• 

• 

Oceanport, N.J. – Fresh off the heels of the successful Shore Chef Crab Cake Cook-Off, Monmouth Park packed them in again over the Labor Day weekend with the equally popular BBQ and Craft Beer Festival.  More than 26,000 flowed into Monmouth Park on Saturday and Sunday as the racetrack played host to its annual barbecue outing. 

            Following two days of food tasting, the judges named Memphis Pig Out in Atlantic Highlands as the Best Pork, while Local Smoke, located in Neptune City, took home the People’s Choice Award. Other awards went to Ben’s BBQ & Catering for Best Brisket and BBQ specialty (BBQ Gumbo), while DRJ Catering won Best Ribs and the Chop Shop won for Best Presentation. 

            “Once again, our food festival has drawn considerable interest,” said Bob Kulina, President of Darby Development LLC, operators of Monmouth Park Racetrack.  “These events have proven wildly successful the past several years and continue to grow each season.  We will look to build on their success and perhaps add new and interesting festivals in the future.” 

            Sunday’s attendance of 15,424, coupled with 11,120 on Saturday, brought the weekend total to 26,544.  Two weeks ago, the racetrack hosted 25,526 for the Shore Chef Crab Cake Cook-Off.  

            Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Monday, Sept. 3 for a special Labor Day card.  The 2012 season continues through Sunday, Oct. 7.  Gates will continue to open at 11:30 a.m. with first post set at 12:45 p.m.