2014 Hispanic Heritage Fair
and Claim To Fame Cook Off

Snap, crackle, and pop!  The thunder came first in the wee morning hours on Saturday October 11 and then the rain.  However neither the rain or the cold would cancel this year’s event. The Charros and Escaramusa Colonelas and Primaveras led the parade on North Main to the Val Verde County Fairgrounds Best Overall Parade entry was awarded to  Larissa Espinoza, Miss  Texas Lone Star Latina.  Best Colorful Entry was awarded to Joe and Tina Martinez,  2013 Mr. & Mrs. Fiesta de Amistad.
KWMC provided a live remote of all the action for those unable to attend. The Abrasazo event followed the Del Rio Police Department Honor Guard and Cadets posting the colors and with everyone in the Fairgrounds joining Title Sponsor HEB Mascots, Councilman Reno Luna, and other dignitaries in a welcoming hug or handshake. 
The Claim to Fame cook off tents were “smoking” with wonderful camaraderie.  Cook off winners claimed cash with trophies donated by Real Estate solutions. Food and Vendor Booth Tents also received trophies for best decorations and cash gift cards donated by West Central Net.
A Pet’s Wish manned an adoption site and were accomplished three adoptions and signing up foster families.  The Gattis Pizza Eating Challenge raised a total of $800.00 for A Pet’s Wish.   Special thanks to the participants BFCU Maria J. Martinez, Councilman Reno Luna,  Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez, Rams Football Coach Frenchy McCrea for raising donations and eating their “hearts”out and to Councilwoman Liz Elizalde for her generous donation.
Hundreds attending the event also participated in free adult Loteria sponsored by Quad Counties Council and free children’s games sponsored by Rio Grande College.   The young and young at heart also enjoyed all the various foods and sweets offered by the various food and vendor booths.
Casa de la Cultura provided entertainment with the Children’s and Adult Ballet Folklorico in full and colorful regalia, as well as the Casa’s Guitar group.
Cook off judges under the leadership of Certified Judge Coordinator Hector Rodriguez announced the winners of the 2014 Claim to Fame Cook off; 

Beans
1st- River Rat’s BBQ Team
2nd- Michelob Ultra Team
3rd- Zambroz BBQ Team

Fajitas
1st- San Felipe Lions Club sponsored Texas Community Bank 
2nd- Del Rio Ford Team
3rd- Michelob Ultra Team

Menudo
1st- San Felipe Lions Club sponsored Texas Community Bank
2nd- Michelob Ultra

Best Vendor Booth
1st- River Rat’s BBQ 
2nd- Ramada Inn

Best Cookout Tent- Zambroz BBQ Team

Music by Sergio DJ Diaz promoted a festive atmosphere.
Grupo Zcandalo closed the daylong events with a lively show in the evening.

DRHCC would like to thank  all volunteers, title sponsor HEB and the numerous business community members listed on the Event poster for sponsoring this Free Community event which helped bring awareness and help raise funds for A Pet’s Wish.