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    Thousands Flock to Edinburg Chamber 4th of July Cook-Off

    Easton Corbin has Free Concert at Texas Cook'Em

    Best BBQ Cook’s Compete at Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks in Edinburg

    The highly anticipated Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks in Edinburg cook-off returned on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Over 86 competitive cooking teams from throughout the state of Texas gathered at Ebony Hills Golf Course. 

    The event included family entertainment such as, kiddie rides, a car show, FIREWORKS, BMX Pro Trick Team Show and a FREE concert by award winning country music star Easton Corbin.

    As a result, over 7,000 people gathered through out the day to enjoy the independence day event.

    Undoubtedly, “we are pleased to see such a great response from our community. Just three months ago our community was still under COVID-19 restrictions. We decided to move forward with this year’s event as COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be administered to our community at large. ” said Ronnie Larralde, Executive Director of the Edinburg Chamber. Texas Cook’Em is the chamber’s first community event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike 2020, the Edinburg Chamber had to cancel their event. “Our main priority was in 2020 was to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help aid our small businesses.” said Larralde.

    This year’s Texas Cook’Em was located at Ebony Hills Golf Course. The historic golf course provided a different atmosphere as, “This new location is right in the heart of Edinburg. We wanted to take advantage of what beautiful green space we have in our own city.” said Larralde.

    Texas Cook’Em Awards Top Cooks

    The cook off is sanctioned by Champions Barbecue Alliance and the Steak Cookoff Association. Cook’s competed for the biggest BBQ Purse in the Rio Grande Valley. With a total of $16,000 in prize money.

    This years stand out cook was Santiago Bernal – SPG’s Deep South BBQ of Mercedes, TX. Along with this, Bernal walked away with several awards. Including the Texas Cook’Em Overall Grand Champion Trophy and $1,000 on Sunday afternoon. Bernal is also the H-E-B Steak Challenge winner. Additionally taking home $500 and a golden ticket. This golden ticket is Bernal’s entry to the World Championship Steak Cook Off in Fort Worth, TX in March 2022.

    The 2020 Champions Barbeque Alliance Grand Champion title holder is EJ De Leon – Los Buzzards of Weslaco, TX. Robert Smith – First Class BBQ of Hempstead, TX rolled out with the CBA Reserve Grand Champion.

    Additionally, Marco Casanova – No Nonsense BBQ of La Joya, TX placed 1st in the brisket category is. Following, Danny Leal – Dammit Boyz of Edinburg, TX placing 1st place in pork . 1st place in chicken is Roel Castro – RC Truck Brokerage C/T of McAllen, TX. Last but not least, 1st place in ribs is Robert Smith – First Class BBQ of Hempstead, TX.

    The Edinburg CVB and the Edinburg Chamber would like to thank its volunteers. Volunteers gave their time, talents, and skills in all areas of the event and Cook-off. Whether in the judge’s tent, office/ volunteer area, admission area, our officers, and firemen, we appreciate all that you do.

    Sponsors Play A Large Role at Edinburg Texas Cook’Em

    We would like to thank this year’s sponsors: City of Edinburg, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, Bert Ogden Auto Group, H-E-B, Aguilars Meat Market, Vera’s King-O-Meats, L&F Distributors, Texas National Bank, Rio Bank, Martin Farm & Ranch Supply, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, DHR Health, PlainsCapital Bank, Lone Star National Bank, Greater State Bank, Kids Kollege Learning Center, Cytech Heating and Cooling, and Chorizo de San Manuel.

    We hope to see you next year at our  Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks in Edinburg. Texas CookEm is a production of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and Edinburg CVB. For more information call 956-383-4974 or visit us online at www.edinburg.com