Union Members Compete for a Cause at the Third Annual Illinois State BBQ Bash

Union Members Compete for a Cause at the Third Annual Illinois State BBQ Bash

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) third annual Illinois State BBQ Bash on June 14 was more than just a meal for participants.

Behind the grills, meat, sides, drinks, and desserts at the Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center (TYCEC) in Pecatonica, Illinois, were hours of preparation, hard work and a shared purpose among the labor community.

Boilermakers Local 1 was one of the seven teams involved. Eric Davis, business manager/secretary-treasurer, explained the team’s planning process in the days and weeks leading up.

“Before we even got to the event, there was a lot of preparation,” he said. “We had team meetings to decide what dishes we wanted with the meats that were provided. We even had a day where we did a taste test—you don’t want to try something for the first time the day of the event.”

The preparation didn’t stop there. Boilermakers Local 1 team members arrived late Friday afternoon and took shifts throughout the night preparing and cooking the meat.

Their menu included meats like beef ribs, brisket sliders and pork belly burnt end tacos. On the side was a family recipe for pasta salad and cobbler for dessert.

“When we did this the first year, we weren’t sure what to expect,” Davis said. “The one thing we were solely focused on was the meat. We had no decorations; we were a bunch of guys, and our booth looked like a plain bachelor pad.”

Jenny Vaughn, Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) executive director, was called to judge at the last second. She enjoyed the different food spreads offered by each team.

“I tried a little bit of everything, and I love the creativity that goes into it,” she said. “They have not only meat, but they have desserts and drinks. The Boilermakers had an 80s-themed tent and a drink with pop rocks in it. It’s just fun to see all the ways people bring their different backgrounds into the flavors.”

Davis and his team members stepped up their booth game in 2025, and their efforts paid off as Boilermakers Local 1 took home “Best Booth”. Meanwhile, Painters District Council 30 won “Best BBQ”, IBEW Local 364 Journeymen won “Best Booze” and IBEW Local 364 Apprentices won “Best Side.”

Chris DeCaigny, Union Insurance Group (UIG) president, applauded all the teams involved.

“The participating unions put a lot of effort and time into making this a great event, and its success is thanks to them,” he said.

Vaughn, who previously served as director of operations for the ICF, has participated in the event each year.

“It’s been so fun watching this event grow over the years,” Vaughn said. “I love the excitement and watching the teams plan and prep all night. I enjoy the excitement during the big reveal when the winners are announced, and families and friends celebrate with each other.”

In addition to the competition, union members, their families and local community members enjoyed raffle prize drawings, inflatables, and outdoor activities.

DeCaigny enjoyed bringing together union members and their families.

“It’s rewarding to see labor come together on behalf of kids participating in the youth programs at Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center,” he said. “The most fascinating part is when we get the parents, children and spouses of members come out and participate in an event that’s about unionism.”

A portion of the money raised from the BBQ Bash stays at the TYCEC. The 750-acre facility focuses on teaching youths about the great outdoors and encouraging them to unplug from their devices. It features an 11,000-square foot lodge; rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges; a fishing pond; and hiking trails.

“These funds help us continue our mission of putting kids into the outdoors,” said Sam Phipps, USA director of conservation. “That’s exactly what the TYCEC aims towards—getting kids out to a location dedicated to the outdoors, so they can really enjoy themselves and hopefully get back outside again to grow their passion for the outdoors. It’s vital that we keep places like the TYCEC thriving and moving forward.”

The most important thing to Davis at this event is the cause.

“What I get the most enjoyment out of is knowing we put on a great event for all our members and the proceeds support the USA and TYCEC,” he said. “I know that money is going to be well spent on activities and projects for communities.”

More about the Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance:

Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center Awards Partners for Supporting Renovations

Building Bonds in the Outdoors

A Weekend of Hunting and Heritage in Illinois

Union Insurance Group Committed to Preserving Outdoor Heritage

Union Volunteers Put Finishing Touches on Conservation Education Center