Supporting RGV youth since 2004
Smokin' on the Rio World Championship BBQ Cook-Off was established in 2004 by a group of local businessmen with the goal of raising money in support of youth agricultural projects in the Rio Grande Valley. The proceeds generated from the event have been used to purchase student projects at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show's Sale of Champions.
Smokin' on the Rio feels it is very important to promote the involvement of students in the agricultural lifestyle that develops leadership, responsibility, and dedication. The main goal is to ensure that all students in the auction get a fair return on their livestock investment, which in turn will give them the desire to participate again and invite their friends to join them.
Smokin' on the Rio, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, hosts the annual Smokin' on the Rio World Championship BBQ Cook-Off in Mercedes, Texas on the second Saturday (weekend) every February.
Our impact
The proceeds of each year's event provide the Board of Directors the ability to impact the lives of over 200 students participating in the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show through a wide range of 4-H and FFA projects.
Smokin' on the Rio has awarded over $1.7 million to almost 2,800 youth since 2004.
Smokin' on the Rio continues to dedicate its efforts to expanding its support of youth across the Rio Grande Valley annually. We are proud to have reached a level of success that has made us one of the largest sanctioned BBQ cookoffs in Texas and the United States, attracting teams from all over the state, country, and internationally.