The part-time cowboys and cowgirls that sign up for the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show World's Championship Bar-B-Q Cook-off mean business and this weekend with more than 300 teams competing it was the business of having a rocking party.
Sure they put their cooking hearts and souls into the marinades, the special woods and the secret sauces, but the real mission is having one helluva good time. Which is why in addition to great eats and drinks, there are plenty of bands providing two-steppin' tunes across the private party scene.
Just ask Roy Marsh and his buddies. Last year, they dished up barbecue and sides for 3,800 people. This year, they are expecting to feed more than 5,500 of their BFFs at their invitation-only barbecue party venue. That puts a lot of heat on the partners that include Yonny Demeris, Tom Stubblefield, Steve Sigloch and Mark Donoho.
The guys hosting at Jack Daniels tent seemed to have the biggest crowd on their hands on this night with a line that wrapped around the side of their barbecue cottage (really) and down the streets of the barbecue tent village.
Last year, 300,000 attended over the Thursday through Saturday smoky extravaganza. With weather in their favor, it looks like an equally number of fans will turn out this year. Among those making the first night scene were new Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and new wide receiver coach Stan Hixon.
Among those putting on the hospitality for the crowds were Michael Francisco, Mark Rothwell, JR Imber, Scott Rothwell, Ferdie Dupuis, Sam Ayers, James Leggett and Charles Groschke.
Mark Rothwell, from left, J.R. Imber and Scott Rothwell.
