Free barbecue draws thousands to annual party in Grovetown

GROVETOWN --- There were politicians, a bluegrass band, American flags -- and enough barbecue for everyone.

"Hungry? Of course I'm hungry. You gotta be kidding," declared Will Lott, one of the early arrivals at Saturday's annual July Fourth Barbecue at Grovetown's Liberty Park Community Center.

Inside, as air conditioners ran full throttle and bluegrass fiddlers fiddled, scores of volunteers dished out free plates for everyone who wanted them.

Dennis Trudeau, who helped launch what became the city's largest annual event during his first term as mayor in the 1980s, has been on hand every year.

"This is our 23rd year," he said while dishing up mounds of barbecue for delivery to residents at nursing homes and hospitals. "It's a little different than when we started: about 3,000 more people."

The event is financed from donations and sponsors, but it's the volunteers who make it happen, Mr. Trudeau said. More than 50 workers donated their holiday.

"We had 26 volunteers this year just from Fort Gordon," he said.

Mike Neal, the owner of Neal's Barbecue in Thomson, said his staff smoked, chopped and transported 22 hogs for the event, along with vats of baked beans, hash and rice.

Robert and Arlene Bates have made the barbecue an annual family outing since moving to Columbia County in 1997.

"This is our 12th year doing this," Mr. Bates said while loading a tray of take-out plates into his car to deliver to elderly residents. "We usually handle the west end of town, and we take plates to some of our own neighbors."

Their daughter, Sara, 18, and 14-year-old son Addison also were helping out in the serving line.

The event lured in plenty of politicians, including 10th District U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, who stopped by while making rounds through his district. Other politicians who visited included state Sen. Bill Jackson and state Rep. Lee Anderson. Crowds flocked to other events, including Columbia County's annual celebration at Patriots Park, which included live music, food and other activities before a major fireworks display at dusk.

In Augusta, antique cars, arts and crafts and other festivities awaited crowds along Augusta Common and the Riverwalk.

Reach Rob Pavey at (706) 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com