Imperial’s 6th Annual Tri-Tip Cook-Off draws thousands

Some said they were at Imperial’s 6th Annual Tri-Tip Cook-off on Saturday for personal reasons.

Kennedy’s Carne team leader Carlos Soto said, “We are in it for the bragging rights.”

Some were there just to have a good time.

All Fired Up team leader Andy Lopez said, “We’re doing it for the fun of it.”

But the estimated 6,000 plus crowd was there for the tri-tip.

City of Imperial event organizer Alexis Chalupnik said, “It’s a great family atmosphere. It’s wonderful for the teams to come out and enjoy a part of the community.”

The popular event was held downtown this year. Eighteen teams competed to win first place.

“We’re cooking a bunch of tri-tip, hoping that we make a bunch of people happy with what we’re doing,” Lopez said.

Hopes to outsell the other teams were high for Kennedy’s Carne’s team.

“We got a very big crowd. So far so good,” Soto said.

Some of the funds raised were for charity.

“Any cash winnings we win will go to Spread the Love,” Soto said referring to the local charity group that helps the homeless.

For the huge crowd, the important thing was to enjoy the tri-tip and have a great time.

“I just hope everybody’s having fun like we are, and good luck to whoever wins. May the best tri-tip win!” Lopez said.

This year’s 6th Annual Tri-Tip Cook-Off winners were:
Best Side Dish- Vicious Smoke
Supreme Showmanship- Republic Services
People’s Choice- Imperial FFA Ag Boosters
Tri Tip Champion- 5th Gear BBQ