Enjoying the Rib Cook Off in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Adam Bell.
Enjoying the Rib Cook Off in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Adam Bell.

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The 21st annual Great San Juan Bautista Rib Cook Off, opened May 8 and runs through 10, so take your mother out on Mother’s Day with ribs, chicken and so much to choose from.

Leslie Jordan, Mayor San Juan Bautista "I am order the chicken" Photo by Adam Bell.

I’m fortunate,” said San Juan Mayor Leslie Jordan. ” I get to judge them all on Saturday. We have Mansmiths, and I’m a fan of the Aussies. Flavor, texture, amount of sauce, everything.” Photo by Adam Bell.

“People are getting out, having food, and listening to everybody talk about what they like,” Danny Deluna said. “They talk about what they don’t like, who’s better, and taste the different sauces. Then they go home and have their own little barbecue with their friends.” Photo by Adam Bell.

Danny DeLuna said I had Joshua's barbecue, Texas barbecue and we did another one from Carson City. Photo by Adam Bell.
Louie Gonzalez is having Barbecue Ribs and beans from Chillin and Grillin Barbeque. Photo by Adam Bell.

Louie Gonzalez is having Barbecue Ribs and beans from Chillin and Grillin Barbeque. Photo by Adam Bell.

Christopher Becerra of Smokehouse Eats said, “We do really good customer service and use the best ingredients. That’s what we pride ourselves on.” Photo by Adam Bell.

The owner of Smokehouse Eats said, “We use only the best ingredients, and our customer service is truly exceptional." Photo by Adam Bell.
“Lord of the Ribs Barbecue,” Ralph Reyes said. “I think this is probably our 14th or 15th year or so. It’s a family-friendly local community event, and it’s nice to come out to a historic downtown venue like this and see all the different cookers who come from across the country.” Photo by Adam Bell.

Paul Mackay, from Aussom Aussie Australian Barbecue, said. “I think this is probably our 14th or 15th year or so. It’s a family-friendly local community event, and it’s nice to come out to a historic downtown venue like this and see all the different cookers who come from across the country.” Photo by Adam Bell.

  • The trophies from the annual Great San Juan Bautista Rib Cook-Off People’s Choice competition. Photo by Adam Bell.
    The trophies from the annual Great San Juan Bautista Rib Cook-Off People’s Choice competition. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • DJ E-Poki plays music at the event. Photo by Adam Bell.
    DJ E-Poki plays music at the event. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Barbecure Ribs from Carson City Barbecure. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Barbecure Ribs from Carson City Barbecure. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Marsha Cuellar and Kim Casillas from Focaccia Bread Dip.
    Marsha Cuellar and Kim Casillas from Focaccia Bread Dip.
  • Mac and cheese and barbecue ribs from Chillin and Grillin Barbecue. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Mac and cheese and barbecue ribs from Chillin and Grillin Barbecue. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • He is cooking the Barbecue Ribs and beans from Chillin and Grillin Barbeque. Photo by Adam Bell.
    He is cooking the Barbecue Ribs and beans from Chillin and Grillin Barbeque. Photo by Adam Bell.

Don’t forget to stop by on Mother’s Day Sunday for some tasty Barbeque in San Juan Bautista with your Mother.

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I am a lifetime resident of Hollister and was born in San Jose. I have a passion for photography and reporting in San Benito County. Since 2019, I have been working for a successful non-profit, Growing...