It's Humble Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off time - Monday, January 25, 2010

It's Humble Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off time

Monday, January 25, 2010

David Stuhlmiller

Get ready for old-fashioned barbecue and family fun

The Humble Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off opens its doors to the public on Friday, Feb. 5, at 5 p.m. and remains open until midnight. The event, which is sanctioned by the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Cooker�s Association, will take place on the concrete parking lot adjacent to the rodeo grounds on Will Clayton Parkway. The festivities at the cook-off will open again on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to midnight, with an awards ceremony for barbecue contestants at 6 p.m.

In 2009, the cook-off entries grew to 115 teams and has become one of the largest cook-offs in the Houston area. Almost $100,000 was raised last year during the rodeo events and all of the proceeds benefited the Humble Education Foundation.

Proceeds are used to help fund teacher and staff development programs, special classroom projects and grants used to enhance programs and technology within Humble ISD. The goal of the foundation is to support programs and initiatives that fall outside the scope of the normal operating budget. Additional information about the foundation can be found at www.humbleisdfoundation.org.

The Grand Champion of the Humble BBQ Cook-off will win the Pitmaker BBQ Pits� newest smoker - the Sniper, and will be eligible to compete in the American Royal Invitational in Kansas City, Mo. The winner will also be entered into a lottery to attend the Jack Daniels Invitational in Lynchburg, Tenn., which is considered by many to be the most challenging cook-off competition on the planet.

Other attractions at this year�s cook-off include: vendor booths, a kids zone, a pit building challenge, and a kid�s cook-off. Wristbands, which are required for entry into the cook-off area, which also includes the kids zone, may be purchased at the public�s entry gate. The wristbands cost $5 for adults, $3 for students, and ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge. The wristbands are good for the entire weekend of cook-off events, but not for the rodeo or concerts.

Pit Building Challenge

Contestants in the pit building competition consist of welding classes within Humble ISD. After registering, students submit drawings, keep track of material receipts and build a barbecue pit on a set budget that will be judged by a panel.

Kids Cook-Off

The kid�s cook-off is an opportunity for area youngsters to take part in the art of barbecue and is sponsored by Alspaugh�s Ace Hardware in Kingwood. Each child is provided a small pit, charcoal, seasonings and meat. After the children are finished, their masterpiece is turned in for judging.

Kids Zone

Kids can be kids when they visit the cook-off�s kid zone. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, clowns, amusement rides and more. The kid zone will be open both days of the barbecue cook-off with different activities each day.

So lasso up the kids and head out to the Humble Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off on Feb. 5 and 6 for some down-home good barbecue and good fun.

For more information about the Humble Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off or other events that are scheduled during this year�s rodeo, visit www.humblerodeo.com.

2010 Humble Rodeo & BBQ schedule of events:

Jan. 30

2 p.m. - Rodeo Parade; Main

Street in Humble

Feb. 5

7 a.m. - Pancakes for Kids;

Humble Civic Center

5 p.m. - BBQ cook-off open, vendor booths open, pit building challenge judging, kid zone open; Humble Civic Arena

Feb. 6

10 a.m. - BBQ cook-off open to public, vendor booths open, kid zone open;

Humble Civic Arena

5 p.m. - Pit building challenge � winning pit auction; Humble Civic Arena

6 p.m. - Barbecue awards;

Civic Center Arena Pavilion

Feb. 9

3 � 6 p.m. - Livestock show move-in; Humble Civic Arena

Feb. 12

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Special kids programs and tours, buyer�s barbecue;

Humble Civic Arena

1 p.m. - Livestock auction; Humble

Civic Arena

7 p.m. - Rodeo 2010; Humble Civic Arena

9 p.m. - Justin Moore and Chris Young concert; Humble Civic Arena

Feb. 13

7 p.m. - Rodeo 2010; Humble Civic Arena

9 p.m. - Kevin Fowler concert;

Humble Civic Arena