LAS VEGAS – North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee has thrown his support behind Pigs for the Kids, the barbecue competition for area cancer charities, which takes place at Craig Ranch Regional Park on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 9 p.m. Mayor Lee, a survivor of stage IV cancer himself, will serve as the judge for his very own category—the Mayor’s Most Wanted—in the spirited pork, beans and sauce-oriented competition. Registration for barbecue teams continues through Friday, Sept. 8.
Featuring a spirited barbecue competition, live bands, ice cold beer, wine, and more—the family-friendly event tastes good and does good by supporting childhood cancer charities. This year’s Pigs for the Kids Barbecue Cook-Off and Festival will benefit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Charities that support families affected by cancer appeal to Mayor Lee on a personal level. In 2007, he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. His determination to live arose from his realization that every one of his accomplishments started with his decision to try. After months of agonizing treatment and, with the help of others, Mayor Lee successfully won his battle with cancer. He now faces life with a new perspective, a greater sense of gratitude, and an increased desire to provide meaningful support to others.
“I’m proud Pigs for the Kids has once again brought such a dynamic event to North Las Vegas, and I share the group’s commitment to supporting families affected by cancer,” explained Mayor Lee. “Organizations that provide resources to these families make an enormous difference by enabling them to focus their energy on treatment and recovery.”
Like no other barbecue competition in Las Vegas, Pigs for the Kids will offer everyone—from backyard grill masters to professional chefs and restaurateurs—a chance to show their barbecue brilliance in a variety of categories. Teams will compete to take home the third-annual Pigs for the Kids Barbecue Cook-Off Grand Champion Trophy; trophies will be offered in six categories: ribs, pork shoulder, sauce, beans, Mayor’s Most Wanted and “Hog Wild”—where anything goes, as long as it includes pork.
Sign-ups for Pigs for the Kids teams are ongoing and, with the community’s support, the event expects upwards of 50 barbecue teams to compete, which will be judged by a panel of both certified as well as celebrity judges. All styles of barbecue are sure to be represented and attendees can purchase a V.I.Pig Pass with access to open bar and the V.I.Pig tent.
Inspired by founder Todd Radwanski’s daughter, Adilyn, who was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer at 8 months old, Pigs for the Kids was envisioned as a fun-filled community event to support organizations such as those that helped the Radwanski family during Adilyn’s illness. Now a vivacious, athletic 13-year-old girl, Adilyn served as ambassador for the Candlelighters’ 5K, is academically driven and continues to serve as inspiration for everyone around her. It was Adilyn who suggested “Pigs for the Kids” as the name for this event and is delighted to be part of something helping other kids affected by cancer.
The registration fee for team competition is $175 for a 10-foot-by-10-foot booth; $350 for a 20-foot-by-20-foot booth; and $600 for a 40-foot-by-40-foot booth. General admission tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and include one Piggy Buck, which is redeemable for food and drink as well as kids’ activities at the festival; children 12 and younger are free. V.I.Pig Passes are $150 and include access to the V.I.Pig Tent, exclusive parking, open bar, special chef dishes and 10 Piggy Bucks ($20 value). Additional Piggy Bucks are available for purchase for $2 each. Sponsorships are also available at a variety of levels. For more information and to register a team, go to www.PigsForTheKids.org.