Top Teams Expected at Death’s Door BBQ

The ninth annual Death’s Door BBQ event is Aug. 28, 10 am – 5 pm, at the Washington Island Airport.

Four out of the top six teams in the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Team of the Year standings are entered in the ninth annual Death’s Door BBQ event, to be held Aug. 28, 10 am – 5 pm, at the Washington Island Airport. A total of $8,000 in prize money and awards is up for grabs.

Topping the competitor list is last year’s KCBS Team of the Year winner Brad Leighninger of Branson, Missouri, and his team, Gettin’ Basted. Following Leighninger in the runner-up spot is Joseph Pearce and the Slaps BBQ team out of Kansas City. Brian Dwyer and BBQ Bus from Elmhurst, Illinois, are fifth in points; and cooking out of Midland, Texas, and currently in sixth place, is Robert Parten and his team, Texas Smoke Whisperer BBQ.

A full day of activities is planned, starting with a musical performance by Genevieve Heyward under the tent, 10 am – 12 pm; the Mason Street Band, 12:30-4:30 pm; vendors; children’s games; Paint a Pig; raffles; and, of course, refreshments and great barbecue.

Raffle items include a Traeger Pro Series 22 pellet grill, valued at $800, donated by Lampert’s of Sister Bay; a 2,000-watt Yamaha generator donated by Shipyard Island Marina; and a 40-quart Grizzly cooler courtesy of Grizzly Coolers. Tickets for these prizes as well as 50/50 tickets will be sold at the event.

Returning this year is the Kid’s Que, to be held in front of the airport office. Cheer as the participants compete for prize money and awards. Every contestant will also receive a scholarship from Fox Valley Technical College.

Friday night’s highlight will be a steak cookoff at the airport. If you think you grill a great steak, challenge some of the best cooks for a chance at the $1,000 top prize. The winner also receives an invitation to the Steak Cookoff Association’s World Championship in Fort Worth and a chance to win $10,000.

Visit deathsdoorbbq.com to find out more or become a vendor.