In 2001, a group of high school friends gathered together and wanted to find a fun way to raise money to improve the La Vernia city park. They wanted more than a swing set for their kids to play on. Under the guidance of then La Vernia mayor, Adeline Pierdolla, this group of friends hosted the first La Vernia Barbecue cook-off. That first year cook-off nineteen teams cooked and has grown to a hundred plus teams.

Along with the money raised from the barbeque cookoffs , the LalVernia Park Foundation received a grant from Texas Park and Wildlife to help fund the improvements to the park. Major improvements that have been made are a playscape, walking track, basketball court, and a butterfly garden. In 2008 trees were planted, a new fence was added and a foot bridge was completed.

None of the dreams those high school friends held onto in those first years would have happened without the help from the city of La Vernia, La Vernia Lions Club, La Vernia Independent School District, and many local businesses. The La Vernia Park Foundation wants to thank the countless people who volunteer on work days and at the cook-off. The cook-off teams deserve a special thank you for making the event the largest International Barbecue Cookers Association in South Texas.