West Columbia BBQ Fundraiser Brings Community Together
This past weekend, the charming city of West Columbia turned into a BBQ lover’s paradise as friends and family gathered for a mouthwatering cause! The Mount Hebron United Methodist Church hosted its 52nd annual BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, October 5, 2024, a cherished event that has become a staple in the community.
A Tradition for Over Half a Century
From 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., the church grounds buzzed with excitement as nearly 800 attendees rolled in to indulge in some delicious BBQ. This beloved fundraiser is organized every year on the first Saturday of October by the men’s group of the church. After all these years, it’s clear that this tasty tradition is as strong as ever!
The BBQ Process: A Labor of Love
The preparation for this flavorful feast starts months in advance. As Jim New, co-chairman of the BBQ committee, shared, the team gets to work about six months ahead of the big day. The actual cooking is quite the meticulous process, taking three full days to ensure everything is perfect for those hungry guests.
“We light the fire on Thursday evening at around 10 o’clock,” Jim explained. “The bed of coals burns down nicely, and then we cook hams for the BBQ.” It’s no small task! The hams hit the BBQ pit bright and early Friday morning and cook overnight, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas that tempt everyone’s taste buds.
On Saturday morning, those flavorful hams come off the pit, ready to be chopped, sorted, sauced, and packed. Whether it goes into packaged containers or onto a buffet line, you know it’s going to be a hit with every bite.
A Special Touch this Year
This year, the BBQ had a poignant touch. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the church utilized wood from a fallen tree on their property to build the BBQ pit. This not only serves as a reminder of resilience but also symbolizes the community coming together to turn adversity into something as joyous as a BBQ feast.
Serving Those in Need
While the BBQ offers a great way for friends and family to connect and enjoy good food, it has a greater purpose. all the proceeds from this event go towards funding various mission trips and providing essentials like home repairs, groceries, clothes, and snacks for those in need through the church’s ministry efforts. It’s heartwarming to know that each plate sold makes a difference in someone’s life.
Community Spirit at Its Best
The atmosphere on Saturday was one of joy and generosity, and it was clear that the spirit of togetherness was alive and well in West Columbia. People mingled, laughed, and shared stories while enjoying their BBQ. It’s not just about the food; it’s about reconnecting with the community, sharing the love, and working towards a good cause.
Looking Ahead
As the event wrapped up, everyone left with full bellies and happy hearts, already looking forward to next year’s BBQ. With such a successful turnout this time around, expectations for the next fundraiser are sure to rise. Onwards to the 53rd annual BBQ fundraiser, where hopefully even more will join to feast and contribute to this great tradition!
An event like this just goes to show the incredible strength and warmth of community, and who can resist good BBQ for a great cause? We can’t wait to see what next year has in store!
