Smokin' on the Rio
Texas State Championship Bar-B-Que Cook-Off
Mercedes, Texas

When: late February [check for this year's dates]

Where: Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds, Mercedes

This championship cookoff dates back to 2004 when it was established as a fundraiser to support agricultural projects for the youth of the Valley, an effort that it continues today. Named a Texas State Championship cookoff by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, winners of this event are entitled to progress on to the International Barbeque Cookers Association Cook-Off “The American Royal” in Kansas City, and also are entered in the lottery for the Jack Daniels Invitational...so this event draws some big names in the world of Texas barbecue competitions!

Categories: This event includes competition in the following categories:

brisket
pork spareribs
fajitas
beans
chicken
pan de campo
carne guisada

Winners vie for some big pots: $1000 first prizes for ribs, brisket, fajitas and chicken, a $500 first prize for beans, and smaller awards for second through fifth place in each category. Pan de Campo and Carne Guisada winners vie for a percentage of the pot.

While it's fun for competitors, like all Texas barbecue competitions, this event is plenty of fun for onlookers as well who come to the event to enjoy samples and talk 'que.

Video Resource

Photos from one barbecue team from the 2007 Smokin' on the Rio competition:

For More Information:

• visit www.smokinontherio.com