Candidates

Current Vote Tally

Voting money collected helps to offset LBA event costs, marketing, beautification efforts and our minimal operating expenses.

Showing all 8 results

BBQ-n-Blues Judge Nomination Form
Total Votes: 19
Candidate #1 – Jose Trani
Total Votes: 11
Candidate #2 – Sally Van Cura
Total Votes: 60
Candidate #3 – Toni Lucas
Total Votes: 60
Candidate #4 – Jordan Crane
Total Votes: 15
Candidate #5 – Zack Giovanine
Total Votes: 142
Candidate #6 – Christopher Safranski
Total Votes: 44
Candidate #7 – Joe Jeppson
Total Votes: 123

 You can vote for multiple candidates in one transaction. Click the blue link for each candidate, add the desired votes and click "Add to Cart".  Use the navigation arrows at the bottom of the candidate box to move throughout the candidates. After entering the final vote click "View Cart" to complete your transaction.

Showing all 8 results

BBQ-n-Blues Judge Nomination Form

Want to be a BBQ-n-Blues judge? Submit your nomination now to become a candidate. Please include your name, your business or organization’s name,  business’ website that you’d like listed on your profile along with a brief summary that explains to voters why they should pick you to a be a judge.

Include a photo of yourself for your profile. Photos should be preferably as least 300px by 300px.

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

The top six voted-in judges will be part of the 8-person judging panel (6 voted-in + 2 honorary judges listed above). Candidates with the most votes at 9 pm on Sunday, 9/5 will be part of the eight-person panel. In the event that more than 20 BBQ teams sign up prior to the judging cutoff on 9/1, two sets of six judges will be utilized – allowing the top eight vote-getters to be chosen. The top judges will be notified by 10 am on Monday, 9/6.  Judges will report to the lobby of the old Central Garage building at the NW corner of First and Gooding at 5:15 for a judge’s meeting on Friday, 9/10.

Voting money collected helps to offset LBA event costs, marketing, beautification efforts, and our minimal operating expenses – right back into your community!

You can view current candidates here.

Total Votes: 19
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Candidate #1 – Jose Trani

DeAngelo’s

DeAngelo’s Hair Styling

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

Barber extraordinaire!  I’ve tasted ribs from Puerto Rico to Colorado and can’t wait to try the best La Salle has to offer.  I love all the finer things in life – wine, BBQ, fine food, Julie, and my girls.

Total Votes: 11
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Candidate #2 – Sally Van Cura

Habitat for Humanity of LaSalle, Bureau & Putnam Counties

Localhabitat.org

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

Sally has been a business owner since 1988 creating and running her own financial reporting service organization. But she has always had a true passion for food. Through the years, she has been feeding this passion by being a cooking instructor, food writer, caterer, restaurateur and host/producer of NLCTV’s “In the American Kitchen.” Since relocating for “retirement”, Sally was appointed as Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of LaSalle, Bureau & Putnam Counties. She is now feeding her community involvement passions by increasing the footprint of Habitat in our three-county area. One of her main goals as Executive Director is the planning and direction of the 15th home build project.

Total Votes: 60
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Candidate #3 – Toni Lucas

Albany United Methodist Church

https://www.umcalbanyil.com

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

In 2016, I was the first female BBQ judge, setting a trend which has continued. I resided in KY for 14 years, where BBQ is an art form! (Besides, it’s delicious!) No longer living in the area, being selected as a judge would be a wonderful way to come back to La Salle to enjoy BBQ & Blues.

Total Votes: 60
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Candidate #4 – Jordan Crane

La Salle 4th Ward Alderman

http://www.lasalle-il.gov

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

I would like the opportunity to be a judge for bbq and blues so I can be involved with the community more. Anything I can do for LBA or LPAC I will gladly do so!

Total Votes: 15
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Candidate #5 – Zack Giovanine

Hartauer Insurance Agency

http://www.hartauer.com

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

The picture speaks for itself.  Big BBQ guy.

Total Votes: 142
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Candidate #6 – Christopher Safranski

Safranski General Dentistry

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

I’ve been in love with barbecue since I was a little kid and have been eating ribs just as long! I’ve tried award-winning ribs from all over the country and am always up for a good taste test! As a dentist, I can also give some good tips for getting that rib meat from between your teeth! As a resident of La Salle I’d love to help out the LBA in any way I can and I definitely think this would be a lot of fun as well 🙂

Total Votes: 44
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Candidate #7 – Joe Jeppson

The Postman and La Salle 3rd Ward Alderman

City of La Salle

Why should you be a BBQ-n-Blues Judge?

Almost everybody’s happy to be a fool for BBQ.

– Jack Nicholson

Total Votes: 123
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