2026 GrillFest & BBQ Competition
About this Event
Fire up the grill and bring your A-game! It’s time for Hartville Hardware’s Annual GrillFest & BBQ Competition.
Get ready for a full day of smoke, sizzle, and the chance for BBQ bragging rights.
Provided meat and grills will be available at 7:00am on event day. Be sure to plan your prep, seasoning, and cook times carefully so your entries are ready for judging at 3:30pm. While early birds can get started as early as 7:00am, all competitors need to arrive and be set up no later than 10:00am.
GrillFest Competition Official Rules:
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just here to prove your backyard BBQ reigns supreme, this competition is all about making great food.
- Contestants may compete individually or as a team of up to 2 members.
- Each competitor will receive one event t-shirt and one apron.
- Competitors will battle it out in three categories: Ribs, Chicken Wings, and the Mystery Black Box Challenge.
- Entries will be cooked on a Traeger, Weber, or Big Green Egg, and scores from all three categories will be combined.
- One overall champion will earn ultimate bragging rights and be crowned this year’s GRILLMASTER!
At registration, contestants should select their grill of choice: Big Green Egg, Weber, or Traeger. Grill assignments are limited to seven (7) spots per grill type and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
IMPORTANT: Competition ribs and chicken wings will not be distributed until 7:00am on event day, so plan accordingly!
Judging:
When it's time to impress the judges, bring your best four (4) individual rib bones and four (4) chicken wings to the Event Representative no later than 3:30pm sharp. Judging containers will be provided, so all you need to bring is your championship-worthy BBQ.
Awards & Bragging Rights:
Prizes will be awarded for the highest combined scores in Ribs, Chicken Wings, and the Mystery Black Box Challenge:
- Big Green Egg Winner - $250 Hartville Hardware Gift Card
- Weber Winner - $250 Hartville Hardware Gift Card
- Traeger Winner - $250 Hartville Hardware Gift Card
And for the best BBQ of the day...
GRILLMASTER – Best in Show!
The competitor with the highest overall score across all categories will earn the coveted GrillMaster title and an additional $250 Hartville Hardware Gift Card.
All judging will be conducted via blind taste testing.
Mystery Black Box Challenge:
Back by popular demand, the Mystery Black Box Challenge returns with brand new ingredients!
This challenge accounts for 25% of your total competition score, so creativity counts just as much as grilling skill.
At 11:45am, each competitor/team will receive a Mystery Black Box containing six (6) surprise ingredients. From the moment the box is opened, the clock starts ticking.
You’ll have 30 minutes to create and submit one cohesive dish featuring all six mystery ingredients. Judging begins promptly at 12:15pm.
This year’s twist... is being kept a secret until the boxes are opened! Expect the unexpected and be ready to think on your feet.
Challenge Rules:
All six (6) mystery ingredients must be incorporated into a single dish.
Additional ingredients are permitted, including items purchased from Hartville Hardware.
Entries will be judged on:
- Taste
- Creativity and cohesiveness of the mystery ingredients
- Presentation and appearance
Each competitor will have access to a personal tabletop griddle and may use their assigned grill, the griddle, or a combination of both.
What’s Included on Competition Day:
Depending on your Registration:
- One (1) Large Big Green Egg with Nest and convEggtor OR
- One (1) Weber Spirit E-425C OR
- One (1) Traeger Westwood
PLUS:
- One (1) load of charcoal, propane, or hickory pellets
- Two (2) racks of spareribs
- Twelve (12) chicken wings
- One (1) Mystery Black Box (distributed at 11:45am)
- One (1) 4’ x 2.5’ prep table (shared 8’ table with another competitor)
- One (1) folding chair (more available upon request)
- Basic sanitation supplies
- Sampling containers and utensils
- Official judging containers
What You’ll Need to Bring:
- Additional Ingredients
- Thermometer
- BBQ tools and utensils
- Oven mitts
- Smoking wood (if desired)
- Seasonings and sauces
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Aluminum foil
- Paper towels
- Cleaning supplies
- Knives
- Cutting boards
- Any additional grilling accessories you’d like to use
Please note: No alcohol or personal speakers are permitted during the competition.
Registration:
- Registration is $50.00 (plus applicable fees and taxes)
- Only seven (7) spots are available for each grill category: Big Green Egg, Weber, and Traeger
- Grill assignments are first come, first serve
Every dollar of your entry fee goes directly to the Lake Township F.I.S.H. Food Pantry. F.I.S.H. supports local families in need throughout Lake Township by providing groceries, clothing, utility assistance, housing support, and other emergency aid.
Registration cancellations must be made by Friday, August 21st, 2026. For questions regarding the 2026 GrillFest & BBQ Competition, please contact Jamie Goddard at [email protected].
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 55.20
