LAKEPORT, Calif. – Team Irwin captured first place honors at the first-ever Grillin’ on the Green fundraiser for Westside Community Park on Saturday, Aug. 7.
Close to 300 people enjoyed a dinner of barbecue samples, music by the LC Diamonds, a car show provided by the No Name Car Club and the National Antique Auto Club, dunk tank and water slide activities, wine tasting provided by the Lake County Winery Association, and self-guided walking tours of the planned park sites.
The event took place on the existing soccer fields at Westside Community Park.
“Our inaugural Grillin' on the Green was a big success,” said Park Committee Chair Dennis Rollins.
Chris Irwin and his family were victorious in the barbecue cookoff on Saturday. The team’s tri-tip was selected as the favorite in the People’s Choice voting.
The ballot tallies revealed close results as second place went to Lakeport Rotary Club for its pork kabobs, and third place to the Clear Lake High School Sports Foundation, led by Casey Dye, for its tri-tip and ribs.
A variety of offerings included chicken wings by the Kelseyville Rotary, buffalo chili by the Lake County Board of Supervisors' team, chicken by a law enforcement team calling itself “Top Cops,” ribs by the Lakeport Kiwanis and chicken drumsticks by the Early Lake Lions of Lakeport.
“Thanks to all who helped by selling tickets, setting up or assisting at the event. It took a lot of people to pull this off,” said Rollins.
The organizing committee of Beth Havrilla, Cindy Ustrud, Wilda Shock and Alice Holmes put together a fun and profitable event, Rollins said. “It was truly a fun day in the park for people of all ages.”
Rollins said he believes more than 250 people attended the first event, and initial numbers indicate more than $7,800 from ticket sales and additional beverage and dunk tank/waterslide ticket sales.
He said the total proceeds may exceed $15,000 as a result of two major sponsorships – $5,000 each from the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation and the Priest Family Trust – many community sponsorships, and several in-kind donations of services and materials.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the next phase of development of Westside Community Park, which will include soccer fields, a regulation baseball field, and a combination Little League baseball/softball field.
Event sponsors included Bicoastal Media, Delta Iota Tau, Granite Construction, Guy Strohmeier’s Auto Center, RA Hamilton Co., Konocti Vista Casino, Lake County News (LakeCoNews), Lake County Record-Bee, Lake Event Design, Lakeport Lions Club, Mackey Tire, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Pehling & Pehling CPAs, Paul and Olga Racine, Margaret Silveira, Umpqua Bank, and Xi Rho PSI (Beta Sigma Phi).
Additionally, Ruzicka Associates, Westgate Petroleum, R.B. Peters, and Jim Carpenter, CPA, have donated time and materials to the park development, Rollins said.
Westside Community Park, located at 1401 Westside Park Road, is a city of Lakeport recreational facility that was established 12 years ago. The nonprofit park committee is developing the park in conjunction with the city of Lakeport, volunteers, and numerous contributions by individuals and businesses dedicated to constructing a recreational facility for the youth and adults of Lake County.
The park currently is four acres consisting of two soccer fields, a parking lot, a picnic area overlooking the soccer fields, and an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walking path.
Future plans for development of the park’s full 60 acres include baseball/softball fields, a BMX track, a skateboard facility, football fields, a children’s play structure, a dog park, walking paths and a horse arena.
The Westside Community Park Committee meets regularly on the first Monday of each, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St. The meetings are open to the public.
For more information about park development contact Rollins, 707-263-7091.
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