MERCEDES, TEXAS, FEB. 24-25, 2017 — The Payne Auto Group Street Team participated in the 2017 Smokin’ on the Rio State Championship BBQ Cookoff. The event was hosted at the Livestock Show Grounds in Mercedes, and drew in crowds from near and far. Smokin’ on the Rio is one of the many Rio Grande Valley events Payne Auto Group attends each year.
Payne Auto Group at Smokin’ on the Rio
Smokin’ on the Rio was established in 2004 by a group of local businessmen. The event aims to raise money in support of youth agricultural projects across the Rio Grande Valley. Payne Auto Group joined other businesses such as AT&T and the city of Mercedes to support the event. In 2015, the event raised more than $160,000 in scholarships for local youth. Smokin’ on the Rio, Inc. has contributed more than $1million to the community to date.
This year’s Smokin’ on the Rio included everything from live music, to games, and, of course — food! Live music was provided by artists like Cody Johnson, Matt & the Herdsmen and Payne Street Team’s Chris Marshall. The event also included judging of foods such as Pan de Campo, fajitas, beans and chicken. Awards included $50,000 in cash, prizes and jackpots.
Check out our Payne It Forward blog for more information about our community events. Or contact one of our valleywide Payne dealerships for service and other inquiries about a new or used vehicle.
