FHS Booster Club reaches highest participation after Membership BBQ

By Robert Perea

The seventh Fernley High School Booster Club Membership BBQ was the biggest one yet, and the group came out of it bigger than ever.

As of the start of this week, the Booster Club has sold 233 memberships, its most ever.

The Booster Club raises money to support Fernley High School activities and programs and awards annual scholarships. 

“Since taking over the FHS Booster Club, we’ve been able to give back more than $100,000 to student programs and senior scholarships,” Booster Club President Jackie Kingston said. “Our support extends across academics, activities, and athletics, helping Vaqueros thrive in every area.”

Kingston said the the Membership BBQ began in 2018 with the goal to create something that felt like a true community gathering, not just another school event. 

“We wanted to bring together past, present, and future Vaqueros in one place,” she said.

After the club joined the Fernley Chamber of Commerce, Kingston said Carpet King owner Kelly Brye became one of the club’s biggest supporters and he immediately embraced the idea of hosting the Membership BBQ in the Carpet King parking lot. The event has grown each year, as the Booster Club promotes it through social media and at Chamber breakfasts to spread the word.

They also created a membership program with levels ranging from individual supporters up to Vaquero sponsors, which included benefits like banners on the main fence, light post signage in the parking lot, and fresh new apparel each year. For our apparel, they partner with Cherie Carson of Solidity Graphics and Design, who brings their ideas to life.

Every year, they grill up 500 hamburgers and hotdogs, serving them along with chips and water free of charge to everyone who attends.

“Thanks to Cody Wagner from The Tap Wagon, we’re also able to provide beverages for adults—his continued support, along with so many other local businesses, helps make this event possible,” Kingston said. “Fernley truly is a special town, and it’s the incredible support from our community that makes these events so meaningful year after year.”

In addition to our Membership BBQ, the Booster Club also hosts an annual Crab Feed each March. 

“This year, we’re excited to share that crab will be back on the menu. We can’t wait to see you there,” Kingston said.