NAPLES, Fla. - eTradeWire -- Chefs and BBQ-lovers across Southwest Florida helped raise $33,600 for local children's charities at the seventh annual Sunshine Ace Hardware Big Green EGGfest.

Sunshine Ace Hardware President Michael Wynn on May 28 presented four local organizations with event proceeds. Big Green EGGfest beneficiaries in 2026 included Northside Naples Kiwanis Club, United Way of Collier and the Keys, Rotary Club of Bonita Beach Sunset and Leadership Collier Foundation.

Since its inception in 2019, Big Green EGGfest has raised $196,600 for local youth-focused programs and services.

"What started as a fun end-of-season BBQ festival has become a tradition for local families as well as chefs vying for the title of 'grill master,'" Wynn said. "We've been sold out or nearly sold out every year since the pandemic, and it's incredibly satisfying to see our cumulative fundraising total approach $200,000."

Held annually at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs, Big Green EGGfest attracted more than 1,000 guests and offered all-you-can-eat food samplings, grilling demonstrations, live music, beer, wine and hard seltzer drinks. Attendees at the family-friendly event served as judges and voted for their favorite chef-prepared meats, vegetables and side dishes. Winners included:

• Professional Chef Division: Bart Zino, PBS Contractors
• Amateur Chef Division: BBQ Nerds
• People's Choice Winner, Pro Division: John Vingo, Skillets
• People's Choice Winner, Amateur Division: DJ Heidtman

Big Green Egg grilling blogger Shannon Morgan and Big Green Egg YouTube grilling instructor Ron Dimpflmaier led grilling demonstrations. Naples-based Moonstone Riders provided live entertainment, while Sip Social Naples featured a specialty flavored lemonade stand cart for families and children.

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Event sponsors for the 2026 Big Green EGGfest included NCH, PBS Contractors, Priority Marketing, The Baldwin Group, Lee Health, McDonald & Osborne and Florida Gulf Coast University.

The eighth annual Big Green EGGfest will be held April 10, 2027, at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. Tickets and event details will be posted online at SunshineAceEggFest.com.