57th Annual Middlesex Beef Producers Barbecue - August 21, 2014

Last night was the 57th Annual Middlesex Beef Producers Barbecue held at the park in Poplar Hill. I remember growing up, we would head down to the park early (like in the morning) to husk corn, cut tomatoes, wrap potatoes, set up tables, cut pies, hang signs, get plates and cutlery and all the other goodies ready for the masses that come to the barbecue. 
There are always some last minute preparations to take care of, as you can see here.


The Pavilion is full of Volunteers who graciously serve you beef, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, tomatoes, pickles, coleslaw, rolls, pie and ice cream and coffee, tea or milk. 
 

Here, Howard and Judy wait patiently for their turn to be served.

 Here you can see Judy being served some tomatoes!!

There is fun for both young and old. These girls certainly look like they are having a good time!  And it looks like they even got a boy to follow their lead!

 The evening could not happen without all the support of the volunteers.  Dad does a great job of thanking everyone and making sure they know how much they are appreciated and how all their help has made the barbecue a great success.


Here are Barbara and John Fraser helping at the coffee booth. 

And Courtney gives all the volunteers a big "thumbs up"


Dad doesn't like to have his picture taken so I always take these opportunities when he is in front of a big crowd (and won't stick his tongue out at me....or worse!!!) to get a few great shots of him.
Here he is addressing the crowd, thanking all the volunteers, thanking Beechwood for playing and just giving everyone a little bit of information about the barbecue and the Middlesex Cattlemen's Association.

 Here's a closer up picture of him doing his speech. I think he spotted me in the crowd and I'm sure he was thinking in his head....that damn kid....!

I love catching random shots of him like this too. I'm not sure what they were laughing at, but this is a great shot of two people who have probably been coming to and helping out at this barbecue since its' beginning.

And of course the barbecue could not be a success if people did not buy tickets and attend the event. These two happy ladies, Jean Amos and Marg McAlpine look like they are having a great time as well. Marg always helps the Cattlemen's Association by selling tickets from her business of Ilderton Tours located in downtown Ilderton!


And what would a barbecue be if you didn't get to make some new friends??? I always love watching little children meeting for the first time. It's fun to watch their reactions to one another. 


And of course, a personal high point of the evening for us, was that Courtney and Daphne came home to help with the barbecue, so we got some quality time with both of them. Daphne is just so much fun and her little facial expressions and personality make me smile (and sometimes laugh out loud) each time I see her.
Here she is walking...er...running...around as Courtney tags along!

 She makes this little face that makes me smile!

 Now she just looks like she has seen something and she is ON A MISSION to go and get it!

 She tired out a bit eventually, and had some down time in her stroller. She loves to play with my phone.

 And this one...well you can caption this one yourself, but when she laughs out loud it cracks me up! I love this little girl!

 
Over the years, the number of people who have come out to enjoy the evening, has fluctuated, sometimes up, sometimes down, but one things never changes, and that is the quality of the food served and the enjoyment had by each and every person who attends this event. Beechwood's music has everyone tapping their toes at some point and it's a chance for everyone, young and old to reconnect and to get caught up what's been happening since the last barbecue.
For all of you who attended the barbecue, thank you for coming out and supporting our local beef producers. And for those of you who are reading this and didn't come......well.....you just plain missed out! Maybe we'll see you next year......third Thursday in August......mark it on your calendars now...so you don't forget!
Chow for now,
Jacqui