September 18 has been dubbed “National Cheeseburger Day” by whoever makes decisions on “official” days. Just last week there was a “National Cabernet Day,” which as a wine enthusiast I of course wholeheartedly supported. And of course “National Ice Cream Day” (next happening July 21, 2013!) is a favorite as well.
Cheeseburgers and craft beers will be on the menu at the Sacramento Burger Battle
Aside from also loving a good cheeseburger, I’m a big fan of National Cheeseburger Day this year because of a very cool event taking place that day at Raley Field in West Sacramento. The first-ever Sacramento Burger Battle occurs that evening, pitting 15 different local restaurants against each other in a burger tasting competition where attendees get to vote alongside official judges (all while sipping drinks and also sampling some tasty desserts…what could be better?). Better yet, the entire event is a fundraiser for a great cause, combatting Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
An added twist to the proceedings raises the stakes for the competing restaurants. The winning burger from the Sacramento Burger Battle will automatically qualify to compete in the burger division of Adam Richman’s World Food Championships in Las Vegas in November, going up against burger champions from around the world.
Raley Field, home of the Sacramento RiverCats and the 2012 Sacramento Burger Battle
For the price of admission, attendees get to sample burgers from ALL 15 restaurants, as well as plenty of other food and drink (including craft beers and wine), right on the field where the Sacramento RiverCats play (and win…a record six consecutive Pacific Coast League Southern Division titles and counting).
Entrepreneur/blogger Rodney Blackwell, the creator of BurgerJunkies.com, conceived of this event as a fundraiser benefiting the local chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. All proceeds from the event will be donated to that organization as it continues its work to find cures for these diseases that affect millions, including Rodney’s own nine-year-old daughter.
If you’re anywhere near the Sacramento area on September 18, I encourage you to consider attending the Sacramento Burger Battle. I’ll be there satisfying my taste buds and casting my vote, and gladly supporting a cause in hopes that one day there’s a cure for the painful symptoms that afflict so many who struggle with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Get your tickets here.
