Good Times, Great BBQ, and All for the Kids: La Pasadita and Rodeo Austin!

March’s upcoming Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo (aka Rodeo Austin) is about more than fairground fun: it ranks as Central Texas’ largest youth education fundraiser. Over the last 20 years, Rodeo Austin has awarded over $20 million to over 13,500 students in 120 Texas counties.

Each spring, 40 to 60 Texas BBQ teams descend upon Rodeo Austin to feed and entertain visitors during its annual BBQ cook-off. Teams compete in several categories, including “Tip Jar,” where tip jar donations, combined with team sponsorships, go toward the Star of Texas Youth Scholarship Fund.

In 2010, one BBQ team crossed the half a million dollars-raised mark for Texas’ youth. This second-generation team of classmates and friends, “La Pasadita,” has thrown a fun-raising “party with a purpose” at the cook-off for over 20 years. Team leader Stephen Steakley is proud to be part of the legacy. “La Pasadita’s vision is to educate tomorrow’s leaders. We do that by getting corporate sponsors and raising thousands of dollars to donate to the STFR Scholarship fund,” he explains.

The organization, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, donated a whopping $60,000 in 2012. “As we get older and life gets in the way, we lose track of those friends who are dear to us. This event brings us together for fun and a great cause. Our team has raised and donated over $600,000! Long live La Pasadita.”

For La Pasadita, it’s about more than raising funds — the team prides itself on hosting the best party, too. Referred to fondly as “’Dita,” their annual cook-off tent offers award-winning BBQ, cold beer, and great live music all weekend. It’s a wonderful way to end a family trip to the rodeo and fairgrounds. There’s no mystery why they tend to win the annual Hospitality Award!

“La Pasadita will be throwing the big party again March 15th and 16th from noon to midnight this year,” adds Steakley. “Come out and see us for great BBQ and cold beer. It’s a family friendly event, located at the BBQ cook-off at Rodeo Austin.”

When you head out, don’t forget some cash for the charity tip jars! Visit the La Pasadita Facebook page to volunteer, learn more, or donate to the cause. Each tax-deductible sponsorship comes with tickets to the annual sponsor party. Help send Texas kids to college, and head to ‘Dita, 2013!

The Austin REALTORS® at Regent Property Group support local non-profit organizations like La Pasadita. On the lookout for Austin-area properties for sale? From homes in Steiner Ranch to Lost Creek, we help home-buyers stay on top of the latest in luxury trends.

*Need directions? Rodeo Austin is located about 10 miles east of homes in central Austin at the Travis County Expo Center. The address is 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724.

Hint: Of the main gates, gates two and three are best for BBQ cook-off and fairground parking! Remember, Rodeo Austin is one of the biggest and best events of the year, which means occasional traffic delays and lines. Give your family at least 30 extra minutes for travel time. Have fun, and drive safely! Read more about Rodeo Austin 2013.