Expect a second year of food and fun when The Rotary Club of the Historic Triangle’s Williamsburg PRO AM Barbecue Cook Off returns Sunday.
“We started (the cook off) because we wanted people to know not only is Rotary Club of the Historic Triangle a service organization that helps our community, but that we know how to have a lot of fun doing it,” said Brad Anderson, the event’s organizer.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to 3e Restoration, a nonprofit group that works with the homeless and socially displaced. Anderson said 400 people attended the last cook off, and he hopes even more people turn out this year.
“Obviously the more (the event) grows, the more money we are helping to raise for 3e Restoration,” Anderson said.
He said restaurants from around the region will compete in the professional portion of the cook off.
“The thing people will enjoy the most is getting to try the barbecue from eight different restaurants,” Anderson said. “Each restaurant will be serving up three different dishes — pulled pork, beef brisket and a side — so that’s 24 different dishes that people get to try when they come.”
Last year, Old City Barbeque won first place in pork and brisket.
“It was fun for us, we were still pretty brand new last year,” said Vernon Geddy, owner of Old City.
The amateur side of the cook off is for backyard barbecue enthusiasts, according to Anderson. They will compete in three categories: ribs, chicken and pulled pork.
“Of everyone who came last year, I think it was the amateur teams and their friends who had the most fun because they really bonded through the experience of camping out and cooking at night.”
While six amateur teams have registered, Anderson said there is enough space to hold 10-12 teams.
“So it’s not too late to register if someone wanted to do that.”
Win or lose, Jason Wade, co-owner of Two Drummers BBQ, said it’s a fun event for everyone involved.
“My favorite part is after everybody’s fed and they come back and they say ‘Hey, I liked yours the best,’ and they give you a wink and a nudge,” Wade said
Want to go?
The cook-off is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road. Tickets are $5-$60; amateur team registration is $100; teams must register by 5:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information or to buy tickets, visit williamsburgproambbq.com.
To learn more about 3e restoration, visit 3erestoration.org.
