For those of you who haven’t heard from us since the Open House, we hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season. The Open House went well – Taylor was especially well represented. Russell and Barbara Yarnell were present and accessible for discussion of their film: Masters of Texas Barbecue.

Laren Morgan of the Crosstown BBQ in Elgin was also in attendance at the Open House. We were saddened to hear of his passing in October, while out with his hunting dogs. He touched many lives and his big personality will be greatly missed. His family and friends are in our prayers.

Since the Open House, the Barbecue Association Steering Committee has been hard at work. The Bylaws of the organization are nearing completion, and the Steering Committee should be ready to approve them in January. When the Bylaws are completed and in effect, the association Business Members will be summoned to vote for the Board of Directors. Expect to hear from us by the end of March regarding this vote.

Work for the first annual Barbecue Festival has begun in earnest –mark Sunday, October 9, 2005 on your calendars! If you have ideas regarding booths or activities you would like to see at the event, please pass them on to us at any of the above contact numbers or addresses. Would you like to participate by passing out samples to promote your business? Would you prefer to have a food booth and sell one specialty item? Would you like to give a demonstration? Would your organization like to have a booth and distribute literature? Please send us some suggestions now while we are in the beginning stages of planning the event.

We were also sad to learn that Larry Fick closed his Barbecue World Headquarters, at the Travis County Farmers’ Market, not long after the Open House. We thank you for the support you gave the Association.

Event news: The National Barbecue Association, which is headquartered here in Austin, is holding its annual conference and exposition in Houston on February 16-19, 2005. If you are interested in attending, their website is: www.nbbqa.org. Or call 512/ 454-8626. And, here in Austin, SXSW is just around the corner. . . .

Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous New Year. Let’s make this the year that Central Texas Barbecue Rules!