The barbecue pit’s on fire!

The Mercedes Livestock Showgrounds smelled of fajitas, chicken and ribs during the 2018 Smokin’ on the Rio Barbecue competition.

Barbecue teams from across the Rio Grande Valley showed up for the two-day event Friday night. Smokin’ on the Rio was established in 2004 and is the largest sanctioned BBQ cook-off in the state of Texas. The event raises money to support youth agricultural projects in the Valley and brings in acts such as Tracy Lawrence, Mariachis and local performers such as The Marshall Law Band.

Businesses such as the Payne Auto Group, Chorizo de San Manuel and the City of Mercedes sponsored the BBQ cook-off. Winners of the competition were awarded $50,000+ in cash, prizes and jackpots. Prizes were made up of RTIC cups and coolers.

Party at the cook-off!

Fierce competition, but always friends!

Live music + Dancing = Saturday Fun!

 

Check out our Facebook page for more photos, and information on our upcoming events!