03/16/2026
Honoring Tradition, Teamwork & Texas Youth: HL Chapman at the 2026 Rodeo Austin BBQ Cook-Off š¤ š„
HL Chapman was incredibly proud to once again take part in one of Austinās most beloved traditions ā the Rodeo Austin BBQ Cook-Off ā and we were especially grateful to participate alongside The Outsiders BBQ team. While this marked our 5th year at the event, The Outsiders celebrated an impressive 20 years of supporting this remarkable cause.
Each year, teams devote countless hours to raising money for the Rodeo Austin Youth Scholarship Fund, directly supporting the next generation of leaders, scholars, and agricultural innovators. Itās meaningful work that creates a lasting impact in the lives of Texas youth. Our team, A Cut Above, showed up with passion and grit as alwaysāworking tirelessly throughout the three-day event.
Thanks to their dedication and the powerful partnership with The Outsiders, our team alone helped raise an outstanding:
š $129,885 in donations š
Thatās Texas-sized heartāand we couldnāt be more proud.
š§ļø A Tough Weekendā¦ But Worth Every Minute
Despite the rain, the cold, and everything the weather threw our way, our volunteers and supporters showed up with unmatched commitment.
To every HL Chapman volunteer who gave their time and energy ā THANK YOU. Your spirit kept the fire burning (literally and figuratively). We appreciate you more than words can express.
And to everyone who braved the conditions to cheer us on: your support fuels the success of this event year after year.
Introducing Our HL Chapman Junior Pitmasters
One of the highlights of this yearās event was cheering on our new HL Chapmanāsponsored Junior Pitmaster Team, Makenzie and Meredith Harris ā daughters of Amanda and Brandon Harris.
These young pitmasters worked hard preparing, grilling, and presenting their dishes with spirit and determination. Now letās be honestā¦ they probably couldāve won on pure cuteness alone! But the girls didnāt rely on that ā they brought skill, effort, and heart to the competition.
Competitors were judged on Appearance, Taste, and Texture, and we are thrilled to share that:
š Meredith earned 4th place for her pork chop entry!
Weāre so proud of BOTH girls and cannot wait to see what they accomplish next year. Amazing job, Makenzie and Meredith ā you made HL Chapman proud!
š Why We Continue to Show Up
Rodeo Austin has been uplifting Texas youth since 1938, providing scholarships, agricultural programs, and hands-on opportunities that help shape the next generation. As a not-for-profit organization with a mission at its core, theyāve helped raise millions for Texas kids ā and being part of that tradition is an honor we value deeply.
Events like this remind us what community truly means: coming together, giving back, and lifting up those who come after us.
Weāre proud of our teams.
Weāre proud of our volunteers.
Weāre proud of our junior pitmasters.
And weāre proud to support this incredible cause.
Hereās to another year of service, teamwork, and Texas-sized hearts. š¤ š
