Grillin' and Barbequing Competition
Returns to Lake Placid
Lake Placid , NY - I Love Barbeque Festival Set to Return
July 4-6th, 2008

Lake Placid , NY . - Once again the nation's top barbeque masters will be returning to Lake Placid , NY. , when the Olympic village plays host to the third annual Lake Placid , NY . - I Love Barbeque Festival (ILBBQF). An expected 42 teams will be competing July 4-6th on the Olympic Speedskating Oval.

"Last year's event brought 36 teams to Lake Placid from 12 states and Canada and we expect to have 42 teams in 2008," said Shipman Youth Center board of director's president, Steve Preston. "In addition to the 42 teams, there will also be several new additions to this summer's event, including a midnight grillin' bash, a people's choice award, and several new celebrities."

More than 8,000 people attended last summer's ILBBQF, in excess of $20,000.00 was raised for the Shipman Youth Center of Lake Placid, a not-for-profit community organization, which provides support to area youth, ages 10-18.

The $1,000.00 Midnight Grillin' Bash kicks off the three-day festival, Friday night, July 4th. Saturday, July 5th, teams will square off in the People's Choice Award Competition (buck-a-rib). The event concludes Sunday, July 6, when the top barbeque teams from around the country compete for $7,500.00 and the title of ILBBQF Grand Champion in the sanctioned Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) contest. The teams will compete in the four categories of chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket.

The third annual ILBBQF will also feature food demonstrations with area chefs and barbeque pit masters, music, celebrity appearances and children's rides and games. General admission tickets are $5.00 for adults, while children 12 and under will be admitted free.

The Shipman Youth Center is a not-for-profit community organization providing support to children and youth ages 10-18. The center was inspired by Thomas Shipman, a designated Lake Placid youth police officer who died in 1995 and built with community donations of money, material and labor. For the last 8 years SYC has provided services to hundreds of children. Programs include homework time and assistance, community services, recreational services, weekly family style dinners, dances, and guest speakers. SYC provides a supervised safe and exciting environment where local children can grow and develop as individuals.