Saddle up for the Family Matters Club Western Barbecue

The Family Matters Club is hosting its 3rd annual community-wide Western Barbecue on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Holiday Harbor Park. New to this year’s lineup are sack races and Little Mr. Cowboy and Little Ms. Cowgirl contests.

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 fun-filled afternoon includes country music, line dancing, square dancing, pony rides, a petting zoo, vendors, contests, a barbecue lunch and more.

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

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 “Western Jail” will be back again this year. Guest can pay the Family Matters Club “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, about vendor spaces, contact Carmen Cortez at 951-757-4901. For information about sponsorship, contact Lesley Hopper at 951-818-7309 or visit familymattersclub.org.