Cook-off supports scholarships, athletics, special needs
scholarships, athletics, special needs
BRAWLEY — The Elks Lodge No. 1420 here works hard at play and their rib cook-off and Oktoberfest raised bountiful funds for multiple youth programs on Saturday.
Proceeds from the event benefits college scholarships for Brawley Union High School, Calipatria and Imperial High Schools, Boy Scouts of America and aid therapy for physically challenged children. “Elks do a lot to bring the community together and help out our South District Region,” said Carlos Weir, past exalted ruler and current trustee.
The Elks started meeting in 1921 across the street from Lodge No. 1420, but by 1926 had their own lodge. They give away $8,000 in scholarships every spring and for top recipients, they can earn $50,000 in state and federal Elks scholarships noted Brian Barrett, also a former exalted ruler and current trustee.
“For me, personally it’s all about creating a better life for the children of the community,” said Barrett. “Our next big event is the Hoop Shoot in December.”
Enjoying a Four Peaks Brewing Pumpkin Porter was Amanda Barraza, Lodge No. 1420 head trustee. They won the rib cook-off last year and get to host this year. “It’s going really well and even though it’s only Elks competing today, we want to get others involved – the Holtville Athletic League – and I’m really glad to see the turnout we had kicking off the fall season.”
Visiting his two brothers who are Elks was John Rubalcava, from San Diego, who admitted he loves tasting craft beers. “I had the Firestone pilsner and that was really nice,” he said. “I also had the Karl Strauss, one of the oldest breweries in San Diego. So far, I like the Strauss best, but I got quite a few beers to go.”
The cook-off pitted lodges from Blythe, Indio, 29 Palms, Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, El Centro and Brawley against each other for the grill bragging rights of the South District. Lodges from Needles, Banning and Hot Springs had other commitments. Once the coals cooled and the judges’ samples consumed, it was Indio Elks Lodge No. 1643 that took top prize. El Centro Elks Lodge No. 1325 was second, Yucca Valley Lodge No. 2314 was third and Brawley Lodge No. 1420 won the People’s Choice.
Volunteering as grill cook for Lodge 1420 was John Wadell. He noted they were using Brandt pork ribs and used ginger root in the sauce. “We’ve been using Carlos Weir’s recipe, we’ve always done pretty well with it,” said Wadell. “Smoke it for two hours and apply sauce every 15 minutes. We all like eating off the bone.”
There were also two live bands, one for the Oktoberfest and another for the cook-off. For children there was a pumpkin patch and games, such as the witch hat ring toss.
Arriving from Elks Lodge No. 1799, Blythe were Pamela Wray and Joe Vidaurri, who swapped grilling chores. “We came in second last year,” said Wray. “But that’s why we’re here; we want to go home with something.”