2009-02-19

Calling all goats – time for cabrito cook-off

By Judith Pannebaker

Last year’s inaugural “International Goat Spectacular and Sanctioned Cabrito and Bar-B-Que Cook-Off” proved so successful, it’s been officially expanded, said prime mover Linda Stevens of Bandera Real Estate.

Last month, Bandera City Council gave their formal blessing for relocating the event to City Park from 11th Street, where it was held last year. Set for the weekend of Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19, the event will benefit the Bandera County Boys & Girls Club. Director Tricia Green said proceeds from last year’s cook-off amounted to $3,256.80 for the local youth group.

Anticipating an equally as successful event this year, Stevens has put out an early clarion for goats – of all ages.

“We want to do more with goats this year,” she said in an interview. “We’re planning a dress-up goat competition, maybe goat roping and goat calling contests and perhaps a petting zoo for the little ones.”

Stevens emphasized that nothing untoward would happen to the borrowed goats. “We just want to offer more goat-centered events this year,” she said, adding, “No local goats will be harmed in this event.”

Also included in the revelry will be a “Best Goat-Tee,” or, for purists, goatee contest, so Stevens urged asked all the manly men of the county to begin planning their prize-winning facial hair now.

Last year, Stevens initiated the cook-off to provide revenue and publicity for the local boys and girls club.

“We also wanted to demonstrate Bandera Real Estate’s commitment to the local business community to facilitate an event that would draw visitors – both new and old – into Bandera for wholesome family entertainment,” Stevens said. “Everyone at Bandera Real Estate has put a great deal of time and effort toward becoming a positive force for our city and county – both in the everyday practice of our profession and in service to the community.”

Because participants in the cabrito cook-off seem to have increased exponentially, Stevens asked city fathers – and city mother – to allow the event to take place in City Park, on Saturday, April 18. “We really want to keep the cook-off in the city close to the (11th Street) historical district so revenues would be generated right here,” she said.

According to Stevens, the Lone Star Barbecue Society has already committed 11 cooking teams to the event. “With 25 to 30 cookers this year,” she said, “we’ll have outgrown 11th Street and the parking lot on the corner of 11th and Cedar streets.”
Cash prizes go to the winning cookers in the various categories, including pork spare ribs, brisket, butter beans, chicken, cook’s choice and, of course, cabrito.

Due to the size of this year’s event, Stevens indicated she would seek additional corporate sponsors.

Council approved allowing RVs with cookers to camp in City Park, beginning Friday, April 17.

“This is great for the community and as a way to give back to the kids,” noted Mayor Pro Tem Monica Halsey.

Stevens is also seeking volunteers to help with the 2009 goat-centric extravaganza.

For more information, call 830-460-4766 or email diane@banderarealestate.com.