Friday, August 7, 2009

The 2009 Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge


Saturday, August 8, is the second Big Event of the summer for me. Now that the American Cancer Society Bike-a-thon is over, I can now focus on the Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

THANK YOU to everyone who donated to my Bike-a-thon ride. The event was a huge fundraising success, and there is still time to donate if you're interested.

The Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge, since 2001, is an annual event, sponsored by Phillie's centerfielder Garry Maddox. All proceeds benefit the Youth Golf & Academics Program (YGAP), an academic enrichment program founded by Garry Maddox to support children in grades K-8 who reside in troubled city neighborhoods (see website).

Last year, I competed for the first time, and did not win, probably because I was a rank amateur in the sport of competitive BBQ. This year I am still a rank amateur but just a bit less rank, thanks to lessons learned in last year's competition and in my experience as a judge at a BBQ event at the Keansburg, NJ Fire Company this past May. Thank you, Bill E., for that privilege!

I will be entering in all four categories:
  • Chicken
  • Ribs
  • Chef's Choice
  • Garry's Rib Challenge (the Big Prize: World Series tickets)

I'll be there from 6:30am to get set up and get my fires started.

If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello, and wish me luck!