- Susan Stout
- Posted On
Grillin’ on the Green brings in funds for park development
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Kiwanis Club of Lakeport took top honors at this year’s Grillin’ on the Green barbecue cook-off while the Lakeport Fire Department Volunteers earned “Best Decorated Booth” honors at the event, which benefits Westside Community Park.
The grilling team representing the city of Lakeport was runner-up in the cook-off; and in his second outing as a Grillin’ competitor, Adam Bruch led his team, The Bru Cru, to third place.
The winners were selected by people’s choice vote Saturday, Aug. 1, at the sixth annual fundraiser at Westside Community Park.
For the first time, the event also included awards from celebrity judges. Michelle Malm, food services director for the Kelseyville Unified School District, Dave Faries, managing editor of the Lake County Record-Bee, and Michael Lunas, a Lake County Superior Court judge, selected Kiwanis Club of Lakeport’s pork ribs as their favorite and awarded Rookie of the Year to Fresh & Bangin’ Eatery.
Organizers deemed this year’s event a success with over $17,000 in revenue from ticket and drink sales, sponsorships and donations.
More than 340 people attended the fundraiser and enjoyed tastes from 10 grilling teams, music by the LC Diamonds, kids’ activities, horse-drawn wagon rides and a show of classic and vintage cars.
Attendees also voted for their favorites among the 44 vintage vehicles on display, selecting a 1940 Studebaker owned by Gary Williamson as the top car and a 1957 Chevy sedan owned by Joe Colabella as “best make-out vehicle.”
"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, the Horse Council, 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 NorCal BBQ Team (formerly Smokin’ and Q’n), the Early Lake Lions, the Lakeport Lions, Main Street Softball Team and Beef Cake.
“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, the Lakeport English Inn, the Kelseyville Unified School District, and Lake Event Design.
Snow cones were available from Marta and Domingo Avillea.
Several attendees took advantage of free horse-drawn wagon rides sponsored by the Lake County Horse Council and provided by Andre and Ellen Boersma of Scotts Valley.
"The wagon rides were well received,” said Rollins. “Dozens of people took the guided tour of the future equestrian area. The committee thanks the Boesmas and the Lake County Horse Council for providing this new addition to Grillin'."
Rollins recognized this year’s major sponsors: the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation, which pledged matching funds up to $5,000, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Ruzicka Associates, the Ustrud-Rollins Family and Lake Event Design.
Additional sponsors this year were 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; Susie LaPointe; Margaret Silveira; Mendo Lake Credit Union; Peggy Campbell, CPA; William C. Kranz, attorney at law; Polestar Computers; Lake Parts/Napa Auto Parts; Debi Freeland, certified massage practitioner; and Jim and Alice Holmes.
In-kind contributions were made by Lake County News, KNTI radio, Lake Publishing and the Lake County Record-Bee, S2 Tutoring & PR, Lakeport Cinema 5, Wildhurst Vineyards, Kelseyville Unified School District and Kelseyville High School, Disney’s Awards & Trophies, RAHamilton, UCC Rental Center and Nancy Ruzicka.
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, Cathy Brennan and Mary Ann Larrea.
Westside Community Park is a city of Lakeport recreational facility that has been in development since 1998.
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 .