Looks like we’re onto something!

United Way’s Second Annual Community BBQ with Doug Baldwin Jr. last Saturday at Renton Memorial Stadium drew more than 2,300 people—well over the 1,700+ the inaugural event drew last year. This year’s event had more activities, more scrumptious food, more live entertainment, and more chances to win fun prizes.

And yet the event still featured some of what made the first BBQ a success, namely Baldwin, the Seahawks legend who initially came up with the idea of gathering communities from King County and beyond for a carnival-themed, backyard cookout. Now a United Way board member, Baldwin again held court as he did last year as our campaign chair, to the delight of many patrons who showed up in Seahawks apparel.

This year’s entertainment featured a return performance by the Washington Diamonds Drill Team as well as newcomers Red Eagle Soaring (who performed the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement), the Baile Dior Studios dance team, the Bailadores de Bronce dance team, and the South Nepal School dancers.

Then there were the vendors: cold treats from Ice Cream Express, beverages from Boon Boona Coffee, and of course, BBQ. Back again was the popular C. Davis Texas BBQ, whose 22-hour smoked brisket and waffle fries were once again a most sought-after delicacy.

“The BBQ was awesome,” said C. Davis of C. Davis Texas BBQ, who dished up more than 560 plates this year (about 60 more than last year). “I almost couldn’t enjoy it because we were serving up so many plates.”

United Way thanks all of those who came out to this year’s event. Click here for information about more United Way events.