Blog

Seven years ago, Downtown San Angelo Inc. hosted the first annual Brews Ewes & BBQ cook-off event on the streets of downtown in an effort help promote the burgeoning lamb industry. Serving primarily as a fundraiser to aid the revitalization of the hub of the city, the event includes worthy entertainment, brew vendors, and an array of local artisans selling one-of-kind goods and products.

Today, Brews Ewes & BBQ continues to serve its purpose of promoting the lamb industry and drawing hundreds of spectators and festival goers to historic downtown San Angelo. The 2023 cook-off attracted 40 competitors from near and far: Ballinger, Cypress, Lakeway, Tye, Aspermont, Del Rio and New Mexico. Following International Barbecue Cookers Association guidelines, head cooks were challenged to serve the best brisket, chicken, ribs and beans. For additional bragging rights and a chance to earn a $1,000 cash prize, the first 50 teams were granted entry into the World Championship Lamb Cook-off sponsored by Double J Lamb. Adults were not the only competitors in the cook-off; a total of 16 children ranging in ages 6–15 participated in the Kids Que Competition for top hamburger or pork chop. Local musicians Amino, Kyler Dean, Billy Dan Langley's One-Man Blues Band and ShineOla rocked the stage. The audience was kept in aw from performances by Raks Sanaan Belly Dance and Angelo Xpress Athletics.