How we got started
Wait. goat?
Yes. Goat.
Ok, so why a goat cookoff?
Well, way back in 1974, a group of really smart Jaycees decided they needed a fundraiser. Seeing that McCulloch County was one of the top goat producing counties in the nation, it only seemed right to hold a goat cookoff.
So tell Me about the first Goat Cookoff (GCO).
The first GCO hosted 16 teams on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. The first few GCOs featured a "Land rush" with competing teams making a mad dash to choose their campsite for the weekend. The World Championship BBQ Goat Cookoff is officially the longest running goat cookoff in the State of Texas, celebrating our 45th birthday this year!
How has the cookoff changed?
There's no longer a land rush, since the event has expanded to host 206 cooking teams from across the state (and sometimes the nation). Sprawling across beautiful Richards Park, cookers move in as early as Wednesday. This year, the event continues through Sunday night and is anticipated to draw at least 13,000 visitors throughout the weekend. In 1977, an Arts and Crafts Fair was added, bringing over 50 vendors annually.
General info
where can i get my wristbands?
You can order them online here, or feel free to swing by the Chamber of Commerce office at 101 E. 1st to purchase them. Wristband delivery will begin in August.
Do I have to attend to get a shirt?
As much as we'd love to see you GCO weekend, no, you don't have to be there to purchase a shirt. Check out our online store here. We'll have shirts and other merchandise available for sale as soon as they arrive to the office.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
To put it simply, hot. It’s August/September in Texas; please be prepared for the heat. We do have some shaded areas where you can sit or lounge, but it takes a lot to block out temps over 100°. We have free water stations for everyone and paramedics on site, if needed.
It also seems to tend to rain GCO weekend. We are a rain or shine event, but keep in mind the live music will have to be cancelled or relocated in the case of inclement weather. No refunds will be issued.
It also seems to tend to rain GCO weekend. We are a rain or shine event, but keep in mind the live music will have to be cancelled or relocated in the case of inclement weather. No refunds will be issued.
IS THERE WI-FI IN THE PARK?
Brady is a great place to “unplug” for the day. The only cell phone carriers that work consistently in town are AT&T, West Central Wireless, or Cricket Wireless. If you just HAVE to Snap, Facebook or post that beautifully posed Instagram photo, we will have open Wi-Fi access for you. In fact, we'd love for you to utilize social media at the event.
Admission and Attendance
What's it cost to get in?
We've added an extra day this year! You can purchase a weekend wristband for $10 or if you're only going to attend one day, you can get a Saturday or Sunday wristband for $5 in advance. The cost of all wristbands will double at the gates: $20 for a weekend wristband or $10 for individual days. Trust us, it's worth every penny! You can order your wristbands here.
Everyone two and over will need a wristband.
Everyone two and over will need a wristband.
WHAT DOES MY ADMISSION COVER?
Everything but your vendor purchases and your entry to the Texas Beer and Wine Tasting.
Bounce houses and games for the kids? You got it. Live music all day long? Included! Parking? No worries. Cooler? Bring it on.
Bounce houses and games for the kids? You got it. Live music all day long? Included! Parking? No worries. Cooler? Bring it on.
Can i bring my pet?
We love Fido as much as you do, but there are a lot of people in the park that weekend including small children. We also have a petting zoo area that with lots of tempting smells in the park. Please leave your pets at home.
WHERE ARE THE ENTRANCES?
There are two general admission gates and one gate designated for cookers and volunteers. The main entrance is located at US 87 and Memory Lane. The secondary entrance is located at 6th Street and Parkview Drive. The cooker/volunteer entrance is located off of 17th Street near the G. Rollie White Complex. View this map for more information.
Is it ok for me to walk around the cookers’ campsites?
Please do! Most of the cooking teams love visitors and sharing their stories. There’s no telling who you might meet and what friendships might develop. Please be respectful and mindful of their space. It’s their home away from home that weekend.
ARE THERE ATMS ON SITE?
Yes! There are several ATMs located throughout the park for your convenience.
Food and Drink
where can i taste goat?
Easiest answer: our vendors! Each food vendor is required to have at least one goat meat, goat product, or goat "themed" item on their menu.
Lots of people would love to taste goat from our cookers so they know what world championship goat tastes like. Each of our teams receives half a goat to cook and has to turn in 50 bites of that meat to the judges. That doesn't leave much meat to hand out to visitors. There will be some cookers that have leftover meat to share and we're going to mark those teams for you this year so you can find them more easily.
Lots of people would love to taste goat from our cookers so they know what world championship goat tastes like. Each of our teams receives half a goat to cook and has to turn in 50 bites of that meat to the judges. That doesn't leave much meat to hand out to visitors. There will be some cookers that have leftover meat to share and we're going to mark those teams for you this year so you can find them more easily.
what does goat taste like?
Chicken!
Just kidding. Goat is considered a red meat and is very similar in taste to beef. It's also good for you, too! Compared to beef, pork and chicken, goat has substantially less calories, fat and cholesterol, while providing a good amount of iron and equal protein.
Just kidding. Goat is considered a red meat and is very similar in taste to beef. It's also good for you, too! Compared to beef, pork and chicken, goat has substantially less calories, fat and cholesterol, while providing a good amount of iron and equal protein.
do you sell alcohol?
Yes and no. We host a Texas Beer and Wine tasting on Saturday where you can get ten samples of alcoholic beverages of your choice and a commemorative glass for just $25. However, we don't sell alcohol in any other location in the park. Good news, then: it's BYOB! Keep in mind that no glass containers are allowed.
How much to bring my cooler in?
Free of charge. Please keep in mind that no glass bottles are allowed.
Activities
What all do you have for us to do?
Check out this schedule of events!
Parking
Where can I park?
There is a lot of public parking around the park. Check out the map that shows where you can park here.
I see some cars closer to the campsites. how do i get in there?
Yes, there are vehicles parked around the campsites. Each cooking team receives two parking passes that allows them to park closer to their sites. These are not available for general attendees. There is a good reason, though! We have to maintain specific fire lanes so that our emergency services crews can get through the park if they need to do so. Safety first. Thank you for understanding that and not arguing with our hard working gate crews.
I am your brother's best friend's cousin's college roommate. why don't you hook me up with one of those parking passes?
Ain't happenin'. Promises of free beer, steak dinners and romantic walks on the beach won't even get you one. Please don't ask staff or volunteers; they just can't do it. Also, we can spot a fake from a mile away, so just don't...
Do you have a shuttle?
Working on it.
Do you have designated handicapped parking?
Yes, we do. There is reserved handicapped parking close to the flag poles at the main entrance to the park as indicated on this map. It is available on a first come, first served basis to those that have the required handicap placard for their vehicle.
What if someone has me blocked in?
If there's anything that drivers have learned, it's that sometimes other drivers just have no clue what they're doing. Am I right? If you find that your vehicle has been blocked in, please notify the nearest volunteer or security officer. We will make every attempt to find the owner of the vehicle, but may end up having to tow it.
You can't tow my vehicle.
We can, and we will. If your vehicle is found inside a restricted area or is blocking another driver in, we will have your vehicle towed. Please be courteous of restricted areas and other visitors.
Lodging and travel
I'm looking for a place to stay. What options do you have?
Where is the closest airport?
There’s an airport with major carriers in San Angelo.
How do i sign up?
I want to be a cooker. What do i need to do?
Well, we have 206 openings for cookers. Registration is opened in March and usually fills up around mid-month. If you'd like to be placed on our waiting list, please send us an email with your address by clicking here.