Community Gathers for 52nd Annual BBQ Fundraiser in West Columbia

Community Comes Together for 52nd Annual BBQ Fundraiser in West Columbia

This past weekend, West Columbia was sizzling with excitement as friends and family gathered for a delicious cause! The Mount Hebron United Methodist Church hosted its 52nd annual BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The event ran from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and brought in a hungry crowd ready to dig into some finger-licking BBQ.

A Time-Honored Tradition

Every year on the first Saturday in October, the men’s group of Mount Hebron prepares for this beloved community event, and boy, do they take it seriously! Jim New, co-chairman of the BBQ committee, shared that preparations begin a whole six months in advance. The food prep itself is an impressive three-day process. Talk about commitment!

Wood-Fired BBQ with a Twist

This year was especially meaningful as the BBQ was cooked using wood from a tree that fell on the church property due to Hurricane Helene. How’s that for making the best out of a challenging situation? “We light the fire on Thursday evening about 10 o’clock,” Jim revealed. “The bed of coals burns down and then we cook hams for the BBQ. Those go on the pit on Friday morning and cook all through Friday night.”

The excitement in the kitchen was palpable! The hams are carefully monitored through a long night of cooking, and by early Saturday morning, they’re ready to be chopped, sorted, sauced, and packaged into containers for guests to enjoy. The dedication the men’s group shows is truly inspiring!

A Great Turnout

This year, the turnout was impressive, with nearly 800 people showing up to support the church and feast on BBQ. The smell of smoked meat wafted through the air, enticing more locals to join in on the festivities. Whether it was for carry-out or the buffet line, everyone seemed thrilled to dig into a hearty meal while contributing to an important cause.

Giving Back to the Community

So, what happens with all the proceeds from this mouthwatering event? All the funds raised go directly back into the community! Church leaders emphasized that the money helps support mission trips, home repairs, groceries, clothes, and even snacks for people in need through their church ministry efforts. It’s amazing how a BBQ can foster both a sense of community and compassion!

Looking Ahead

As West Columbia wrapped up another successful BBQ fundraiser, everyone was already buzzing about next year’s event. It’s heartwarming to see a community come together not just for great food but also for a wonderful cause. The men’s group is undoubtedly looking forward to lighting that fire once more next October!

If you missed out on this year’s BBQ, don’t fret! Mark your calendars and get ready to join in on the fun next year. This tradition is a fantastic way to enjoy good food while helping others, truly a win-win situation for everyone involved!