The smell of smoked brisket will again take over the Jackson County Fairgrounds for the sixth annual cook-off for the Larry Horton Memorial Foundation.
From Friday to Sunday, August 15-16, the BBQ cook-off will take place for two powerful reasons: honoring community member Larry Horton and raising scholarships funds for JC seniors.
A longtime Edna resident, Horton was a volunteer firefighter, cookoff competitor and proud father. In 2017, he passed after a three-year battle with cancer. The family’s grief brought them together to take action, causing them to launch the foundation and host the first BBQ cook-off a year later.
“Dad loved to BBQ and compete,” said daughter Stephanie Cunningham. “This event helps us celebrate who he was— loud, funny, always helping others—and it helps us give back to students who remind us of him.”
It began as a mere two scholarships, and has grown every year. The foundation has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to Edna, Ganado and Industrial seniors since 2019. For the 2024-25 school year, 20 students will be awarded.
““We don’t have strict criteria,” said Cunningham. “We look for students like our dad, maybe not straight-A students, but hardworking kids with grit and heart.”
Applications are blindly reviewed by family members and selected based on character, effort and potential.
As for the BBQ cookoff, chicken, ribs, brisket, beans and sauce will remain as categories, and Friday night a Jackpot Chef’s Choice will occur, where teams can cook anything they desire. Desserts and wild game are not accepted.
Teams can register online at larryhortonmemorial.com or at the cook’s meeting on Saturday morning. The number of teams or categories entered is limitless.
Pulled pork plates will once again be served on Friday evening, plus raffles with prizes such as firearms, YETI coolers, gift card and tickets to sporting events.
Raffle and meal tickets can be pre-purchased at Jacob’s Feed Store or through Stephanie Cunningham, her mother Mary Horton, and other community volunteers.
“Thank you to our generous community sponsorships from HEB, Walmart, Magnum Services, GT Oilfield Services and many others,” Cunningham said. “Nearly every dollar raised goes directly to scholarships.
“We’re lucky to have strong partners and a supportive county,” she continued. “This event isn’t just for our family, it’s something the whole community has rallied behind.
Register, donate, or pre-order t-shirts at larryhortonmemorial.com.
