MOUNT ULLA — Not that they really need any publicity, but just so you know: Centenary United Methodist Church is holding its 60th annual barbecue today.

Sixty years — can you imagine? That is a lot of barbecue.

"We'll probably serve about 2,500 to 3,000 people," says LuEllen Masingo.

The meal begins at 11 a.m. and goes 'til people quit coming, usually between 6 and 6:30 p.m. says LuEllen's cousin, Bill McLaughlin.

Bill has served as event chairman for the last 20 years or so. His dad, Harold, was probably chairman at least 30 years.

Centenary has about 200 active members — and all of them are involved with the barbecue.

"We've got everybody on the list," says Bill's wife Elaine. The three work together at McLaughlin's Farmhouse in Mount Ulla.

Sure enough, a glance at the committees shows two pages slam full of names.

"Some of us work on all of 'em," Elaine says. "We double dip."

Sandwiches are $3. Plates are $8, and include barbecue, candied yams, slaw and desserts.

Just in case you're trying to do the math on feeding a few thousand people, that's:

- 3,600 pounds of pork shoulders;

- 1,000 pounds of sweet potatoes;

- 200 gallons of slaw;

- 200 cakes and other homemade desserts.

Preparations for the event began early this week.

"It takes a long time to fix that many sweet potatoes," Bill says. "We've got four crews just working on them."

The barbecue started back in 1948, when the ladies of the church held a bazaar and offered barbecue.

The barbecue turned out to be such a success, LuEllen says, the bazaar eventually fell by the wayside.

The first year, Bill says, they fixed three whole hogs.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit any number of church projects.

"We've done a lot of positive things in our church this year," Bill says, including the renovation of several buildings on campus. "Our people are so great about working so hard for this event. We spend more time together on this than any other time of the year. My dad always said that the most important part was the fellowship."

It's a great way for new members, he says, to get to know fellow members.

Last year, the barbecue made more money than ever before: $12,000.

"We would certainly like to reach that goal this year," Bill says.

Interestingly enough, the economy has never hurt this community tradition.

Bill thinks he knows why.

"We serve you some of the best barbecue you can buy, honestly. We go to a great deal of effort to put out a good plate, and there are people who look forward to it."

The shoulders are still cooked over coals, using a mix of oak and hickory wood.

As chairman, Bill says his job is the easiest. The members of Boy Scout Troop 330 have the toughest job: rounding up the wood. If you'd like to attend today's barbecue, take N.C. 150 toward Mooresville from Salisbury for 16 miles. Turn right on Centenary Church Road. Call 704-660-0971 or 704-677-2497 for more information.

What do you think? Post your comment below.