32nd Annual Buckholts Cotton Festival

Buckholts kicks off summer every year with the annual Cotton Festival and B-B-Q Cook-Off. This year was the 32nd CottonFest with the downtown parade, vendors, a carnival and lots of food and ice cream.

The carnival opened Friday night!

On Saturday, the festivities began with the parade and continued with a silent auction, volleyball, horse shoes and washers, while the BBQ cooks smoked their wares. There was live music and many street vendors.

Master of Ceremonies Richard Crowe
lining things up to kick off the parade.

Mr. and Mrs. Peeler led this year's parade.

After the parade, the Praha Brothers entertained the crowd.

The washer pitching cranked up along with horse shoes.

While not the same as doughnuts, judging the BBQ can be
quite filling.

The MAD Band returned to the stage this year for the second
half of the afternoon entertainment.

Then, after raffle winners were announced, it was time for the cook-off awards, presented by the Budweiser Girls.

Cameron's John Anderle won 1st AND 2nd place in the
Margarita division. Hmmmm. (Probably should be investigated
by the Constable's Office.)

Buckholts' philanthropic chef, Jeff Kuzel of the Sippin-n-Flippin
team took first prize in the Chicken category.

And the Overall Winner was Michael Galvan of the Naw "da" Bone
team from Belton.

Here's the lists of all of the winners at this year's Cotton Festival Cook-Off

(click list to enlarge)

After the awards were presented, fans favorite Justin Cole took
the stage to finish out the evening entertainment.

And then, it was over. Waiting to turn off the lights, Buckholts'
philosophical grill master Leslie Lorenz shouldn't look so sad.
 After all, he won 4th place in the Brisket group!

Friday night photos here  - - > >  CottonFest 2019 Friday Night


Saturday images here  - - > >   CottonFest Saturday 2019

Buckholts ISD Community Awards 2019

Friday, May 31st, was a very busy day in Buckholts. High School graduation was scheduled for for the evening and the 32nd annual Cotton Festival was kicking off. Despite the clamor and last minute shenanigans, Buckholts' school system held its annual Community Awards luncheon at noon.

Gathered community members enjoyed the provided lunch.

Everyone thought the food was good,

except for this guy.

After lunch, Superintendent Nancy Sandlin recognized community and regional persons, plus some dubious characters for their service and contributions to Buckholts ISD this past school year.

Superintendent Sandlin presenting a Pastor Johnny Kueker
with a Certificate of Appreciation for his support and work
with the school this past year.

Community Awards photos here - - > >   BISD Community Awards 2019

Buckholts High School Graduation 2019

18 Seniors graduated in ceremony Friday night, May 31st, in Buckholts Stadium, before family and friends.

Front row (L-R): Jacqueline Campos, Isabel Reyes, Hailey Cazares, Mikayla Benavidez,

 Valedictorian Marissa Labrada, Salutatorian Chris Lopez, Meykala Moore, Catalina Rozsa

 and Yvonne Pierluisses. On the back row (L-R), Zachary Magee, Mario Narvaez, Dustin Hafley, 

Gabriel Owens, Christian Kessler, Brandon Strals, Caleb Lopez, Victor Baez and Eric Salomon.

It wasn't only parents jumping for joy.

Practicing for the washer pitching and horse shoe competition at the annual
 Buckholts Cotton Festival the next day, graduates toss their mortarboards.

BHS graduation photos - - > >  Buckholts HS Graduation 2019