Howdy-Roo chili cook-off is May 2-3, this year in Granite Shoals
This photo of Howdy-Roo leadership in 2015 captures decades of service. The Marble Falls chili cook-off is will take place in Granite Shoals in 2025, the event’s first move in its 53-year history. Pictured are (back row, from left) Larry 'Doc' Kinnison , Mike Lamb, LaDonia Starr, Craig Schlicke, Ruby Ross, Johnny Campbell, and Carrie Kinnison; (sitting, from left) Ken Jarosz, Melba Westerman, and Fred Westerman. File photo
It’s almost Howdy-Roo time. The legendary chili cook-off and barbecue extravaganza is traditionally held in Marble Falls, but the 53rd annual event is in Granite Shoals on Friday-Saturday, May 2-3.
The competition heats up at Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road. The event promises gallons of chili, barbecue, vendors, and plenty of Highland Lakes tradition.
“I’m excited, I’m always excited,” said Craig Schlicke, Howdy-Roo organizer and official “Great Pepper” of the Highland Lakes CASI Chili Pod. “I think we’re going to have a good turnout, maybe 50 to 60 cooks on Friday and 90 to 100 on Saturday.”
Over the decades, Howdy-Roo has evolved to include a popular local business chili contest and an official LoneStar BBQ Society ruleset smoke-off.
While the party is centered on the cooks, visitors can register to be judges, chow down on $15 barbecue plates, shop vendors, and soak in the smoky fun.
On Friday is the Backbone Creek cook-off with entry turn-in at 7 p.m., the barbecue cooks choice at 8:15 p.m., and a cooks party following at Quarry Park.
Saturday is when things get serious. Contestants compete for top prizes and begin turning in their dishes for judging at 2 p.m.
Register to be a judge online. All you need is a set of tastebuds to qualify.
Contact Schlicke for competition registration and other information at 512-507-9089.
Proceeds from Howdy-Roo support the Marble Falls High School Band Boosters and FFA and the auxiliaries for the Granite Shoals fire and police departments.
The 53rd event is also in memory of Howdy-Roo hero Ruby Ross, who dedicated decades to the cook-off and died in 2024.