Brawley council approves Elks’ road closure, alcohol sales and fee waiver for annual ‘cattle call’ barbecue

The Brawley City Council on Oct. 21 unanimously approved a request from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks to close a street, permit on-site alcohol sales and waive city fees for its annual cattle call barbecue scheduled for Nov. 8, 2025.

City staff described the event as an established community parade-related activity that will require limited street-closure barricades and staffing because the parade setup will already be in place. Staff said the road closure will begin at 6 a.m. and the barbecue will start at 11 a.m.; the closure will extend from the Elks lodge up to Third Street. Organizers told the council they expect about 1,500 adults and 500 children to attend.

An Elks representative, Valerie, said the lodge is still working with insurers after a recent flood and that the downstairs kitchen and bar remain closed; the group will provide porta‑potties, security and certified bartenders. “With the recent storm a month ago, we're still fighting with the insurance to open the Elks back up because we were flooded... we're trying desperately to get the construction started so that we can open something in the downstairs so we can at least have the kitchen and the bar,” Valerie said.

Council members asked procedural questions and then voted. Mayor Pro Tem Galvan made the motion to approve; Councilmember Monita seconded. Councilmember Kelly participated remotely and indicated his support; the council recorded unanimous approval with no nays or abstentions.

The Elks said they will coordinate with the city manager and the police department to finalize the temporary alcohol permit (ABC sign-off), noise permits and security staffing.