Waynewood’s Aspiring BBQ Champions

The only way I can really tell that summer has ended is because people’s Instagram content dries up. Pictures of wild vacations and days at the pool are replaced with first day of school shots and pictures of people in awkward-fitting NFL jerseys. Trust me, I get it. We are all trying to fall into our post-Labor Day routine, where we are desperate for things to fill our schedules on the weekend.Well, what if I told you that there is an annual, family-focused event that brought more than 1,500 people to a quiet neighborhood in Alexandria last year? An event that is great for letting the kids run around (potentially unsupervised, depending on your parenting style) and enjoyable for the parents as well? I’m not talking about going to the zoo out of desperation for the sixth time this year, I promise (I said it’s enjoyable for parents, after all).The 9th Annual Waynewood BBQ Cookout will take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 8 from 3-7pm at Waynewood Elementary School in Alexandria. At this highly anticipated event, ten dedicated, local BBQ teams compete in three competitions. There is also live music and fun kids’ games.If you like BBQ, this is a must. Every variation of BBQ is offered at the event, which costs a mere $5 to attend. Just $5! That’s it! I personally cannot think of a better way to spend $5! I’m literally yelling into my laptop as I type! Please come! Your spouse will thank you and your kids will lose their minds having fun. If you’re single, bring your friends and just drink and walk around. I guarantee there will be people there you know. Did I mention there is a band?You’re are probably asking yourself, “Geoff, what if I don’t like BBQ?” Well, I will say I went to go see Crazy Rich Asians with my wife Brittany a couple weeks ago and it wasn’t bad, so I guess I would recommend that as a relatively fun alternative…but I beg you, what would be better than being outdoors, socializing and getting to know the local community, and enjoying live music? A dark room, bad popcorn, and sticky floors? I don’t think so.Last year, our team, Gorge Washington BBQ, placed second. We’re going all out this year. Please come by and say hi!