30th Annual Hold 'Em and Hit 'Em BBQ Cook-Off set to begin in Houston

HOUSTON – Pits being cleaned and cows running away are signs the 30th Annual Hold 'Em and Hit 'Em BBQ Cook-Off is about to begin.

“Barbecue is the only thing you can go and compete against the best, you know, anybody can,” said Keith Knee.

As the defending grand champion, it’s fair to say Keith knows barbecue.

“I have a new barbecue pit this year, so other than that, same, same recipes, stick with what you’ve got,” Knee said.

However, this competition is about more than delicious meat.

“We’re here to support the youth and education of our surrounding kids in the county and Houston area,” Alan Higginbotham said.

Higginbotham is the assistant general chairman of this competition and sees not only the stoked fires and seasoned cuts, but the kids helped by the cook-off’s success through college scholarships.

“That’s what the cook-off is designed really around. It’s one of our bigger fundraisers,” Higginbotham said.

For instance, the calf scramble is one of the events supported by the club. Not only do they help provide the calves involved, they’re also a sponsor.

“We get to go out there and meet the kids that actually catch the calf that we sponsor and we give them a bridle and a lead rope for their calf to bring back to the show next year,” says Alan. “These kids are our future. That’s why we do what we do.”

The competition is open to the public.

Hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

The event is held at Houston Farm and Ranch.

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