31-05-2025
Local barbecue contest raises money for veteran Honor Flights to D.C.
RAYTOWN, Mo. — A backyard barbecue competition at the historic Rice-Tremonti home in Raytown raised a lot of money Saturday morning, giving local veterans the chance to be sent on Honor Flights to memorials in Washington, D.C.
Last year, the Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge raised more than $18,000 for Honor Flights. This year, they've beefed up the event with the hope of raising nearly double that amount.
About a dozen competitors spent the day smoking ribs, wings, and side dishes for the coveted trophy, but their real goal was sending vets to the United States Capitol for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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'I was close with my great-grandfather, and he was a World War II vet. He and my grandfather went on an Honor Flight right before he passed away in 2012 or 2013, I want to say, and they just raved about how awesome it was,' Mason Sewing of the Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge said.
'I just want to be able to give back in some way. I mean, our veterans are huge for our communities—they mean a lot to me, especially coming from a military family.'
Vendors set up on the front lawn of the historic Rice-Tremonti home, offering baked goods, BBQ sauce, and plenty of handmade crafts.
Guests were also invited to tour the pre–Civil War–era home, which was built in 1844.
For more information about the historic landmark and details regarding visiting hours, .
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