Grill Wars 2016

For those who don't know, Grill Wars has typically been a mid-August event held at Bayfront Park, though it has also been held in the Fitger's Courtyard as early in the summer as June. It's a grilling competition featuring burger samples from local grocery stores and restaurants. 

The event is put on by KQDS and Red Rock Radio. It was initially a fundraiser for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, but in recent years has benefited Boys and Girls Clubs programs in Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.

The vague report I have is that it will not be held this year, but will be back in 2017.

OK, here's the scoop:

The event was cancelled due to a recent loss of staffing at Red Rock Radio and other major summer events like the Duluth Airshow and Tall Ships, which  "resulted in less than minimal forces needed to successfully market" the event, according to a letter sent to Grill Wars vendors on July 12 by Jeff Woolverton, resource development director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland.

"Rest assured, this decision in no way reflects our commitment to the success of this very special event in 2017," the letter concludes, noting next year's event is tentatively planned for early August.