Grilling Tradition Sizzles Into Community Staple
Deale Hardware & Home Center in Deale, Md., started a backyard BBQ competition that grew into the biggest local event of the year, bringing together dozens of competitors and vendors along with about 3,000 attendees.
A few years ago, Jim Weaver, owner of Deale Hardware & Home Center in Deale, Md., was backyard grilling with some friends. With a passion for barbecue, Weaver enjoyed sharing recipes and tasting what other friends grilled. Naturally, a little friendly competition ensued.
Ashley Hangliter, Weaver’s daughter and general manager, who oversees the company’s three hardware stores, urged her father to make the barbecue competition a community event. In 2017, Smokin’ on the Creek BBQ was born. Now, the event hosts 23 competitors, more than 40 vendors, and has about 3,000 attendees.
“It was never meant to be as big as it was and people love it,” Hangliter says. “Now, the competition is a staple in the community and the biggest local event all year. People come out and have lots of fun, and it’s great that it ties back into our business.”
Grilling for Good Causes
At Hidden Harbour Marina on Rockhold Creek near Chesapeake Bay, the contestants and attendees will soon gather for the sixth annual competition. While the delicious aromas float through the air, there is something even more delightful about the event.
Proceeds are donated to local charities. The first year, the event raised $20,000 for a youth sports organization. The five competitions (one year was skipped during the pandemic) have gone on to raise $145,000, and the Weavers created Project Deale, a non-profit foundation that provides grants to local organizations.
The non-profit provides funds for projects for the betterment of the community that will impact many people. For example, proceeds from this year’s event proceeds will be given to Project Deale and the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland. Previous grant beneficiaries have used funds for landscaping around the town circle and to put up flags for Flag Day and Memorial Day.
