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Glen Ellyn’s Backyard BBQ Cook-Off is back

Glen Ellyn’s Backyard BBQ Cook-Off returns for a third year of food, fun and festivities — but now in a bigger venue.

The third annual Backyard BBQ Cook-Off Competition takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in the Glenwood Avenue lot in downtown Glen Ellyn. Admission is free. Judging is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

For the first time, “the event will be held in Glen Ellyn’s lovely historic downtown commercial district and we are extremely excited,” event coordinator Tom Koprowski said.

Based on the event’s popularity, its original neighborhood block-party format no longer works.

“We’ve simply outgrown our space,” Koprowski said.

Koprowski, a Glen Ellyn resident and barbecue enthusiast who goes by the nickname “Pig Daddy,” is the spokesman for a group of Glen Ellyn residents who decided the village needed a barbecue competition.

This year, about 25 teams of both amateur and seasoned barbecuers are taking their backyard talents to downtown.

Competition categories are Pork Ribs (spares and baby backs) and Best Dish.

All the teams will be judged by representatives from the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Chef Instructor David Kramer from College of DuPage and Village President Mark Pfefferman will judge the “best dish” category.

While grilled and smoked meats will take the spotlight, there is much more to the event than just barbecue.

For the first time, Whiteford’s pulled pork sliders and beer will be sold.

Also new this year are a bags tournament and a raffle, including a chance to win an overnight stay at the Abbey Resort and Avani Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis., and a one-on-one barbecue lesson with Matthew Whiteford, Jim Beam’s National Competition BBQ Pitmaster and owner of Whiteford’s Love Your BBQ.

In addition, three bands will play blues and soul throughout day: The Bill Ande Band, Amy Kelly and The Bluz Brothers, a tribute band.

Proceeds from the cook-off benefit Bridge Communities Inc., a local, nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing, mentoring and supportive services for homeless families.

For details about the Backyard BBQ Cook-off, visit bbq.glen-ellyn.com.

Competition categories at this year’s Backyard BBQ Cook-off include pork ribs, which will be judged by members of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and best dish, which will be judged by Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Pfefferman and an instructor from College of DuPage’s culinary arts program. Courtesy of Bridge Communities Inc.
Those who attend the Backyard BBQ Cook-off will be able to sample a variety of dishes. Courtesy of Bridge Communities Inc.
This year’s Backyard BBQ Cook-off has been moved to downtown Glen Ellyn, because it had outgrown its block party format from previous years. Courtesy of Bridge Communities Inc.