LAKEPORT – A barbecue cook-off, musical entertainment by the LC Diamonds, children’s activities, a car show, food and wine tasting will highlight the inaugural “Grillin’ on the Green” fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Westside Community Park, 1401 Westside Park Road.

The public is invited to attend and participate in the festivities, including the barbecue competition, the Westside Community Park fundraising committee has announced.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the next phase of development of Westside Community Park, which will include soccer fields, a regulation baseball field, and a combination Little League baseball/softball field. The Park Committee recently received a $200,000 grant from the Stewardship Council for the Phase II development.

Estimated cost of the project is $335,000.

Westside Community Park is a City of Lakeport recreational facility that was established 12 years ago.

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.

The park currently is four acres consisting of two soccer fields, a parking lot, a picnic area overlooking the soccer fields, and an ADA compliant walking path.

Future plans for development of the park’s full 60 acres include baseball/softball fields, a BMX track, a skateboard facility, football fields, a children’s play structure, a dog park, walking paths, and a horse arena.

“It will truly be a beautiful addition to Lake County and a much-needed recreational facility for families, groups, and leagues,” says Rollins, chair of the Westside Community Park Committee.

Individuals and groups, from backyard barbecuers to professional grillers, have an opportunity to compete in the cook-off. There is no entry fee. Each contestant is required to provide his/her own setup and samples of the chef’s “grillin’” specialty for 200 people.

The competition will culminate in a presentation of the People’s Choice Awards. For entry forms or additional information about the event and the barbecue competition, contact Ustrud or Rollins, 707-263-7091.

The park committee is seeking sponsorships for the event, says Ustrud, a member of the Park’s fundraising committee. The Priest Family Trust and the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation, as major sponsors of the event, are each offering a $5,000 matching challenge to the community.

Levels of sponsor recognition are $100, $300, $500, $1,000, $3,000 and $5,000. Sponsors will be recognized at the Grillin’ on the Green event.

Ticket prices are $25 per adult and $10 per child 12 years old or younger.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the Kitchen Gallery, and Lake Event Design, all in Lakeport, and at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce in the City of Clearlake.

Tickets are also available from members of the fundraising committee. They are Dennis Rollins, Cindy Ustrud, Alice Holmes, Wilda Shock, and Beth and Jeff Havrilla.

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