EL Paseo Fills with Texas Independence Day Revelers

The aroma of mouthwatering barbeque, the laidback groove of the Texas blues, roaring engines from classic cars and motorcycles, the laughter of kids playing, and adults conversing filled the air at El Paseo on Saturday for the Texas Independence Day Celebration & Cookoff.

 “My friend Bill Hill and I started this event eight years ago to bring Texas independence and Texas history to the forefront of our community,” said John Luce, event chairman.  “We felt Texas history was being somewhat lost. It’s important to never forget our state's history, the men that died protecting it and the strong widows that kept the ranches and farms going after their husbands were gone It could not have been easy back in the rough 1800s.”

Luce’s friend has since has passed on, but Hill’s wife awards the first place winner in the brisket category of the cooking contest called the “William A. Hill Award” each year in Hill's memory.

“Bill was known for loving a good brisket,” Luce said fondly.  “He would be glad to see that our event has become the fifth largest in the state.”

 Cookoff teams from New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and other parts of Texas were in attendance; their tents and RVs lined the pavilion grounds. The more cookoff competitors who show up, the more the prize money.

 “When we post what the prize pots are projected to be, we always post them with the disclaimer that the pots can vary depending on attendance,” said Luce. This year, the cookoff attracted close to 100 enteries.

Beans, ribs, chicken and brisket were the culinary entries judged throughout the day. There will be an official list of all cookoff winners later on in the week.

Vendors from San Angelo and surrounding areas were also in attendance. Crowds browsed through handmade crafts, art and homemade confections under the shade of the pavilion.

Homemade by Helen customers lined up to purchase homemade items like chow-chow. This condiment containing cabbage, peppers, onions, spices, vinegar, and sugar is commonly eaten with barbeque and beans. As with many other things, it all comes down to personal preference.

“I like to put that on a tortilla with sausage,” said one lady as she turned away with a jar of her own.   

The sunny skies and warmer temperature provided the perfect conditions for the car show competition. Spectators could drool over their dream car in the comfort of spring-like weather. Rows upon rows of classic cars were on showcase under the shade of the parking pavilion. Dragsters, low riders, Model T’s, and Mustangs were just some of the many automobiles on display.

This was the eighth year for the Texas Independence Day Celebration & Cook Off. The event has always occupied El Paseo in downtown San Angelo. As the event gains a reputation for being one of the best cookoffs in the state of Texas, future events could eventually outgrow El Paseo, affirming San Angelo’s place on the map in cookoff competitions.