As the season is coming to a close I would like to say Thank You to all that continuously supported the IBCA.  The organization has continued to grow and even at the renewal time we didn’t lose as many members as usual.  We have over 650 members at this time and this year we have sanctioned 130 events in TX., AR., AZ., CA., GA., LA., and OK.  We have a new event on the calendar for next year in New Mexico.

As the new events come onto the calendar it will mean that we will need additional Head Judges to go out and run these event.

I have been asked to try to put together another Head Judge seminar in January in the Groves, TX area.  If you would be interested in attending the seminar please contact the office so that we would have some idea as to how many would be interested.  We welcome anyone that would be interested in learning the procedure of running a judging.

I will be sending out emails to all of the Head Judges with the list of events and asking that you let this office know as to which events you would like to do.  I know that the South Texas area is really growing and the need for additional Head Judges in that area is getting critical.

Even if the Cooks would come in and learn the system and help out with 1 or 2 events a year, it would help out a lot.

There were 3 brand new events that happened the last week-end of October—Angleton, Conroe, and Calallen.  The first year they had a small group of cooks but all are already planning to make next year bigger and better.

First week-end of November we traveled to Florien, LA. for the LA State Championship BBQ & Sabine Freestate Festival.  This small town has a large parade right before the judging starts each year and this year was the biggest ever.  They also have arts and crafts, food vendors and a display of making cane syrup.  We had 26 teams from LA., AR., and TX participating in this event. Iwona and her BBQ committee do a great job each year with this event.

Laverne reported that the “We Care” at the American Legion in Willis had 24 teams participating this year and that everyone had a great time.

Tim & Rojelio reported that Cookin’ for the Cure at Hidalgo raised about $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.  This event has no prize money—the entry fee was sponsorship levels wherein you received so many tickets for the minor league soccer game.

Ronnie Akin Memorial @ Harp’s Fun Days, Bryan TX is always a fun event.  This year the team count was down but it didn’t stop the fun.  Vanessa Graham, Rated PG, celebrated her “50th” birthday and everyone helped her.  Laverne stated at the awards ceremony how much she appreciated everyone coming out to support this event and her over the past 2 years.  Everyone shared memories of Ronnie and he is still missed by all.

Congrats to those that got their names called.