West Columbia Set for a Flavorful Tradition: The 52nd Annual BBQ
West Columbia is gearing up for one of its most beloved traditions—the 52nd Annual BBQ hosted by the Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Men (UMM). Get ready to feast starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, right on the church’s campus at 3050 Leaphart Road. If you’re looking for an event that brings the community together over great food, this is it!
A Flavorful Journey Through Time
Can you believe the first BBQ took place way back in 1971? It was a simple gathering held at the Pineview Ruritan Hut, with ten pigs cooking up about 1,300 pounds of pork. Fast forward to today, and this annual event has evolved into an incredible community celebration where the proceeds help fund local and state mission projects, rather than just supporting the church’s building fund. Over the years, this event has raised over $540,000, showcasing not just delicious food, but a commitment to giving back.
Preparing for the Feast
Preparation for this mouthwatering event starts weeks in advance. Volunteer teams come together to gather supplies, split firewood, and construct the massive barbecue pit in the church’s parking lot. By Thursday night before the event, the pit is lit, kicking off a marathon of cooking that continues all day Friday. With dedicated volunteers working tirelessly, everything is readied for hungry patrons by Saturday morning.
Last year alone, approximately 3,700 pounds of ham, alongside mouthwatering chickens and racks of baby back ribs, were cooked up. Not to mention an impressive spread of 175 pounds of rice, 300 pounds of coleslaw, and more than 125 gallons of hash! Yes, folks, the hash is a standout dish, featuring a special mix of ham and beef chuck, marinated in the UMM’s exclusive mustard-based sauce. The combination is uniquely delicious and definitely not to be missed!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Troy Blalock, the president of Mt. Hebron UMC’s UMM, didn’t hold back in expressing gratitude for the support from the churches and community. “The BBQ relies on the entire church body to make it all happen and run like a well-oiled machine,” he shares, noting that “a couple hundred volunteers work in the background over the course of the three days it takes to prepare for this fundraiser.” It’s heartwarming to see the community come together for such a great cause!
The Heart of the BBQ: Community and Charity
Last year’s BBQ drew in an impressive crowd with around 700 customers returning for seconds (or thirds!) in just a few hours. They enjoyed 775 barbecue plates, 1,130 pounds of chopped pork, and 1,020 pints of hash. The profits help fund vital programs, including contributions to local missions and charities like United Methodist Volunteers in Mission and the church’s own GoForth Ministries’ Food Pantry.
Blalock made an excellent point: “The most rewarding part of the UMM BBQ is for us to assist in funding mission projects. We are fortunate to have the West Columbia community support that allows us to give back generously.” It’s not just a BBQ; it’s a lifeline for so many who need that extra bit of help.
Join the Fun!
If you’re in West Columbia this Saturday, don’t miss out on this incredible BBQ feast! It’s the perfect chance to indulge in some fantastic food while supporting a great cause. For more details about the Mt. Hebron United Methodist Men and the BBQ, check out their website. Mark your calendars and bring your appetite—we can’t wait to see you there!
