Richard Aldazuda, Coordinator of the Hill Country Cookoff Association (HCCO) San Marcos, organized the 19th Anniversary BBQ “Operation Road to Retirement” at the Hays County Civic Center on Sept. 12 and 13. Over 75 chefs from throughout Texas applied their skills with beef fajitas, boneless ribeye steaks, chicken, pork ribs and brisket slices for the event, which featured more than 12 arts and craft vendors.
In addition to the music, cooking, food booths and fellowship, a wonderful time was had by all. According to Aldazuda, the reason for his dedication in coordinating the cookoffs was that the funds go to Kids with Cancer projects.
”I feel like that is the least that I can do, children did not ask to have this illness,” he said. “Through my assistance with various cookoffs, like the Cinco de Mayo and Tamale Competitions, there are many great people that have helped me”.
Aldazuda has dedicated many years of time and energy to Kids with Cancer and the cookoffs, but the time has come for his “Road to Retirement” to allow someone new to take up the mantle of BBQ Coordinator, he said.
”I would also like to give a shoutout to the Gary Job Corps Corrections/ Security Cadets for their continued support with crowd, traffic and general support that have made our projects a huge success”.
The Gary Job Corps Corrections/Security Cadets at the Operation Road to Retirement cookoff with Instructor Captain Haegele, Coordinator Richard Aldazuda and Merced Lara, assistant. Photos courtesy Gary Job Corps
Cooks from all over the state came to the cookoff, including Galveston, Edinburg, League City and throughout Central Texas.
Cooks from all over the state came to the cookoff, including Galveston, Edinburg, League City and throughout Central Texas.
Cooks from all over the state came to the cookoff, including Galveston, Edinburg, League City and throughout Central Texas.
