Taste the excitement at one of the summer’s most appetizing events when the Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge returns to Citizen’s Bank Way at Citizens Bank Park on August 11.  Presented by Hatfield Quality Meats and Kraft BBQ Sauce, the eleventh annual Barbecue Challenge offers something for everyone:  guest judging by Phillies alumni and Philadelphia area chefs, a live broadcast by Sportsradio 94WIP, great raffle prizes, entertainment including a strolling magician, a speed pitch game, and a mechanical bull, Turkey Hill ice cream, the Bud Bar and, of course, some of Philly’s tastiest barbecue.

The 2012 Barbecue Challenge invites visitors to sample some of Philadelphia’s finest fare from the likes of Bull’s BBQ, Butcher and Singer, Carolina Blue Smokehouse & Taproom, Continental Mid-town, El Camino Real, El Rey, El Vez, Famous Dave’s, Jones, McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon, Pod, and XFINITY Live! Philadelphia.  The event is free and open to the public from 3:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.  With a  recommended donation to charity of $5 per ticket or three tickets for $10, visitors can pick up samples of food at participating restaurants while supplies last.  Some lucky visitors can also walk away with great prizes!  Raffle tickets are available ($2 each) at the ticket stands or from the Phillies Ball Girls, and this year’s prizes include a weekend stay at Loews Center City hotel, autographed Phillies items, a Mitchell & Ness Mike Schmidt rookie year jersey, and more!  The raffle closes at 6:15 p.m. and the drawing follows immediately.  Be sure to stick around for the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. to see whose ‘cue takes the cake.

For directions and parking information, please visit the Phillies website.  All proceeds from the Barbecue Challenge benefit YGAP, an organization founded by Garry Maddox to support the education and development of children who reside in troubled city neighborhoods.