Cowboy Homecoming +Turn N Burn + rain = soggy fun


Rain failed to dampen the party spirit of the 51st Cowboy Homecoming and Turn N Burn BBQ Cook-off. There were galoshes galore stomping through mud and puddles from one festivity to another. Hats off to the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, the Turn N Burn organizers, and the loyal community of cookers and local citizens who made this event a success. The sponsors should get great kudos, too! Many thanks to H-E-B, Pursch Motors Inc., Miller Lite, Western Premium BBQ Products, KLS Energy Services, Double K Homes, Genco Energy Services and Pleasanton Express.

The combination of the two events was a winner and one to build upon in coming years. There were so many free events this year designed to attract people of all ages.

There were almost 200 BBQ teams competing and with their entourages it made for a large crowd. Turn N Burn is a tough competition with the friendliest bunch of competitors competing for one of the largest bar-b-que cook-off purses in Texas if not the nation. When you added in judges and families who came out to enjoy the day, there was a steady flow of people in the River Park.

There were over 50 children signed up for the Little Mr. and Miss Pageant but due to the weather, about 16 competed for the title. Kagen Brown was named Little Mr. Cowboy Homecoming and Genevieve “Evi” Chancellor was named as Little Miss Cowboy Homecoming.

The new Cowboy Homecoming Queen Abigail Partida was crowned by outgoing Queen Cassidy Fernandez. Cassidy then crowned the court – Princesses Tatum Bauer, Madison Rush, Mya Carrasco and Chelsea Bosquez.

The dances that evening were a homecoming of sorts as well. Local bands took to the stage and entertained the soggy folks who attended. South Texas Rain Makers and 86’D – comprised of local talent – brought in and reunited classmates and friends of the bands.

The next morning, storms threatened the Wild Bill Cowboy Gallop, again. But, rain or shine, 100 runners showed up and competed in the 5K race.

As the smoke was billowing from the BBQ rigs, the parade made its way through town and the carnival was in full swing when the rain finally stopped around noon.

The Rotary Club’s Cow Patty Bingo was an easy sell with all the folks and Audie Trammel of LaVernia won the $1,000 prize.

Another successful area was Doc’s Kiddie Corral, sponsored by Dr. Michael McFarland and hosted by the Pleasanton Express. Kids of all ages enjoyed the free games, activities and the Wilco Peanut Sack Races plus the fun prizes given away.

The KidsQue proved to be another popular and fun event. Over 60 kiddos prepared pork chops, provided by Granzin’s with minimal help from adults.

The camaraderie of the barbeque teams was apparent during the awards ceremony as each winner was announced. These teams are much like family and cheered for each other throughout the announcements.

When LC Rocks took the stage shortly after, the 80s hair band had everyone rocking before William Clark Green closed out the weekend celebration.

Please see the Pleasanton Express’ collage pages of Cowboy Homecoming and Turn N Burn. We will continue these collages and stories in next week’s issue specifically focusing on all of the results for the Turn N Burn and the Lil’ Darlin’ contests.

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