Bay Burners barbecue team -1st Brisket
& Best Decorated Booth at the Nov. 12 Cook-off
The annual October Chili/Gumbo Cook-off at Hooper’s Bar and Grille was once again great camaraderie and the weather was perfect! With all the cookers’ yummy fare, the Margarita contest, the silent auction sales, and good attendance the event was a big success! Friends of the Port O’Connor Library happily reports over $3,500 came in to help with the new library project. Friends will be presenting to Jim Hooper a certificate of appreciation for his generous hosting and Sue Kubecka’s professional photography and help in organizing and reporting on the Cook-off is always extra special!
After months of planning by the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Service Club, and “Friends” the BBQ Cook-off, also to benefit the Library, finally got underway with about 14 cookers firing up their fare, vendors selling their wares, delicious brisket sandwiches served up for lunch, an incredible wine cart raffle, a variety of icy beers, soda and water and many, many silent auction items for both adults and children. The community will be happy to know over $10,000 came in for the BBQ to benefit the Library. Speaking of children, the kids loved the spinning wheel where prizes of books and candy were handed out and the Art Contest for ages 5-14. I was so grateful to all the adults that helped make this a fun affair, especially Peggy Elliott and Roxanne Ochoa who stayed to help out during the entire three hours! We had 22 kids participate with 12 winning pieces of art to receive a ribbon and a prize. Also kudos to Rene and Dawn who did a great job of judging the art. All the artwork will be on display at the First National Bank in Port O’Connor for the next month or so. The theme for the art was patriotism to honor Veteran’s Day and our military men and women.
The second annual Christmas Poinsettia sale is coming up. Last year was a huge success for these fresh, beautiful, cheerful, traditional holiday flora. They come in 6” pots wrapped in red foil at $12.00 each. We sold out rapidly so pre-order by Thursday, December 1 by emailing libraryfriendspoc@gmail.com or text/call Michelle 979.824.0110 or Ursula 254.455.0564.
Children participating in the Art Contest at BBQ Cookoff
Art Contest Winners:
Ages 5-7: 1st 7 yrs Abrey Lynn Ragusin;
2nd 7 yrs. Mia Haynes; 3rd 7 yrs. Matilyn Gibson
Ages 8-10: 1st 10 yrs. Kinsey Raven;
2nd 8 yrs. Kyndra Carriles; 3rd 8 yrs. Lyric Lopez
Ages 11-14: 1st 11 yrs. Lily Deagen;
2nd 14 yrs. McKaelyn Carriles;
3rd 11 yrs. Annaleigh Dolan
Winners of the November 12 BBQ Cook-Off
Best Decorated Booth – Bay Burners
Beans –
1. Saltwater Smokers
2. The Sweet Meats
3. Smokin’ Nuts
Chicken –
1. Smokin’ Nuts
2.Smoke on the Water
3. Saltwater Smokers
Ribs –
1.Pick and Choose
2. Smoke on the Water
3. Big Worm BBQ
Bloody Mary – Too Hot to Handle
Brisket –
1. Bay Burners
2. Too Hot to Handle
3. Google Cookers
Dessert –
1. Smokin’ Nuts
2. HJ Cookers
3. Smoke on the Water
People’s Choice Award – Too Hot to Handle
Horseshoes – Gary Crone and Grant Lee
Smokin’ Nuts
1st Chicken, 1st Dessert, 3rd Beans
Saltwater Smokers
1st Beans, 3rd Chicken
Too Hot to Handle – People’s Choice Award
2nd Brisket, Best Bloody Mary
Some of the Silent Auction items at the BBQ Cook-Off. This event was a joint effort by the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Port O’Connor Community Service Club, and Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce.
A big thanks to Charles Harr and “The Office” staff who donated 3 sets of new flags to fly over the POC Community Center. Left to right: Leslie Morris, Charles and Tonia Harr, Owners and Managers of ‘The Office’ Bar and special guests James Washek, Air Force Veteran, Adam Rodriguez Navy Veteran and James Karstedt, Army National Guard Veteran raised new flags at the POC Community Center during our Veterans Day Celebration. (Not pictured, The Office manager, Alyse Munsch.
