Are you ready to emerge from the two-year COVID cocoon and have some fun? Get ready for a major event to kick off the summer of 2022: United Way of King County’s first Annual Community BBQ with former Seattle Seahawks star Doug Baldwin! The event will be held rain or shine on June 18 at Renton Memorial Stadium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We’re expecting about 2,000 people to join in the festivities, and we’ve designed an outing for all ages with tasty food, good music, family-friendly games and fun-filled surprises. There will be a live DJ and entertainment, field and carnival games, activities sponsored by the Seahawks and Kraken, a chance to catch a pass from Doug Baldwin and much more! Dozens of vendors, performers, educators, volunteers and entertainers have signed on to help make the BBQ a success.

Planning to join us? Interested in stopping by? Here are a few frequently asked questions; most everything you need to know about one of the most anticipated outdoor events of the season.

Q. What’s the price of admission?

A: The cost is just $10 per plate of barbecue (includes sides and fixings). Also, kids 6 and under eat free. In addition to purchasing a plate, you can:

• Give a Community Plate: Would you like to treat someone in the community to one or more plates of BBQ so they can join in on the fun too? Buy them here, share the love!
• Enjoy a Community Plate—on us: It’s important to us that everyone who wants to come to the BBQ can do so and enjoy the food and festivities. We live in a generous community, and many people have already given community plates for others to enjoy at no cost.

Q. How do I purchase a plate?

A. Click here: Also note that plate purchases are available at the door on the day of the event.

Q. Will mass transit take me to the event?

A. Yes! The RapidRide F Line bus will take you directly to Renton Memorial Stadium. For those arriving by car, please note that Interstate 405 will be closed all weekend.

Q. What about parking?

A. It’s FREE! And there’s parking at the stadium as well as a nearby overflow lot.

Q. Will alcoholic beverages be served at the event?

A. No, alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the BBQ.

Q: Will there be direct services available at the BBQ?

A:  No. The Annual Community BBQ will have fun and educational opportunities, and lots of good food, but we will not have direct service resources available on site.

Q: Doug Baldwin usually sponsors a combine in Renton around this time. Is this the same as that event?

A:  No, this is a brand-new event sponsored by Doug Baldwin and United Way, but we hope for the same family atmosphere as Baldwin’s combine. Also, the Annual Community BBQ is part of Doug Baldwin’s ”Month of Champions,” preceding the ”Celebrity Champions of Change Basketball Game” on June 26 at Climate Pledge Arena. But the plate purchase is only for the Annual Community BBQ, not Doug’s other events.

Q. Does the plate purchase get you access to all BBQ-related events?

A. Absolutely!

Q: Is this a Juneteenth event?

A. No, but we recognize and honor Juneteenth, which occurs one day after the Annual Community BBQ.

Q. Who are some of the food vendors?

A. Vendors include C. Davis BBQ, Jack’s BBQ, Jones Original BBQ, Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ, Stan’s BBQ, Reyhoon Grill, Askatu Bakery, Freland Tamales, Off the Rez, Lumpia World and Boon Boona Coffee.

Q. Will you have vegan offerings?

A. Sure!

Q. Will you have halal food?

A. Yes, we will!

Q. Will I need to show proof of COVID vaccination or wear a mask?

A. We will observe current state COVID-19 guidelines in place at that time.

Q. Are pets allowed?

A. According to Renton Memorial Stadium policy, only ADA service animals are welcome.

For more information, log on to https://www.uwkc.org/events/annual-community-bbq/.

Bringing a large group? Please contact eventregistration@uwkc.org for information on how to register.