2018 Pioneer Days and Rib Cook-off a ‘finger lickin’ success
The excitement was building and people were hungry for mouthwatering pork ribs prepared by 27 different barbeque teams as part of the Pioneer Days Rib Cook-off on Main Street Saturday.
Along with the barbeque competition, vendors, Buffalo Soldier reenactors, a shoot-out, old fashioned card games, gold panning and other old western delights drew an estimated 3000 people to town.
All Pioneer Days fundraising profits benefit the on-going upkeep of Zalud House Museum, an intact 1891 historical landmark. Jose Baca, who works with the City of Porterville said there is a new fence, part of the roof is new, and new paint on the old house.
When the ribs started coming off the grills around mid-morning, anticipation was high and people really enjoyed themselves eating ribs and walking around the old downtown area.
Competing barbeque teams came from nearby towns and cities like Springville and Visalia, and from as far away as Bakersfield, Fresno and Los Angeles. Teams cooked their ribs in just about every style imaginable, from dry rub, to St. Louis style, to Oklahoma style, to just about any style of sweet, sour, peppery, or hot homemade sauces.
Another team from the San Fernando Valley, Big Daddy Barbeque, Jesse Moranda was the cook, and he said it had been good so far, but his team mate said
“This is amazing. I’m really enjoying being here in Porterville, because the other teams
are so friendly and inviting,” said Big Daddy Barbeque team member Luthern Fuglsang. “They are willing to discuss their barbeque techniques and ideas.”
The Good Times Tiki Bar barbeque team from Visalia had a sign displayed that said ‘Come as Strangers, Leave as Friends,’ which pretty much sums up the atmosphere of the popular annual event. The Tiki team have been involved for six years with the event, and Victoria Hinojosa said they’d been very busy.
Hardwood Barbeque team’s Robert Camarena represented the Tule River Tribe, and Eagle Mountain Casino had 8 racks of ribs cooking, and said the competition is getting bigger and better every year, and all for a good cause.
The Buffalo Soldier Mounted Cavalry Unit (BSMCU) are based out of Los Angeles and Three Rivers. Justin is a reenactor who rides horses and teaches weapon safety and gives educational seminars. He says they aim to keep the Buffalo Soldier legacy and history alive.
Jay M. Collins, President of the BSMCU, says he teaches people and talks about historical events and facts so we can keep things fresh to educate and inform with the truth.
Maddison Ceballos, 3, was the runner up for the Junior Miss Pioneer Days and Londyn Helms, 4, won the Junior Miss Pioneer pageant.
After the judges had tasted every team’s rib entries the results were finally tallied. Duggan’s RV Repair won third place and $300, Low & Slow Barbeque earned second place and earned $400, and top honors went to Natural Born Grillers, who went home with the $500 first prize. RCM Barbeque won the People’s Choice Award.
Porterville Parks and Leisure and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles hosted the fundraiser with many other sponsors. Tonya Hall of Parks and Leisure thanked the rib cook-off and pageant contestants, as well as all vendors and special attractions. But she especially thanked all of the people who came out to enjoy the day in Porterville.