Taste of Grand Rapids 2013 digs in at Fifth Third Ballpark

Taste of Grand Rapids 2013 digs in at Fifth Third Ballpark

Taste of Grand Rapids draws some 30,000 people. Image via fb.com

The 15th annual Taste of Grand Rapids will be held at Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday and Saturday.

The event, which is hosted by WOOD Radio AM/FM and Gun Lake Casino, features a state sanctioned barbecue competition, continuous entertainment, West Michigan Trucking Show and a wide variety of food from 25 local restaurants.

Some 30,000 people turn out for event, according to WOOD Radio.

The barbecue competition will bring the best of the Midwest to compete for the State of Michigan Barbecue Champion title.

Teams will compete by serving up their best barbecue ribs, chicken, pork, side dishes and more.

The winner will advance to Kansas City to compete for a national title against teams from across the country.

“There are many reasons to come to the Taste of Grand Rapids,” said Tim Feagan, market manager for WOOD Radio. “From the children’s area, to the live entertainment, to food and wine pairing and the beer, there truly is something for everyone. Not to mention it’s free to attend. Above all, the food is the real star of the show and the main attraction.”

Taste of Grand Rapids' entertainment lineup is online.

The event is Friday, 3-10 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Admission and entertainment are free, while food tickets will be available in packages: four tickets for $5, eight tickets for $10 and 16 tickets for $20. Parking is $6.

Taste of Grand Rapids 2013 restaurants

Bobby J’s

Moo-ville Creamery

Chinatown

Donk’s Mexican Joint

Twisted Rooster

Café San Juan

Chez Olga

Jamaican Dave’s

Sandmann’s BBQ

Flo’s Restaurant and Sports Bar

Su Casa

Louis Benton Steakhouse

Gun Lake Casino

Noodles & Company

XO Asian Cuisine

Mad Dogs

The Melting Pot

Koeze’s

Brann’s

Red Robin

Schondelmayer

Bar-B-Q

Culver’s

Firehouse Subs

Fat Boy Burger