Races, contests added to Western BBQ lineup

The “Western Jail” will be back again this year. Guests can pay the FMC “sheriff” $5 to apprehend any suspect at the event. The suspect will be locked up in “jail” for 10 minutes or they can post a $5 bail and be released immediately. Photo provided by Shawna Bowen

The Family Matters Club added sack races and Little Mr. Cowboy and Little Ms. Cowgirl contests to its Western Barbecue lineup. The club will also be raffling off a family four-pack of tickets to Disneyland with a set of Limited Edition Mickey and Minnie dolls and adding sarsaparilla floats to the menu to round out the western meals.

The 3rd annual Western Barbecue will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 3 to 6 pm. at Holiday Harbor Park. The fun-filled afternoon includes contests, country music, line dancing, square dancing, pony rides, petting zoo, vendors, a barbecue lunch and more.

Wristbands for kids cost $5 and include unlimited pony rides, a petting zoo, games, crafts, face painting and mechanical bull rides.

The Little Mr. Cowboy and Little Ms. Cowgirl contests are for kids ages 12 and under. Contestants will be judged on best western wear. The winners will be awarded sashes and a western-themed gift.

The “Western Jail” will be back again this year. The Family Matters Club “sheriff” will be out and about walking around. Guests can pay the “sheriff” $5 to apprehend any suspect at the park. The suspect will be locked up in the club’s “jail” for 10 minutes. If they choose, they can post a $5 bail and be released immediately. “This is a fun fundraiser for the event and we look forward to seeing who will get to be on the most wanted posters,” Shawna Bowen, Family Matters Club founder, said.

Brisket, chicken and pulled pork dinner plates are available for purchase for $15. Hot dog meals cost $6. A pre-sale ticket is required for meals. To purchase, contact Donna Lovejoy at 951-970-6628.

Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available. Vendor spaces cost $40 and can be reserved by emailing vendor@FamilyMattersClub.org. A $50 cash prize will be awarded to the vendor with the best western-decorated booth. For more information, contact Carmen Cortez at 951-757-4901.

Sponsorship opportunities are as follows:

• $100: Pony rides (three available) and mechanical bull rides (four available).
• $75: Petting zoo (four available).
• $60: Games and prizes (10 available).
• $50: Watermelon eating contest (four available).

Sponsors will have their names announced and displayed on signs at the event. Names also will be posted on the club’s website and Facebook event page.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Lesley Hopper at 951-818-7309 or visit familymattersclub.org.