ROCKFORD, Mich. -- The 2024 Grillapalooza will be sizzling on Saturday in Rockford.
Jeff Havemeier is president of Herman's Boy, the bakery and deli that took over the event in 2005.
Havemeier described the event as a "big grilling open house" on WOOD Radio's West Michigan Morning News.
"We have different grills going with different things that you can do on the grill. And maybe not the usual. All free samples," he said.
Grillapalooza is Herman Boy's annual Big Green Egg Festival, featuring various recipes from its cooks. The deli/baker/coffee roastery is located at 220 Northland Dr. NE.
"We'll be glad to show anybody how the Green Egg works. But if they've got grilling questions for their grill, we'll be featuring some of our seasonings and some of the pulled pork and different things that we do on the Green Egg. We'll also be having some kids' activities. We just try to make it a big ole picnic open house," Havemeier said.
Around 11 a.m., Jeep owners will be meeting at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 4395 14 Mile Rd NE, before parading over to Herman's Boy. They'll park in a parking lot next door at Blakeslee Rop.
"So, you can come check those out. All the proceeds for the entry fee will be going to the Saving Souls Pet Alliance pet rescue
Herman's Boy has teamed up this year with Graff Rockford to co-host a National Jeep "Go Topless" Day" event with a fundraiser - again, for the Saving Souls Pet Alliance pet rescue. Graff Rockford is sponsoring its third annual event in which owners are encouraged to take the tops off their Jeeps, "but leave their shirts on."
The pet alliance takes dogs and cats from high-kill shelters in Michigan and finds them homes. Jeep owners will be asked to make a minimum $10 donation to Saving Souls.
Per the West Michigan Tourist Association, you can register at: https://www.graffcdjr.com/graff-go-topless-event.htm .
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Samples will be provided around 11 a.m. Saturday. A Jeep Parade will roll through around noon.Photo: Courtesy: Herman's Boy, Inc.