Native Texans know a thing or two about bull riding, BBQ, and ropin’ cattle. These time-tested Texas traditions were on display during the Texas Deer Association Second Annual Ropin’ and Smokin’ held at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas. This was the first year the event was held in Robstown as there was a need for more space based on the success of last year’s event. This year more than 350 people gathered in the arena to help make the 2018 Ropin’ and Smokin’ a HUGE SUCCESS.
The festivities kicked off with the bull-riding event on Friday night, thanks to our Title Sponsors Sosa’s Buckers and Record Rack/Nutrena. Underneath the lights of the indoor facility, there was magic in the air. You don’t need the big lights and production value of Professional Bull Riding to enjoy what the sport has to offer. For only $10 and a smile, bull-riding fans across the area got to witness a solid showing of bull riders who gave it their all on a beautiful Texas Friday night. And, let’s not forget to mention our animal athletes. The bulls from Sosa Buckers WOW’d the crowd with every action-packed ride!
There was a small jackpot roping event after the bull riding, which was icing on the cake for an already splendid evening. There was even a fantastic display of skill from Charro Tres Potrillos, Flores Family, who brought the crowd alive with their show-stopping talents. They performed a myriad of rope tricks and stunts that showed just how special a relationship can between man and horse.
On Saturday, things heated up – literally – with the Barbeque Cook Off Competition presented by Susie’s Farm and Ranch Freer. The Cook Off was sanctioned by the International Barbeque Cookers Association, who have been in the business of cook-offs since 1988. IBCA offers up a “set of uniform cook-off rules that are fair and ‘user friendly’ for the cooks.” There were over 20 teams who participated in the competition. Each of the teams entered in were vying for cash prizes. There were three main categories: brisket, ribs, and chicken. A jackpot competition was also held that included the categories of fajitas and wild-game. Trophies and cash prizes were awarded for the teams who ranked 1st-3rd in each of the categories but there could only be one Grand Champion. The winners are as followed:
Grand Champion
1st place – ESR – Joe Garcia
Ribs
1st place – How Ya Derrin BBQ – Gil Martinez
2nd Place – ESR – Joe Garcia
3rd Place – Can’t Quit Smok’n – Wesley Eoff
Chicken
1st place – RC Smokers – Rolondo Castillo
2nd Place – ESR – Joe Garcia
3rd Place – LTP BBQ – Chad Marshall
Brisket
1st place – ESR – Joe Garcia
2nd Place – Hog Wild BBQ – Bubba Clark
3rd Place – Triple S – Jesse Saenz
Jackpot – Fajitas
1st place – Carlos Pena
Jackpot – Wild Game
1st place – Mike Gibson/Repeat Offenders
The grills weren’t the only things on fire Saturday, however. Over 273 teams competed in the team roping event that started at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and ran all the way into the evening hours. These teams were competing for top prizes that included deer hunts, a trailer, saddles, rifles, buckles, breast collars, and headstalls.
Texas Deer Association would like to thank our wonderful sponsors, without whom none of this would have been possible. Record Rack, Nutrena, and Susie’s Farm and Ranch Freer were the title sponsors of the event.
Texas Deer Association would also like to recognize and thank the dedicated committee members who put in an endless amount of work to make this event happen. We owe so much gratitude to Lynn Collard, Leo Martinez, Sammy Castaneda, Jeff Jones and Shiloh Sosa.
Texas Deer Association is growing and we want to encourage more people to come out to each of our events. Our vendors, sponsors, and team here at TDA are looking to build lasting relationships and become a part of the communities that help make up our great state of Texas.
Third Annual Ropin’ and Smokin’ is already being planned! Stay tuned to the Texas Deer Association and watch our website for updates – www.TexasDeerAssociation.com. 2019 Will be bigger and better than ever!