PAST EVENTS 28 Cornerstone Summer 2025 agchouston.org My History with the AGC Houston BBQ Cook-Off By Lance Smith, Hoar Construction The AGC Houston BBQ Cook-Off is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the contractor community, charity, tradition, and the art of barbecue. My journey with this remarkable event began in 2015, but the story of the AGC Houston BBQ stretches back much further, evolving from humble beginnings into a grand spectacle that draws barbecue enthusiasts from the local construction community. Originally known as AGC Safety Day, the event dates back to before 1992, when it was held in the back of the AGC Houston parking lot. As participation grew, so did the need for a larger space, and in the late 1990s, the event found a new home at the Houston Farm & Ranch Club, before eventually relocating to its current location as the standalone BBQ Cook-Off it is today. The Early Years: Farm and Ranch Club (2004-2012) The origins of the AGC Houston BBQ Cook-Off can be traced back to the AGC Houston Safety Day, an event dedicated to promoting safety within the construction industry. Held at the Farm and Ranch Club from 2004 to 2012, the event started under the pavilion, providing a modest yet cozy setting for attendees. As the popularity of the event grew, it became clear that more space was needed to accommodate the increasing number of participants and vendors. By the end of this period, the event had moved to the parking lot, a testament to its success. Expansion and New Horizons: Sam Houston Racetrack (2013-2018) In 2013, the cook-off found a new home at the Sam Houston Racetrack. This venue offered ample space and facilities to support the event’s continued growth. It was here that I first became involved when I was invited to cook crawfish for one of the teams in 2015. I began volunteering by joining the committee in 2016. The experience was exhilarating; I was surrounded by passionate individuals who shared a love for barbecue and a willingness to raise money for local charities. By 2018, I had taken on the role of running operations for the event, a responsibility that allowed me to contribute more significantly to its success. A Year of Change: Northwest Mall (2019) The year 2019 brought another change in venue, this time to the Northwest Mall. This location provided a unique backdrop for the AGC BBQ Cook-Off, blending urban convenience with the rustic charm of barbecue culture once the event was up and running. However, running operations at this venue presented new chal- lenges due to the unavailability of power and water for the event. The Pandemic Pause: 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented chal- lenges to events worldwide, and the AGC Houston BBQ Cook-Off was no exception. The cook-off was put on hold, a necessary step to ensure the safety and health of our community. Despite the pause, the spirit of the event remained strong, and we used this time to plan and prepare for a triumphant return. Resilience and Revival: Pasadena Fairgrounds (2021-2024) In 2021, the AGC Houston BBQ Cook-Off made its comeback at the Pasadena Fairgrounds. This venue, with its expansive grounds and excellent facilities, was perfect for accommodating the renewed enthusiasm and larger crowds. Over the next few years, the event flourished, drawing even more participants and guests. Running operations during this period was both challenging and rewarding as we navigated the complexities of post-pandemic event planning while striving to maintain the high standards that attendees had come to expect. A few months after the 2024 event, the City of Pasadena informed us that the space would not be available for the 2025 time slot due to renovations of the area we used for the cook-off. We always plan a year out, so we had to scramble to find a new venue.
