LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Clear Lake High School Sports Foundation and Lakeport Fire Department Volunteers combined to take top honors at this year’s Grillin’ on the Green barbecue cook-off, held on Saturday, Aug. 2.
First-time Grillin’ competitor Adam Bruch led his team, The Bru Cru, to earn second place; and Still Smokin’ and Q-n with Adrian Hoaglen took third.
The winners were selected by people’s choice vote at the fifth annual fundraiser at Westside Community Park.
Organizers deemed this year’s event a success with more than $17,000 in revenue from ticket and drink sales, sponsorships and donations.
More than 350 people attended the fundraiser and enjoyed tastes from 11 grilling teams, music by the LC Diamonds, kids’ activities, and a show of classic and vintage cars.
“The Westside Community Park Committee appreciates the support of the community for this year's Grillin',” said Dennis Rollins, chair of the Westside Community Park Committee. “The grillers and other food providers, our sponsors, volunteers, the car clubs, and the people who came out to enjoy the evening in the park all made for a highly successful event.”
Cook-off teams this year included the Lakeport Kiwanis Club, Delta Iota Tau Sorority, the Cowgirls Consignment sponsored by the Lakeport Lions, the Early Lake Lions, the City of Lakeport, team “JQ,” Pat Lambert/Farmers Insurance, and the Rotary Servers.
“Every year I am more impressed with the support of the community and the top-notch cook-off competition,” said Cindy Ustrud, chair of the event committee. “The food keeps getting better and better – the best barbecue anywhere. I can't thank the grillers enough for their enthusiasm and generosity.”
Competing teams and their sponsors supply the food and volunteer their time and services to the fundraiser.
Attendees were treated to additional dishes to complement the barbecue tastes. Salads, beans, desserts and beverages were provided by Lakeview Market, Ruzicka Associates, Main Street Bicycles, and the Lakeport English Inn. Snow cones were available from Marta and Domingo Avillea.
Rollins recognized this year’s major sponsors: the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation, which pledged matching funds up to $5,000, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, and Lake Event Design. He also acknowledged the Early Lake Lions Club for its $1,000 donation to support park development.
Additional sponsors this year were the Ustrud-Rollins Family; Clearlake Redi-Mix; Dr. Brian Grey, DDS, MDS; Dr. Alexander McGeoch, DDS; Savings Bank of Mendocino County; Guy Strohmeier’s Auto Center; Kathy Fowler Auto Center; Hillside Honda; Richard Knoll Consulting; Susie LaPointe; Margaret Silveira; Jon and Annette Hopkins; Mendo Lake Credit Union; William C. Kranz, Attorney at Law; Polestar Computers; and Disney Boat Rentals.
In-kind contributions were made by Lake County News, KNTI radio, the Lake County Record-Bee, Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill, S2 Tutoring & PR, Disney Trophies and Awards, Kelseyville Unified School District and Kelseyville High School. The Lake County Chamber of Commerce was a major ticket outlet.
Rollins also thanked the Grillin’ on the Green committee of volunteers: Ustrud, Wilda Shock, Beth Havrilla, Alice Holmes, Sue Stout, Tami Cramer, Val Schweifler and Jessica Kelley.
Westside Community Park is a city of Lakeport recreational facility that has been in development for 16 years and includes soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, a horseshoe area and dog park.
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.
More information can be found on the park’s Web site, www.westsidecommunitypark.org .