By Morgan Bryce
Opelika Observer
The second annual Burger Wars event will fire up on June 4 at the Opelika Courthouse Square, and sponsors promise it to be bigger and better than ever.
In its inaugural year, Burger Wars had nine grillers, representing local restaurants and amateur grill enthusiasts in Lee County. Event organizer John Sweatman said he is expecting a bigger field of competitors and visitors for the event this year.
“We’re expecting to have double the number of grillers this year. We’re also expanding from one to two panels of judges, because of the number of burgers they had to eat, as well as being able to judge our professional and amateur categories in the competition,” Sweatman said.
Sponsored by the Opelika Rotary Club, Happy Hour Rotary Club, Lee County Cattlemen’s Association and Opelika Main Street, Burger Wars will continue the burger sampling tradition, and eating contest between the Auburn and Opelika fire departments. New to the event this year will be an appearance from Aubie the Tiger.
Though Burger Wars is about food and fun, the primary focus of the event is to give back to the community.
“One-hundred percent of the proceeds from Burger Wars will either go to our general fund for events like this or be earmarked for the local food banks Backpack Meal Program,” Sweatman said. “The Backpack Meal Program provides at-risk kids, who don’t have meals, with food for weekends or school breaks. We plan on adopting a school in this upcoming school year so we can help provide them with food when they need it.”
Tickets for Burger Wars can be purchased at the Courthouse Square on June 4 at 11 a.m., and there are still spots available for competitors in the event. For additional information, visit www.burgerwarsopelika.com or find the event on Facebook.