Close to 100 people braved the sweltering heat July 31 to sample delectable grilled items from 11 teams that showed their culinary acumen and creativity! From pork tacos with mango salsa to chicken satay to grilled polenta, an impressive array of foods were prepared by 32 amateur (and one professional) chefs. More than $3,400 was raised for WRC programs and services. The Center thanks all who helped to make the event a success!

TEAMS

• Beach Daddies (Best Culinary, Amateur) - Tim Hanagan, Gail Aalund, Stephen and Rosine Stout;
• Big Kahunas (Best Snack/Appetizer) - Charley Kier, Jim Miles, Mike Flann and Jason Portz;
• Crocodile Hunters (Best Finger Food) - Berry Mullennix, Jason Roe, Dean Brookie and Randy Nickels;
• Deep South Grill Team (2nd Place Theme/Décor) - Steve Govreau, David Ganevsky and Phil Hinz;
• The Italians (People's Choice and Judges' Choice) - Dave Clerici, Jack Wasserbach and Bill Pile;
• Law and Order (1st Place Theme/Décor) - Tom Cowing, Tony Romero and Nate Morris;
• Neanderthals (Spiciest Dish) - George Williams, Jim Whitlock and Larry McCelvey;
  
• The Ore House (Best Culinary, Professional) - Scott Thompson;
• Satayday Night Fever (Best Marinade/Sauce) - Andy Dougherty and James Schaffer;
  
• Sunnyside Outlaws (Most Tender) - Holly Zink, Jesse DiFiore, Sean Durkee and Rob Lawrence;
  
• Sweet Kabobs (Best Non-Meat Dish) - Tom West and Mark Haughton.

Event Sponsors

Carver Brewing Co.
Durango Liquor
Meadow Gold Dairy
Southwest Ice
Southwestern Beverage Co.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Durango

Special Thanks

• Tom Villelli for use of the Edgemont Ranch Picnic Grounds;
  
• Ann Butler of the Durango Herald, Karen Barger from Season's and Kim Cobb from the Durango Area Tourism Office for serving as judges;
  
• Durango Rental Center, John Hunt/Maxco Installation Specialties, and ABATE of Colorado District 8 (Durango) for supplying tents;
  
• Bruce Frantz of Transit Waste for trash disposal;
  
• Wal-Mart for donating paper goods;
  
• San Juan Mountain Mustard Company for mustard;
  
• Durango Fire and Rescue for the sound system;
• The Robert E. DeNier Youth Services Center and for muscle power;
  
• The Wells Group for use of their moving van;
  
• Durango Arts Center and the First United Methodist Church for providing tables.