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The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge, one of the largest barbecue competitions in the West, will bring some of the top championship grillers from around the country to Grand Junction Friday and Saturday at Lincoln Park. This contest is overseen and sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
With $20,000 in prize money, The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge will be awarding money in all four categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork butt and beef brisket) to pro teams. Five of these world class teams will be selling their famous ribs and mouth-watering barbecue to the public. There will be several other food vendors as well. A local amateur BBQ competition will be held on Saturday.
“This marks Pork & Hops' third year and it just keeps getting bigger and better,” said Kevin Andrus, the creator and organizer of the festival. “We're extremely proud that the reputation of our contest has grown so quickly, which is bolstered by the fact that we've attracted professional BBQ teams from several states such as Iowa, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. For many of these teams, this event is their introduction to western Colorado.”
While championship barbecue is a big part of the event, The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge steps it up by offering top name entertainment. This year, 10 live bands take the stage over the two-day event headlined by former American Idol and Nashville Recording Artist, Josh Gracin.
Other musical acts include Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Charley Jenkins, Von Cotton, Boogie Machine, The Pineapple Crackers, The Williams Brothers, The Goodman Band, Desert Flyer and Tim Brown.
In an effort to make The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge a family friendly event, a Carnival has been integrated inside the festival grounds. Nonprofit fundraising opportunities have been included such as 4-H kids selling slices of fresh watermelon, United Way volunteers selling apple and cherry pie, and the National Association of Women in Construction selling caramel apples. This event also benefits Colorado Discoverability and the Grand Junction Parks & Rec Scholarship Fund.
“It's all part of what makes this such a great event,” Andrus said. “From barbecue fans to music lovers, The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge has it all.” Beer and wine will be available both days with several microbrews available on Saturday.
The event is open to the public Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. Admission is $5 on Friday night and $30 dollars on Saturday. A two-day event pass can be purchased at the gate for $30. Kids 12 and under are free. A limited number of VIP tickets will also be available at the gate for $145 and includes both days entertainment, a private VIP tented area and bathrooms, all food, beverages and other goodies. Also new this year is a free shuttle bus running from the southeast parking lot of Mesa Mall to Lincoln Park. More information is available at www.porknhops.com.
With $20,000 in prize money, The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge will be awarding money in all four categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork butt and beef brisket) to pro teams. Five of these world class teams will be selling their famous ribs and mouth-watering barbecue to the public. There will be several other food vendors as well. A local amateur BBQ competition will be held on Saturday.
“This marks Pork & Hops' third year and it just keeps getting bigger and better,” said Kevin Andrus, the creator and organizer of the festival. “We're extremely proud that the reputation of our contest has grown so quickly, which is bolstered by the fact that we've attracted professional BBQ teams from several states such as Iowa, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. For many of these teams, this event is their introduction to western Colorado.”
While championship barbecue is a big part of the event, The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge steps it up by offering top name entertainment. This year, 10 live bands take the stage over the two-day event headlined by former American Idol and Nashville Recording Artist, Josh Gracin.
Other musical acts include Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Charley Jenkins, Von Cotton, Boogie Machine, The Pineapple Crackers, The Williams Brothers, The Goodman Band, Desert Flyer and Tim Brown.
In an effort to make The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge a family friendly event, a Carnival has been integrated inside the festival grounds. Nonprofit fundraising opportunities have been included such as 4-H kids selling slices of fresh watermelon, United Way volunteers selling apple and cherry pie, and the National Association of Women in Construction selling caramel apples. This event also benefits Colorado Discoverability and the Grand Junction Parks & Rec Scholarship Fund.
“It's all part of what makes this such a great event,” Andrus said. “From barbecue fans to music lovers, The Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge has it all.” Beer and wine will be available both days with several microbrews available on Saturday.
The event is open to the public Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. Admission is $5 on Friday night and $30 dollars on Saturday. A two-day event pass can be purchased at the gate for $30. Kids 12 and under are free. A limited number of VIP tickets will also be available at the gate for $145 and includes both days entertainment, a private VIP tented area and bathrooms, all food, beverages and other goodies. Also new this year is a free shuttle bus running from the southeast parking lot of Mesa Mall to Lincoln Park. More information is available at www.porknhops.com.
Go & Do
What: Colorado Pork & Hops Challenge
Where: Lincoln Park When: Friday, 4 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. Cost: Friday $5; Saturday $30. Kids 12 and under free Info: www.porknhops.com. |
