Up North 'Grill on the Hill' barbecue event, now in 6th year, continues to grow
Slabs of ribs and big hunks of beef brisket and pork will be front and center for barbecue enthusiasts and taste tasters for the annual "Grill on the Hill" barbecue competition.
Those hunks of meat and slabs of ribs will be prepared with seasonings, rubs, and marinade before hitting the grates set over glowing embers and headed for barbecue perfection.
The competition at Northern Michigan's Treetops Resort in Gaylord, now in its 6th year, is set for May 4.
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Each year, the competition brings avid grillers together to showcase their skills in churning out some of the tastiest barbecues. The competition is a fun way to see pitmasters in action.
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Over the past years, the event has grown from its beginnings as a Big Green Eggfest.
Last year, more than 600 tasters attended the event, according to Barry Owens, Treetops resort general manager.
For the upcoming competition and the 2nd year in a row, Treetops is partnering with Ebels General Store and Little Town Jerky to supply all meats for the grilling throwdown.
Ebels is well known for its meats, jerky, and meat processing. They originated in Falmouth and have been around since 1920. Now with three Ebels locations, the business is operated by fifth-generation family members.
How to enter a team
Teams can still enter the competition. Each team needs to bring their own grill and charcoal. It's $300 to enter a team of up to four members. Along with the protein of the team's choosing, other items will be provided, including a table, taster bracelets for team members, and four drink tickets per team member. For a list of what each team should bring, entry fees, and official rules, go to treetops.com.
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A team of judges will evaluate each team on the appearance, taste, and tenderness of what they grill. Awards will go to the best ribs, pork, and beef brisket. Teams are competing for cash prizes. Each category will also have a people's choice winner.
How to get tickets
The event is open to spectators from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. May 4. A Grill on the Hill ticket for spectators is $25 in advance ($15 for ages 12 and under) and $35 the day of the event. Tickets include five barbecue tasting tickets, and a vote for people's choice in each category. There will be vendor booths, some featuring grilling equipment and accessories along with spices and sauces, live music, a petting zoo, yard games, and pony and wagon rides. Taster’s lodging packages are also available.
Add a golf package
A longtime golfing event at Treetops is the "We're Open - Open." As part of the "We're Open - Open" package golfers receive entry to Grill on The Hill. The golf package for a team of four is $396 for 18 holes of golf on the Jones Masterpiece course with two drink tickets.
If you go
Treetops Resort is about 3½ hours north of downtown Detroit off Interstate 75. The property features several golf courses, a spa, restaurants and other amenities. For information or lodging packages, go to treetops.com.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Grill on the Hill at Treetops Resort showcases barbecue skills
