WATSONVILLE—The annual Skillicorn BBQ, a fundraiser to support Boy Scouts of America programming in South County, will return to the Corralitos Padres Hall on Sept. 8.
The event has been held for decades. Last year it was canceled due to the pandemic, though it still managed to raise $11,375 thanks to those who had already given donations.
“People were like, ‘go ahead and keep it,’” said Harry Wiggins, a Skillicorn BBQ Committee member who earned his Eagle Scout designation in Watsonville when he was 15. “We are so grateful to them.”
The money supported local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, providing summer camp scholarships and more. This year, the committee has set a goal of raising $25,000.
“We’re all set for it—we hope we have a good turnout,” Wiggins said. “We’re excited to be doing this again.”
Unlike previous years, the barbecue meal will be held outside at the Padres Hall, allowing for more space to socially distance and for clearer air. Typically, the event is held in the Spring, but Wiggins said that the move to September might actually be better.
“The weather in September is usually warmer,” he said. “We heard comments from the [Pajaro Valley] Chamber [of Commerce and Agriculture], about how they enjoyed their outdoor awards ceremony at the fairgrounds, and how it worked out really well.”
Each year the committee recognizes and honors individuals or organizations as a “Friend of Scouting.” This year they will honor Stan and Judy Doering-Nielsen, who have been supporters of the event for over 20 years, and members of the committee for 12. Both have served on the Watsonville Planning Commission, are active members of the Watsonville Rotary and served on the Board of Directors for the Agricultural History Project.
“We are very excited and pleased to honor Stan and Judy for all they’ve done for scouting and the greater Pajaro Valley community,” Wiggins said.
In addition, there will be a special presentation honoring the late Hal Hyde, an Eagle Scout who greatly served and promoted local scouting. Hyde died last year as the eldest known scout in the community, Wiggins said.
Three local young people who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2020 will also be honored guests at the event—the committee is looking for people to sponsor these scouts’ meals.
The Skillicorn BBQ has retained the same menu for years, courtesy of the Scurich family. Since 2018, they have also been including a slice of pie from Gizdich Ranch, thanks to that year’s honoree Nita Gizdich.
The event will be held Sept. 8 at the Corralitos Padres Hall, 35 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos. A social gathering will start at 5pm, with dinner and 6:15pm and the program beginning at 7pm.
“Scouting has taught me leadership, public speaking, community service—and just being willing to give back to my own community,” he said.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets contact Karen Dyck at 359-8442.
