First Backyard BBQ turns into one big block party in Glen Ellyn

What started out as some friendly trash talk on a community Web site has evolved into an all-out block party in Glen Ellyn.

And Tom Koprowski hopes it eventually turns into a yearly downtown festival.

"At first I was a little bit nervous that there would not be as much interest as I had hoped for," he said. "But it's all coming together."

What has come together is Glen Ellyn's first Backyard BBQ and block party, a barbecue contest that will benefit homeless families in the area. More than 15 competitors are expected and they come from a variety of cooking backgrounds.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at 744 Willis St., although Koprowski has received a permit to block off the entire 700 block of the street, which is just northeast of downtown.

While the day will revolve around the friendly competition, the purpose of the event is to build a sense of community, Koprowski said.

"We all got to discussing getting some traffic into Glen Ellyn's downtown area," he said. "This idea popped up."

And the community has helped tremendously, Koprowski said. Three area businesses have offered discounts to contestants. Local artist Tammy Miller created a logo for the event, and Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Pfefferman will serve as one of three judges.

Contestants have been asked to bring unseasoned, uncooked pork ribs that will undergo inspection at 8:45 a.m. Judges will meet at 1:30 p.m. and choose the best dish at 2 p.m., then the best ribs at 4 p.m.

Koprowski said he is an amateur chef at best and has only recently started to barbecue.

"In the last year, I've gotten into it," he said. "I really enjoyed it, and the idea flowed with what I like to do."

Any net proceeds he receives, he said, will be donated to Bridge Communities Inc. of Glen Ellyn, which helps homeless families in the area.

Koprowski hopes enough interest is garnered to turn the event into something bigger next year. This year is sort of a test run to gauge participation.

"If you look at traditional pastimes in America, barbecue is one of them," he said. "We're a small town. That type of tradition sticks with who we are."