Ready, set, grill

Nearly 5,000 attendees at the Champion of the Grill Community Festival poured into the Sussex County Fairgrounds to sample grilled fare presented by 45 professional and amateur grillers. “This is the most work of any event we do but it’s our gift back to the community,” said Tammy Horsfield, president of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce. The event started out small eight years ago and has grown tremendously. In addition to the Champion of the Grill Contest, the day included the Sussex County Idol Contest and a car show. There were also vendors and exhibitors on hand. This year introduced a new event: an after-party in which residents could stay for a barbecue dinner and a Blues band. Trophies and prizes were awarded in various categories for all facets of grilling to amateurs and professionals. The Cruiser Club of Sparta won the People’s Choice award for their grilling efforts. In the amateur category, the Wild Mustangs from Sussex County Technical School won overall for the chicken and beef categories and the grand prize for the amateur category. Texas Smoke BBQ of Rockaway took the prize in numerous categories including Grill Grand Champion.