Bobby Olguin Grand Marshal Of Expo Parade

By John Larson
SAN ANTONIO – The Buckhorn Tavern’s Bobby Olguin has been chosen as the Grand Marshal of the New Mexico State Fair parade.
In a press release from EXPO New Mexico, Fair Commissioner Luke Otero said “Bobby has just won a great victory for his hometown of San Antonio, and for the state of New Mexico. His green chile cheeseburger beat Bobby Flay’s and brought national recognition to New Mexico’s unofficial state sandwich. We want to honor that achievement and honor him by giving him the opportunity to lead the parade that kicks off the biggest show in New Mexico.”
“This is awesome,” Olguin said. “I am truly honored to have the opportunity to promote the green chile of New Mexico.”
Bobby has been serving Socorro County diners his home cooked food, including green chile cheeseburgers, for many years, but only recently – within the last two years – has his culinary skills been recognized nationally.
Most recently, his green chile cheeseburger was judged best in the Food Network’s Throwdown With Bobby Flay. The cable show gave the Buckhorn nationwide exposure, and the restaurant has seen its best business ever.
“This thing has taken on a life of its own. It’s growing and growing,” Bobby said. “You don’t realize until it happens, that people from all over the U.S. come to New Mexico.”
“People ask me, ‘What is your secret recipe’?” Bobby said. “I tell them the recipe is cooking with love. You’ve got to like what you do. No matter what you’re doing, you will be rewarded in one way or another.”
Olguin declined a previous offer from Gov. Bill Richardson to take on challengers at the state fair, but consented to being a judge at the competition.
The competition has now taken the form of balloting from the public, sponsored by the New Mexico Tourism Department. The ballot box will be at the Tourism Department’s Big Yellow Bus at the fair. People can vote online for their favorite burger restaurant at newmexico.org/greenchilecheeseburger/cheeseburger_ballot.php..
Olguin said when he received notification that he was chosen to be the Grand Marshal, “I was ecstatic and speechless. It was like New Mexico wanted to honor me, and I would be ashamed to turn this down.”
He said the parade will begin at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on Central just west of Louisiana St. The parade will travel east on Central Avenue, disbanding near Eubank about 2 miles east of the starting point.
“I hope to be riding in a big Cadillac between two ladies feeding me grapes,” Bobby joked.
That is, if it was OK with his wife, Debby.

Bobby Olguin Grand Marshal Of Expo Parade