By Jed Buelow
Tomahawk Leader co-editor, Sports/Nature Editor
Those wanting to taste some of the best barbeque pork ribs around will want to get their tickets in advance as some of the best grillers in the Northwoods battle it out for the title of baron of bones and sultan of sauce during the 12th annual Thrilla on the Grilla rib contest being held in downtown Tomahawk next Saturday, Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sponsored by the Tomahawk Lions Club, the annual rib cook-off offers attendees the opportunity to sample ribs from contestant while helping raise money for a good cause. Ticketholders will get 10 samples from teams, including some from several past winners, who will be firing up the grills at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. Using their secret recipes and amazing rubs to tantalize the taste buds of those sampling ribs, teams will compete for a shot at winning the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice trophies.
Contestants will also be serving up their best side fixings that ticketholders will get to try for a shot at winning Judge’s Choice in that respective category.
“It’s just a great fundraiser. Plus, all proceeds go back to supporting the community,” said Kevin Koth, Lions Club event organizer. “Great food and camaraderie, plus where else can you spend $15 and enjoy an entire afternoon of entertainment? It really is just a great time. If you haven’t been, you really need to stop down and give it a try.”
Koth wasn’t kidding about the cost, or the good times, as each ticket to sample ribs is just $15 for all the food and entertainment.
This year’s lineup of returning champs and teams includes Great Lakes Foods, Geiss Meat Service, River Valley Bank, Harley Davidson, PCA will have two teams and a couple secret teams are currently being formed to try and make their mark by winning the rib grilling contest.
Ticketholders will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice winner and a panel of guest judges will select the Judge’s Choice as well as the Best Side Dish.
Along with all the food and side fixings, the Lions serve beverages and the soothing sounds of Brian McLaughlin and his guitar will entertain throughout the afternoon.
Koth stressed those planning to attend should get tickets in advance as the Thrilla has sold out the past several years. Tickets are limited to just 650. He noted the rib contest draws crowds from all around as cabin owners plan vacations to be in Tomahawk during the weekend so they can get in on one of the tastiest community picnics held in the Northwoods each summer.
“We even have to-go boxes as it can be tough to eat all 10 (ribs) and the side dishes,” Koth added.
Even those without tickets are invited to attend and enjoy all the activities taking place for free downtown.
The Thrilla serves as one of the Tomahawk Lions Club’s biggest fundraisers of the year with all proceeds going back to support non-profits in the community.
Advance tickets can be purchased at participating businesses as well as Trig’s, Great Lakes Foods, Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Tomahawk Leader office and from PCA and Lions members. Any remaining tickets will be sold on-site on the morning of the rib contest.
In the event of bad weather, the contest will be moved inside the ice arena at SARA Park on West Somo Avenue.
To reserve tickets in advance, contact Koth at 715-612-8124. For more information on the Thrilla and other events sponsored by the club, visit the Tomahawk Lions Facebook page.