Que For The Troops & Family Fun Day Are Huge Hit

The annual Que For The Troops brought in 71 teams to compete in an official BBQ competition.

Teams came from all over the region to participate in the popular contest. Featuring groups such as chicken, pork, pork ribs, brisket, and more, teams competed for prize money and bragging rights. Checkered Flag 500 BBQ took the overall prize, as well as first prize in the brisket category.

Mark and Sharon Gibbs of Checkered Flag 500 Competition BBQ Team traveled from Fawn Grove, York County. Last week, they were in Nashville for a double header competition before coming to Falls. Standing with his overall trophy, Mark Gibbs noted that he really enjoys the comradely of the events and competition. Being that he only traveled about two hours for this competition, Gibbs joked that it was a close one for him.

This year’s contest was the biggest that the event has ever been. According to Jeff Dence, the organizer and a member of the Falls Township Board of Supervisors, he is hoping for at least 75 teams in 2017.

“We get nothing but positive feedback,” Dence said. Competitors, judges, and the community have had nothing but positive things to say about the annual competition. “It’s great because everything stays local.”

In that, Dence means that the competition benefits Liberty USO.

“The mission of the USO is to be a bridge between the military and civilian community,” said Doc, a volunteer with Liberty USO. He added the USO supports military personnel and their family and provides comforts while they are abroad and traveling. The work ranges from having a permanent duty station in the Philadelphia International Airport to having a number of programs for veterans when they return, and for their families when they don’t.

Events like the Que for the Troops are important for Liberty USO, who is responsible for raising all of their own money.

“I will be forever grateful for Falls Township and the people responsible for putting this together,” Doc said. Through conversation, he praised everyone who was responsible for Que for the Troops coming together. “They deserve so much credit.”

In addition to the BBQ, there was activities for kids, a car show and evening fireworks.