In its second year, the Backyard Grillmaster Challenge – sponsored by St.Joseph Hospital – had a record-setting event.

With 17 registered teams, the competition was tight. The Pork-O-Holics came away as the grand champion, while Team Williams came in reserve grand champion.

New this year was the People’s Choice Award – sponsored by Tyson Foods. Thanks to the public who came out to vote (and eat!) and chose High Life as the winning team. Two Men & a Grill took second place in the People’s Choice category, while Team Z92FIVE came in third.

Top five winners in the Kokomo Mechanical Contracting Best Burger category include: Porky’s House of Barbecue (5^th), Two Men & a Grill (4^th), Team Williams (3^rd), Bergstrom’s Flaming Jalapeno’s (2^nd) and Pork-O-Holics (1^st).

Top five winners in the Mark Bostic Heating & Cooling Ribs category include: 3½ Men (5^th), Team Williams (4^th), Two Men & a Grill (3^rd), Pork-O-Holics (2^nd) and DMH Rolloff (1^st).

Top five winners in the Bowman’s Heating & Cooling Chicken Wing category include: Punchline (5^th), Team Z92FIVE (4^th), Porky’s House of Barbecue (3^rd), King’s of Que (2^nd) and Hawg Trauf (1^st).

Special thanks go to Danny Leap, Cyndi Fisher & David Hart, and We’re Not Mexican for the entertainment. Fortune Management provided the judging location, Regions Bank supplied the water, Pepperitaville & Shrock’s Dri-Gas donated great prizes, and all of the many judges and teams who took the time and spent the day to support the United Way of Howard County.

However, the event wouldn’t have been possible without help and planning from Steve & Annie Phillips, Jo Ann Rozzi and Todd & Connie Trobaugh. They truly are the heart and passion behind the Backyard Grillmaster Challenge.

So, mark your calendars, form your teams and get your special sauces ready for next year’s event – Saturday, August 21!

------------------------

When you give to the United Way of Howard County, your gift funds "what matters"! You provide food and shelter to those in need, allow the elderly and the disabled to remain independent and provide kids with programs they need to learn and grow.

United Way of Howard County funds 15 agencies and more than 30 programs that serve over 80% of Howard County residents.

All donations to United Way of Howard County are used within Howard County. Learn how to donate your time or a monetary value.