WalkerStrong for LEO safety this weekend at Fairgrounds

Those wanting to have fun and also benefit a good cause will want to check out the WalkerStrong Initiative fundraiser in Groesbeck this weekend, hosted by MAG (Mutual Assistance Group).

It’s a three-day blowout at the Limestone County Fairgrounds that includes food, beverages, a barbecue cook-off, a cornhole tournament, live music from a multitude of bands, a silent auction, a live auction, local shopping vendors, and a kid-friendly environment.  The event will honor the life of Texas Department of Public Safety Officer Chad Walker, shot and killed during a traffic stop near Mexia earlier this year.  The initiative will also raise $150,000 for bulletproof windshields for law enforcement patrol vehicles.

The action starts at 2 p.m. Friday, June 25, with Vance Bruce and Taylor Wayne the first artists to perform that day. See schedule nearby.

The great thing is that the proceeds will go toward protecting law enforcement officers in Limestone County.

“The money from this weekend's event will be used to purchase bullet-resistant windshields for all law enforcement agencies in Limestone County, said MAG Vice President John Liscano. “They average about $3,500 per vehicle, so we have set a goal of $150,000. If we raise that, we can do all 46 or so units in the county. That’s the Sheriff's Office, Mexia PD, Groesbeck PD, and all the other small agencies in the county. Any leftover funds would be dispersed to surrounding agencies/counties. So obviously the more money we raise the more we can cover.”

Law enforcement members get free admission to the fundraiser. General admission is $25 per day or a three-day admission is $50; ages 12 and under also get free admission. Early Bird Special: three-day admission plus three-day/two-night hotel room is $300 (valued at $500).

BARBECUE COOK-OFF

The barbecue cookoff meeting takes place Friday, June 25, with the margarita judging to follow, starting at 7 p.m. Cook’s Choice will be at 8 p.m. The remainder of the cook-off will take place Saturday, June 26, with a 100 percent jackpot payout. Cash payout for the top three teams.

The entry fee for all meat categories (brisket, pork ribs, and chicken) is $200. The entry fee for the additional categories is $25 each (Cook’s Choice, beans, desserts, and margaritas. Margaritas will be judged at 7 p.m. Friday evening; Saturday judging starts at 11 a.m. for beans; noon for desserts; 1 p.m. for pork ribs; 2 p.m. for chicken; and 3 p.m. for brisket.

Optional T-shirts are $20 apiece. T-shirts are not included in the cost of the team entry fee. For questions, contact Ryan Smith by email at mutualassistancegroup@ gmail.com, or by mail at 208 Nashua St., Groesbeck, TX 76642. Cook-off applications can be found on the MAG, Inc. Facebook Page.

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

The WalkerStrong Initiative Cornhole Tournament will take place Saturday, June 26, presented by Gatesville Baggerz. Bring your own partner. $60 a team. Boards open at 10 a.m. Bags fly at 11 a.m. 50/50 payout. A plaque will be presented for 1st through 3rd places. Money Shot/Airmail Challenge. Bring your own chair. No coolers. Beverages may be purchased at the venue. Pre-register on the Scoreholio App.

Friday, June 25
2 p.m. - Vance Bruce/Taylor Wayne
3:30 p.m. - Rhett Uhland & the morning Shakes
5 p.m. Matt - Clearly & the Rowdy Few
6:30 p.m. - Taylor Branch & the Lonestar Ramblers
8 p.m. - Celsey Braddock
9:30 p.m - Austin Upchurch

Saturday, June 26
11 a.m. - Taylor Tumlinson
12 noon - Gordon Collier Band
1 p.m. - Boys of the South Band
2 p.m. - Black Sunday Band
3 p.m. - Tylor Bigley & the Copano Cowboys
4 p.m. - Dustin Brown & The Now
5 p.m. - Zane Dockery Band
6 p.m. - Live Auction
7 p.m. - Ghost Dance Band
9 p.m. - Seth Ward and the Silence

Sunday, June 27
10 a.m. - Living Proof Church of Groesbeck Special Worship Service with Pastor John Carabin at Fairgrounds/ Second Service available at Living Proof Church (1207 E. Navasota, Groesbeck) at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ashley Latham.
11:30 a.m. - Michael Saldana/Jeremy Young/Mike Stanley
1 p.m. - Ron Barber & the Creekside Republic
2:30 p.m. - Justin Hewitt Band
4 p.m. - Garrett Bryan/Jordan Tyler Haynes