The 8th annual Death's Door BBQ ignites on Saturday on Washington Island. The event is a rare "double header" featuring a private competition the night before for vendors and judges already on the island. Once the public hits the grounds on the 24th, the barbecue train takes them straight to the food. Each vendor prepares chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket. The meat is turned in as Saturday afternoon progresses for evaluation by Kansas City Barbecue Society certified judges. There are 30 vendors this year, which Chairman Dick Jepsen says is right in the normal range:

Jeff Vanderlinde of Shiggin' and Grinnin' Restaurant says he has come to Death's Door BBQ three times now and returns because of the great hospitality. He says Washington Island thinks it's a treat to host the participants, but really it is the participants receiving the treat.