Giant to Be Title Sponsor of Barbecue Battle for 2nd Time

For the second year, Giant Food LLC will serve as the title sponsor of the 25th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. The popular event, slated for June 24-25, is draws more than 100,000 attendees each year.

“Through our sponsorship, Giant looks forward to engaging with the D.C. community to continue growing this award-winning event that provides a delicious fun-filled experience for visitors and raises funds for the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore,” said Gordon Reid, president of Giant Food of Landover, Md. Last year, Giant helped raise $184,000 for the organization, which the grocer supports throughout the year, and aims to raise more than $200,000 in 2017.

The barbecue battle, which takes place between 3rd and 7th Streets, NW on Pennsylvania Avenue, will also offer 30 bands on three stages, in addition to appearances by celebrity chefs, TV cooking personalities and cookbook authors, and representatives from the Washington Wizards, Capitals, Mystics, Nationals, D.C. United and the Washington and Baltimore arena-football teams, Valor and Brigade. Additionally, the Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest will return to the event, featuring fan-favorite Joey Chestnut, who broke the world record by eating 73 and a half hotdogs in 10 minutes last year.

Giant will display unique products and brands during the event, providing such attractions as the Taste of Giant Sampling Pavilion and the Savory: Fast, Fresh & Easy Stage, as well as free food samples and no-charge consultations with Giant in-store nutritionists and pharmacists.

Since it began in 1992, the Giant National Barbecue Battle has raised more than $2 million for local nonprofits. Tickets will be sold at the gate and through the website. More information and free ticket opportunities are available in Giant’s weekly circulars and at its stores in the area.

An Ahold USA company, Giant operates 167 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia, employing about 20,000 associates.