Community wins with Rib Cook-Off
BRAWLEY — Basically everybody wins in a charity rib cook-off, and such was the case at the Brawley Elks Lodge third annual Rib Cook-Off, held outside of Elks Lodge #1420 on Saturday.
There were prizes, of course. Top prize in the judges’ eyes went to San Diego-based Fern’s Semi Famous BBQ, which also got the nod for the best side dish. Brawley’s own Hildago Society placed second, and a team call Big Boys placed third.
People’s Choice — possibly the most meaningful prize, although not the most lucrative — went to Elks Lodge #1420.
“Of course,” said Carlos Weir, the lodge’s chairman for the event.
Weir said 10 teams competed Saturday, and a total of $2,000 in prize money was in play. Prizes started with $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 apiece for third place and People’s Choice.
But the biggest winners on the day were the local community and the various charities supported by the Elks Lodge.
With regard to the latter, these include local scholarships, therapy for disabled children and contributions to veterans’ causes. As for the former, it starts with hundreds of pounds of delicious food, combined with live music and entertainment, prize drawings and gorgeous weather.
Kids had the opportunity to decorate pumpkins and play free games, while the adults could kick back and enjoy the camaraderie and the festive environment. There was even something for the more bookish crowd, as the local library was conducting an outdoor book sale nearby with plenty of bargains to be found.
Weir said the lodge was expecting a turnout Saturday of 3,000 to 4,000 persons and was hoping to raise as much as $25,000.
Elks Lodge member and Brawley City Councilman George Nava said he was hopeful the event would pick up some of the extra visitors who are in the area for the annual Camp RZR in Glamis. Nevertheless, he said the real payoffs in events such as this are for the local community.
“I enjoy seeing the community come together,” he said.