Seniors enjoy a taste of Barbecue Festival
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The Senior Pig Out Party has become an important tradition each year for nearly 100 citizens from several parts of Davidson County.
Whether it’s for socializing, playing games, partying, listening to live music or eating some barbecue, the Davidson County Department of Senior Services was the place to be Wednesday for the eighth annual party.
“I like everything,” said Jim Young, who came with his wife, Shirley. “The singing is good, the food is good, it’s all wonderful. I appreciate them doing this. We love it. We’re having fun.”
Each year three days before the annual Barbecue Festival, senior citizens have their own barbecue festivity to celebrate the city’s famous heritage. The party, sponsored by the Barbecue Festival, was created to accommodate older adults who are not able to attend the festival for different reasons, whether due to health problems, an inability to do all the walking or being unable to handle the large crowd.
“This is the time for them to be able to celebrate with a good meal, good entertainment and fellowship,” said Judy Taylor, nutrition site manager for the department of senior services. “They just get in here early to get a seat. They’re just thrilled. It’s the one time of the year other than Christmas they are thrilled to be here. We’re having fun and looking forward to eating.”
Seniors played a couple of games, which gave them the chance to win official festival souvenirs. Chris Robbins created balloon designs for keepsake items for the attendees. A highlight of the event was listening to music provided by gospel singer Tony Corner, who will perform at the festival on the Local Stage on First Avenue.
“This has been a wonderful program,” said Iris Bennett. “The music is super. This was wonderful for the barbecue people to do.”
Bennett has been attending the pig out party for three years. She enjoyed being among friends she considers family. Bennett’s sister, Peggy Butler, who sat across from her, called socializing with others the highlight of the day. Butler said they used to go to the festival uptown and enjoyed looking at the crafts and performers. Over the years it has been harder for her to deal with the big crowd.
“Iris brought me one day to get out of the house, now I’m hooked on it. This is our pig out party,” she said. “This is my big extended family. I have made a lot of friends.”
Mary Garbutt agreed that the party is something she doesn’t miss. She has attended each year.
“Everything is fine,” Garbutt said. “I’m happy about the barbecue. It’s all good.”
While enjoying the music senior citizens ate barbecue, slaw, potato salad and banana pudding for lunch. The barbecue was from the five participating restaurants in the 28th Annual Barbecue Festival: Barbecue Center, Jimmy’s Barbecue, Smokey Joe’s Barbecue, Stamey’s Barbecue and Speedy’s Barbecue.
“We’re so excited for the Barbecue Festival coming to us each year,” said Thessia Everhart-Roberts, director of senior services. “It’s so thoughtful of them. Of course this day wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful sponsors. Thanks to the restaurants for providing food. We are appreciative for them coming. This is something they really look forward to each year.”
Another treat was having the food passed out by Richard Childress Racing driver Ty Dillon and the No. 41 team that competes in the ARCA Racing Series.
“It’s a cool opportunity to get to do something like this,” Dillon said. “It’s fun to get together as a group and do something to give back. Everybody was excited. It’s really cool.”
Stephanie K. Saintsing Naset, executive director of the festival, was thrilled to host the event to generate excitement for the big event Saturday.
“We want to bring the barbecue festival to the senior citizens,” she said. “We recreate the atmosphere on a smaller scale. We hope they enjoy it as much as we do. We are very appreciative of the (barbecue) restaurants that provide the food and team 41 for serving — they love to come and help us be involved.”
Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext 213, or [email protected].
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