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40 years and counting! Greenbank United Church Barbecue organizers looking over historic photos. Rain or shine, the show must go on for the 40th anniversary of the Greenbank Beef Barbeque planned for Friday night, July 31. The organizers are hoping for good weather, but even last year’s z thunderstorm did not discourage people from coming out for an amazing dinner for only $20 per person. The star of the delicious meal is barbequed beef from Herrington’s butcher shop. Twelve hips (700 lbs.) of prime beef are cooked on spits specially designed by Glen Till. The Chicken Coop bakery in Greenbank generously donates the buns. Coleslaw, special recipe baked beans and baked potatoes round out the menu. And don’t forget to save room for dessert. Local ladies bake up 200 pies, in every flavour you can dream of, as well as brownies, cheesecakes and other sweet treats. Gallons of juice and coffee are served. The annual Beef Barbeque started forty years ago as a fundraiser for Greenbank United Church. The proceeds from the event have helped to keep the building in good repair. But it’s much more than just a fundraiser. It’s a sociable community event, with people of all ages coming together to make it happen. Volunteers do everything from scrubbing and foil wrapping 1,100 potatoes, to slicing meat, to lending their picnic tables. High school students earn the community hours they need to graduate, by helping with the setup, running, pies and directing traffic. Generations of some families have been involved in putting on the barbeque, and many people have been PHOTO BY LYNN CAMPBELL Back row, left Jim Ferguson and Lester Baylis, front row from left Bob Hunter, Mary Jean Till and Rodd Foster. involved for all 40 years. Rodd Foster, Lester Baylis, Bob Hunter, Jim Ferguson and Mary Jean Till of Greenbank United. Church are some of the main movers and shakers. Newcomers to the village are enthusiastic about pitching in to be part of this great community event. The anizers are looking into getting new green T-shirts sporting the 40th Anniversary logo for the 2015 Barbeque. In 1976, the first year of the Greenbank Beef Barbeque, 600 people were served. Now it’s up to 1,000 adults, plus children. People come from far and wide: Oshawa, Uxbridge, Sunderland, Ballantrae and even New York City, to join the locals under the pavilion to enjoy the fantastic meal and entertainment by Irwin Smith. Some families have a tradition of stopping by for a wonderful dinner on their way to the cottage for the long weekend. Despite the fact that beef prices continue to rise, doubling in the past year alone, the cost of the barbeque ticket remains low at $20 for adults and $5 for children aged 6 to 12. It’s free for little ones five years old and under. Dinner is served from 4:30 -7 p.m., and takeout is also available. Diners are encouraged to bring their own plates and cutlery and lawn chairs. Tickets are sold in advance, and they are available from Rodd Foster (905-985-8298) or Dianne Pelletier (905-985-3745.) New ticket sellers are also being sought. Don’t miss your chance to be part of what is billed as the largest and longest running Community Beef Barbeque. FOCUS - JULY2015 15