More than 2,000 burger lovers from all over the Valley came to downtown Roanoke Saturday to celebrate “all things burger” and enjoy a day out with the whole family, making the inaugural Big Lick Burger Fest a big success.
Eleven local restaurants and food trucks offered over 40 combinations to fill hungry mouths. From the classic beef burger, to novelty versions such as a seafood burger, black bean burger, and taco burger, vendors fulfilled a variety of cravings.
Winners of the Best Burger Awards, judged by notable local food critics John Park and Larry Bly, as well as Fox 21/27 Morning News Host and former Miss Virginia Tara Wheeler, are:
Best All Beef: 1. Rock & Roll Diner 2. Beamer’s 25 3. Fork in the Market
Best All Around: 1. New York Subs 2. Rock & Roll Diner 3. The Village Grill
Anything But Beef: 1. Beamer’s 25 2. Rock & Roll Diner 3. Martin’s Downtown
Besides burgers, the event featured a beer garden, live music by Floorboards and Aside Oceans, a misting tent to cool off from the hot temperatures, as well as a fun kids zone with bouncy houses and other activities.
Children and other thirsty fest guests also enjoyed refreshing lemonade from the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s lemonade stand, raising funds for their mission of increasing awareness and creating real miracles for local hospitals.
“We were thrilled and honored to participate in Burger Fest,” said Paige Kauffman, event planner for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “The turnout and community support for the event was tremendous and we had a great time selling lemonade.”
“Burger Fest truly exceeded all our expectations,” said JD Sutphin – President of Big Lick Entertainment. “To see so many smiling families in downtown Roanoke was indescribable and we cannot wait to grow this event, improve it, and make it bigger and even better in 2015.”
Proceeds from the event benefited Market Building Foundation, which operates the City Market Building as a place for the community to come together. The single day event also resulted in over $35,000.00 in economic stimulus to local businesses.
