
The competition is part of the ilani BBQ Fest, which takes place in June
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
The first ilani BBQ Fest was a huge success, and organizers expect an even bigger and better event this year — especially if they get a few more amateurs to enter the Smokin’ Hot BBQ Championship.
“If you can barbecue in your backyard, and people say you’re good, come and join us,” said Rick Browne, a celebrity chef himself, a former Clark County resident, and one of the organizers of the BBQ Fest. “We want people to experience the barbecue competition world in a very gentle, fun way.”
In all, there are 13 cash prizes, totalling $15,000. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000.
The second ilani BBQ Fest begins its four-day run June 8, with the Smokin’ Hot BBQ Championship going on for two days, June 10 and 11.
Got what it takes? Backyard barbecue grillmasters are asked to register by May 19. The registration form can be found here: https://ilaniresort.com/content/dam/ilani/pdf/Festivals/BBQ-Relief-Registration-Form.pdf
Cost is $50 per team, but keep in mind that this year, amateur teams will be able to sell their food at the BBQ Fest, Browne said.
This is an amateur competition, and the field is limited to 20 teams.
Beyond the cash rewards, ilani and BBQ Fest organizers say winners will get bragging rights for the Pacific Northwest.
The competition consists of four categories: pork belly and beef back ribs on Saturday, with salmon and whole chicken on Sunday. The food will be judged on creativity, taste, tenderness, and presentation. In order to be eligible for the grand prize, teams must compete in all four categories.
Browne said that backyard barbecue aficionados can handle the expectations of the contest rules. He reminded folks that this event — for amateurs — is intended to be fun, not stressful.
Last year, more than 6,000 people attended the BBQ Fest, and many of them tasted samples from the amateurs.
Of course, the BBQ Fest itself features professionals from around the country, showcasing their work at demonstrations. Among the chefs scheduled to appear this year: Kevin Bludso, Rocco DeSpirito, Christina Fitzgerald, Aaron May, Michael Symon, Jet Tila, and more.
The ilani BBQ Fest has cooking demonstrations, sponsor booths, and more on the top floor of the parking garage. Plus, the Fest uses plenty of space in front of the casino for the barbecue competition.
For ticket cost and more information on the ilani BBQ Fest, go to: https://ilaniresort.com/ilani-bbqfest.html
Also read:
- Seton Catholic celebrates another WIAA Scholastic CupSeton Catholic has once again earned the Class 1A WIAA Scholastic Cup, rewarding athletic success, academic performance, and student involvement across the entire school year.
- Southwest Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to hold Hunting Heritage BanquetThe new Southwest Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation invites the public to its first Hunting Heritage Banquet on June 21 in Woodland.
- Opinion: The 2025 Tax Tsunami in Washington stateDavid Boze of the Washington Policy Center warns that Washington state’s 2025 legislative session delivered the largest tax hike in state history despite already rising revenues.
- Washington state lawsuit payouts skyrocket to more than $500M in past yearA historic spike in legal claims — many tied to foster care abuse and youth detention — has pushed Washington state’s lawsuit payouts over $500 million in the past year.
- League of Women Voters schedules Vancouver City Council candidate forumA public forum for candidates running for Vancouver City Council Position 1 will be held June 26, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Clark County.
- Clark County Parks and Nature leads regional effort to identify financially sustainable future for parksClark County Parks and Nature is spearheading a regional collaboration to explore sustainable funding options for local parks in the face of mounting financial and environmental pressures.
- Plan for overnight lane and ramp closures on northbound I-5 in Vancouver, June 17–19WSDOT will close multiple lanes and ramps along northbound I-5 in Vancouver during overnight hours June 17–19 for repaving and maintenance work.