Steak cooking, country music, family fun: what to expect at this year’s Roanoke Round Up

Residents and visitors can enjoy music from country band Ricochet, local steak and barbecue during his year’s Roanoke Round Up on May 4.

The 9th annual Roanoke Round Up begins at noon and ends in downtown Roanoke at 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Guns & Hoses – a nonprofit organization serving families of fallen police officers and firefighters – and to Texas Motor Speedway Children’s charities. Although the event is free, guests who choose to donate can scan one of the QR codes during the event.

“I work with the special events team and see all the love and passion that goes into (Roanoke Round Up)…I’ve encouraged my family friends to come visit and enjoy it because it’s going to be a good day,” communications said – and marketing manager Carissa Katekaru.

The steak cookoff competition begins at 10 a.m., with local chefs and residents competing for a cash prize and bragging rights. The event also includes a barbecue pitmaster tasting beginning at noon. Guests can purchase tickets for $20 each and enjoy a delicious barbecue while supporting local charities.

The event includes several kid-oriented activities, such as a petting zoo, arts and crafts station and bounce houses.

“We are proud to host these excellent, family-friendly events that bring families together in a fun and safe environment,” said Katekaru.

Oak Street will be closed during the event so visitors and their families can explore Oak Street without worrying about traffic.

Katekaru said hosting Roanoke Round Up in downtown Roanoke gives the city an opportunity to highlight its food scene. Roanoke is known as “the unique food capital of Texas,” and event attendees are encouraged to visit the city’s local restaurants before or after the event.

Some of Roanoke’s unique restaurants include Board & Brie, Craft & Vine Taproom and Eatery, Foster’s, Hot Taco, The Classic at Roanoke, and Mug’s Cafe and Bakery.

Visitors to the event can also look forward to various musical performances. Katekaru said the event’s headliner will be country band Ricochet. The band has won a Country Music Award and been nominated for three. They have also been nominated for a Billboard Music Award.

“We are very excited to welcome them,” said Katekaru.

Ricochet takes the main stage in the evening, but there is additional local entertainment during the day. The city has partnered with 99.5 The Wolf, which will provide live broadcasts from the event.

In addition, the city is partnering with Stand Ministries to host a voting contest during Roanoke Round Up.

“We are very excited about this collaboration,” said Katekaru. “It’s always great to see local talent on stage for a while.”

One thing event goers should keep in mind is that May 4 is also Election Day, so some downtown parking lots will be for voters only.

“It’s really important to make sure you look at the parking ticket before you come,” Katekaru said. “We will have some handicap-accessible lots that are accessible to community members, and we have many lots spread along the outer edges of Oak Street and south of City Hall.”

Roanoke residents and visitors can find more information about Roanoke Round Up on the city’s website.

“Organizing an event like this where people come out and meet neighbors and interact with friends – that remains our top priority,” said Katekaru.

The above story was produced by multi-platform journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro of Community Impact’s Storytelling team, with information provided solely by the local business as part of their purchase of ‘sponsored content’ through our advertising team.