Relocation of the Denny Rohe Memorial BBQ Cook-Off

For over 40 years, the Denny Rohe Memorial BBQ Cook-Off has been a cherished tradition in Terrell, bringing together our community for great food, friendly competition, and lasting memories during the Terrell Heritage Jubilee. This year, the event will move from its long-standing location at Lions Club Lane off of Ben Gill Park to a new date and venue—Sept. 27, 2025, at the Terrell Municipal Airport.  The cook-off will now serve as the featured event of a new Family Day at the Terrell Municipal Airport, organized by the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum.

The decision to move the location and date of the BBQ Cook-off was not made lightly. In making the decision, The Terrell Chamber of Commerce had to weigh several factors, including ongoing improvements in the area where the cook-off was traditionally held, environmental damage to the trees and their root systems, and the necessary maintenance required after each event. After meetings with the Terrell Police and Fire Departments, it became clear that, due to resource requirements for Jubilee Weekend, the date of the event would also need to be moved.

The No 1 British Flying Training School Museum offered to make the BBQ Cook-off the highlight of a Family Day at Terrell Municipal Airport. The Family Day will feature the BBQ Cook-off, but will also include a fly-in, static display aircraft, children’s area, food trucks and more. The BFTS Museum contacted Outlaw BBQ Association and determined that Sept.27 would be the best of a limited number of dates available.

“After thorough discussions and planning, we believe this move will allow the cook-off to continue thriving while supporting an important local institution,” said Terrell Chamber of Commerce President Angie Cooper.

The No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, in partnership with the Outlaw BBQ Association, is committed to delivering a high-quality event that upholds the cook-off’s long-standing reputation.

“We understand this change may come as a surprise, but we hope the community will embrace the new opportunity and help make this and future year’s events resounding successes,” said Sharon Harper, Chamber/CVB Director of Marketing and Events.

Cooper expressed her appreciation for the event’s legacy, stating, "The Denny Rohe Memorial BBQ Cook-Off is an integral part of Terrell’s history. While relocating was a difficult decision, we are excited about the possibilities this move brings and look forward to continuing this tradition in a way that benefits both our community and the No. 1 BFTS Museum."

Bill Huthmacher, Chairman of the No. 1 BFTS Museum, emphasized the significance of the partnership. "This event’s new home at the Terrell Municipal Airport aligns perfectly with our vision of holding more family-oriented events at the airport. We are grateful for the opportunity to host the cook-off and to ensure it remains a premier event for BBQ enthusiasts."

Mike Sims, City Manager also expressed support for the change. "The City of Terrell is proud of the cooperation of the Chamber and the British Museum. It ensures the cook-off continues to be a showcase event while also contributing to the preservation of our City’s unique heritage. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a fantastic event at its new location."

We thank the Terrell community for its continued support and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Denny Rohe Memorial BBQ Cook-Off at the Terrell Municipal Airport on Sept. 27, he said.

More details will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, please contact:

Terrell Chamber of Commerce | (972) 563-5703
No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum | (972) 551-1122