
Advance tickets for “Grillin’ on the Green” may be purchased at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and The Travel Centers in Lakeport and at Polestar Computers in Kelseyville.
“Come join us to enjoy some terrific food and entertainment,” said Rollins. “Each year Grillin’ attendees call the fare the best barbecue around. We hope to see you there,” he added.
Information about the event can be found on the park’s website, www.westsidecommunitypark.org, or on Westside Community Park’s Facebook page.
Westside Community Park is a regional recreational facility that is operated by the City of Lakeport and the Westside Community Park Committee. It has been in development for 18 years. The nonprofit Park Committee is developing the park in conjunction with the City of Lakeport, volunteers, and numerous contributions by individuals and businesses dedicated to constructing a recreational facility for the youth and adults of Lake County.
