Manhattan's Pints And Pork Teams To Pit Brews, BBQ In Taste Battle

MANHATTAN, IL — The beer will be cold, and the pork will be hot, when a favorite fundraiser for Manhattan's St. Joseph's School returns Saturday, Sept. 30.

The Pints and Pork Challenge will take place under a tent at the school, 255 W. North St., from 5 to 9 p.m., and will feature beers from 10 vendors, and pork to go with 'em.

Local brewers have teamed up with a restaurant, pairing their pints with pork cooked on the premises. Ten teams have entered this year's event, with each bringing two beers to compete, and 60 pounds of pork to ensure they won't run out, said Principal Colleen Domke. The event is 21 and over, only.

Attendees act as judges as they enjoy sampling food and drink, which are included in the ticket price. At the end, attendees cast votes for best dish, best brew and best pairing.

Teams ready to battle it out for top prize this year include:

• Team #1 Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company
• Team #2 Evil Horse Brewing Co. & Twin Stacks BBQ
• Team #3 Old School Brewing Co. & EJ's Texas Que
• Team #4 Trails Edge Brewing Co. & Roosters Que
• Team #5 Pollyanna Brewing Co. & Manhattan Meat Wranglers
• Team #6 Hickory Creek Brewing Co. & J and The A's
• Team #7 Brickstone Brewery & Bae of Pigs
• Team #8 GoBrewing & Nibbs BBQ
• Team #9 Hailstorm Brewing & Legends
• Team #10 Miskatonic Brewing Co. & Pour Decisions

The event includes live music in a cozy setting, with hay bales placed around firepits to socialize and keep warm, Domke said. Cornhole will also be available throughout the event.

Raffles will run throughout the evening, with a chance to win a "Wagon o' Booze" containing 50 bottles of wine and liquor, Domke said. Tickets are $10 each, or three for $25. Raffle basket tickets are 10 for $20. Payments must be made by Sept. 20, with checks payable to St. Joseph School, or electronic payments to @Melissa-Sallade via Venmo, or Zelle at (815)258-8328. Anyone with questions can contact Sallade at melissasallade16@gmail.com, or (815)258-8328.

Pre-sale tickets for the event are available online for $50 each, and must be made by Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. Day-of tickets increase to $60 at the gate. The ticket buys a 4-oz. glass with the event logo, and the cost covers all food and beer. Water stations are also set up, making beer sampling simpler, Domke said. Designated drivers are offered discounted tickets, she added.

Approximately 300 people attended last year's event, Domke said. For more information, check out the event's website.