Vest event invests in pets

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  • Vest event invests in pets
    Vest event invests in pets
  • Vest event invests in pets
    Vest event invests in pets
  • Vest event invests in pets
    Vest event invests in pets
Long Caption

A full day celebration started early Saturday as horse riders (top) departed from the Dublin City Park for the Nozy Nabor Park at Lilly Gin a trail ride kicking off the Kevin Vest Memorial BBQ. The event was held in the memory of Kevin Vest (pictured in photos held up by his father, Harold, with proceeds set for the Erath County Humane Society. In addition to the trail ride and cook-off, Lilly G also hosted live music all day by artists like Grace Kelley (above) and a bull riding event which started in the afternoon. Paul Gaudette | Citizen staff photos

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The Nozy Nabor Park at Lilly G was alive with cookers, rodeo and live music Saturday for the Kevin Vest Memorial Cook-Off.

It’s a tribute that his father, Harold, said Kevin would have loved. Kevin Vest was two days from turning 48 when he died after fighting back and heart problems for several years.

“His passion was barbecue,” said Harold, who was working a grill with Kevin’s son, Tyler. Tyler learned about cooking from his dad, and the pair had even entertained the notion about opening a business together before Kevin’s passing.

Tyler was passing some of his lessons from his dad to his grandfather Saturday. The event also featured

The event also featured bull riding, fitting since Kevin was born in Las Vegas, the traditional home of the National Finals Rodeo, before moving to Blanco and then settling in Stephenville, the home of many rodeo legends.

The winner of the riding competition got a buckle with Kevin’s name on it.

The day-long event also featured a trail ride from the Dublin City Park to Lilly G and live music featuring Grace Kelly, Tori Smith, Mark Scott and more.

All of this was done in support of the Erath County Humane Society, which Harold said his son, the owner of two dogs, avidly supported.

Harold said he was grateful to Kevin’s friends and Lilly G for presenting the event in his son’s memory. “It’s all about Kevin,” Harold said.