By Morgan Bryce
Editor
Thousands of people are expected to attend the fifth annual “Burger Wars” event along North Railroad Avenue in downtown Opelika on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visitors can purchase tasting tickets for $2 each and can sample a burger from any of the 30 or more confirmed grillers for the event, nearly record highs for the event according to Opelika Rotary Club Member Dixie Broadwater.
“Over time, this event has developed into a tradition around here. It’s a great day to come to downtown Opelika and have a great time,” Broadwater said.
Grillers will compete in one of three divisions: professional (area restaurants or eateries), corporate and tailgating. Visitors will be able to cast a vote for the ‘Crowd Favorite.”
Local musician Larcus “Silky Tone” Fuller will deejay and emcee the event and there will be a “Big Bite Challenge” between members of Auburn and Opelika’s fire departments.
Through the rotary’s partnership with the Food Bank of East Alabama’s “Backpack Meal Program,” event proceeds will meet the needs of food-insecure children at Southview and Ogletree elementary schools of Opelika and Auburn for a second year.
Following is a list of participating grillers, partners and sponsors, subject to change until the week of the event:
Partners:
- John Emerald Distillery
- Red Clay Brewery
Professional
Division: - La Cantina
- Zazu Gastropub
- Niffer’s Place Opelika
- Stinky’s Fish Camp
- The Hound
- Saugahatchee Country Club
- Lucy’s
- Auburn University Club
Sponsors: - Capell and Howard Attorneys at Law
- Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home
- Agricola Law
- Smith-Kastner Wealth Management
- Burt Employment Services
- Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home
- S & S Termite
- Prewett Insurance Group
- Wickles Pickles
- Opelika Observer
- Opelika Main Street
- Pharmavite
- Almost Anything.
For more information, like and follow the Burger Wars Facebook page.
This is a rain-or-shine event.