Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke along with friends and family from BBQ Pros presented the annual 2022 Hometown Throwdown and Car Show at the Merced County Fairgrounds in Los Banos on Sat. June 18, 2022.
Over 100 vehicles and motorcycles competed in the car show with 24 vendors and 17 barbecue teams competing. Attendance to the event was free.
Car show winners include: Robert Marcos 1934 Dodge Sedan; Marion Santos 1940 Lincoln Continental; YaJahira Castellanos 1969 Chevy Pickup; Mark Salas 1986 El Camino; Ken Zaas 2015 Mustang GT: Marion Santos 2022 F150 Shelby Pickup; Tony Bueno 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Barbecue cookoff winners Champion Division: Port Ribs – First place Guy Duncan of Chowchilla; second place Carlos Lopez of Hollister; third place Robert Taveetia of Los Banos. Chicken – First place David Cano of Modesto; second place Joe Wilson of Turlock; third place Guy Duncan of Chowchilla. Tri-tip – First place Christopher Mendoza of Los Banos; second place Mano Ahumada of Los Banos; third place David Cano of Modesto. Grand champion went to David Cano of Modesto.
Backyard division: Tri-tip – First place Andrew Escobar of Los Banos. Chicken – First place Eric Jacobo of Los Banos. Backyard Division Champion is Dennis Edwards of Madera.
Special thanks to local donors, the late David Carlucci, Napa Auto Parts and Mid Valley Disposal. Net proceeds to benefit the Heritage Foundation for youth scholarships at the Merced Count Spring Fair.
