About Us

In 2011, the Rockhouse Fire blazed through our beautiful mountain terrain and destroyed over 300,000 acres, destroying everything in it's path including many livestock and homes. This was a very challenging time for our community as the town of Fort Davis was asked to evacuate, and many expected to return home to nothing but ashes. This tragedy came to show how valuable our resources are in this remote part of Texas, especially our First Responders. 

​

In 2012, Sara Adams decided she wanted to find a way to give back to the courageous folks who gave their all to protect us, not only during the Rockhouse Fire, but during our many times of need; almost all of them as volunteers. So in 2012, Smoke in the Mountains was born. The first ever cookoff was held at an RV Park south of Fort Davis. Sara planted a very special seed in our community with this event as many of the teams that signed up to cook at that very first event, are still avid barbecue competitors today!  

​

Robert Rubio was one of the first to sign up at Smoke in the Mountains. Just a big guy who loved to barbecue and loved to have a good time. Anyone who was lucky enough to try one of his steaks was in for a treat. He loved to compete and he wanted to win! But more than anything he enjoyed being with friends and family and was a supporter of Smoke in the Mountains.

​

In 2021 we lost our dear friend Robert, and in 2022 we lost our dear friend Sara. Our community was torn by their loss, so we knew we had to honor their legacy. In 2023, Smoke in the Mountains returned to the mountains of Fort Davis and $50,000 was raised for First Responders! None of this would be possible without Sara's vision, Robert's will to compete, our Board, and our many supporters. 

​

Pictured above from left to right and top to bottom are: Lynne Baldwin, Janna Stubbs, Jennifer Webster (President), Maralea Miller (Secretary), Jeremiah Rubio, Sandra Chambers, Brenda Vargas (Treasurer), Stephanie Rubio, Janet Adams (Vice President), Audrey Hurley.