Grabbed our entry form at the Independence Store last week. Super nice folks in there. See everyone April 10!

125 bucks and you get to spend two days cooking and hanging out with good people in a beautiful spot. Sounds like a deal to me.

Brisket category is where champions are made. Already got my offset smoker ready to go.

If you have never been out to the Independence Schoolhouse just for the history of it, you are missing out even without the cookoff.

My team placed in the ribs category three years ago and we still talk about it. Best weekend we ever had as a group.

Hope the weather cooperates this year. Last April we had some sketchy storms roll through on a Saturday and it killed the afternoon crowd.

We drive down from College Station every year for this. It is one of those events that just feels like the real Texas.

My grandfather used to tell stories about that old schoolhouse. Really means a lot to see it being taken care of.

The antique vendors are always a highlight for me. Found some incredible old Texas pieces there a couple years back.

Does the $125 cover all categories or do you pay extra for each one you enter? The article says additional fees but not how much.

Grew up going to events at that schoolhouse. Really glad it is still standing and still bringing people together.

Really hope they have covered seating this year. April weather in Texas can go either way real fast.

Antiques at the craft fair, live music, and BBQ all in one weekend. What more do you need.

Never been to one of these cookoffs before. Is it beginner friendly or is it super competitive?

My husband and his buddies have been talking about entering the chicken category for months. This might finally be the year they actually do it.

Women pitmaster teams need to represent at this one. Ladies bring the heat too.

April in Texas is about the best weather you can ask for. Good timing on this one.

Independence is such a hidden gem of a town. Events like this are exactly why people should visit.

The Bloody Mary contest is genius. Pairs perfectly with the BBQ vibe. Whoever thought of adding that deserves a trophy.

Anyone know if there is RV parking nearby? We like to make a whole weekend out of these things.

Bloody Mary contest is a genius addition. Who came up with that idea, give them a raise.

That schoolhouse restoration is so important. Glad the community found a fun way to raise money for it.

Picked up my entry form at the Independence Store last week. Real nice folks in there, very helpful.

Hope they have enough judges this year. Last time felt a little disorganized but the food made up for it.

My team has been perfecting our chicken recipe all winter. April 10 cannot get here fast enough.

Wish it wasn't the same weekend as my daughter's soccer tournament. Going to try to make it Sunday at least.

Been wanting to try Independence Store for a while. Good excuse to finally head out there and grab an entry form.

Chef's choice category is always the wild card. Last time someone brought out smoked duck and it was unreal.

The schoolhouse is gorgeous. Glad to see the community rallying around it. Every dollar spent there is a good one.

Independence is such an easy miss if you don't know where to look but events like this remind you why small towns are the best.

Went last year just for the vendors and found the most beautiful handmade earrings. The jewelry booths are worth a stop even if you don't care about the cooking.

Live music Friday night plus BBQ all weekend? That right there is a perfect Texas spring weekend.

Does anyone know if this is family friendly? Thinking about bringing the grandkids for the craft fair part.

We entered the pork ribs category two years ago and had an absolute blast. Great people out there in Independence.

Love that the money goes toward restoring the schoolhouse. That building has so much history and it deserves to be taken care of.

$125 registration is pretty reasonable for a two day event honestly. Some of these cookoffs charge way more.

We drove out from Brenham last year and had such a good time. Little town, big cookoff energy.

A Bloody Mary contest?? Now THAT is new. Count me in as a judge lol

Been going to this cookoff for years and the brisket competition alone is worth the drive out to Independence. Can't wait for April!

Chef's choice category is always my favorite to judge because you never know what people are gonna bring out.

My husband and his buddies entered last year and they are already talking about going back. This thing has a real following.

The Independence School House is such a cool venue for something like this. Glad they are keeping that place alive.

Anyone know if this is open to the public to come watch and eat or just competitors?

Live music Friday night plus brisket competition on Saturday. Perfect weekend right there.

The craft fair is always so good. Found the most beautiful handmade jewelry there last year.

We entered the pork ribs category two years ago and had a blast. Thinking about coming back for the Bloody Mary contest this time lol

Love that the money goes toward restoring the schoolhouse. That old building needs all the help it can get.

$125 for team registration is pretty reasonable honestly. Some of these cookoffs charge way more.

A Bloody Mary contest?? Now that is something new. Count me in!

Been going to this cookoff for years and it never disappoints. That brisket competition alone is worth the drive out to Independence.