Thousands turn out for Mallard Creek BBQ

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The Annual Mallard Creek Bar-be-cue has been one of the biggest political hotspots in Charlotte for 80 years, and today was no exception.

Thousands of people turned out for the event that has been known for years for good pork and good politics.

Members of Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church and volunteers kicked off preparations, one week ago today, preparing some of the BBQ.

The event began 80 years ago during the Great Depression.  The church had just completed a building containing Sunday school rooms.  Since the church's resources were low and the contractor had to be paid, the deacon organized a BBQ that included three or four pigs and a goat.

A century later, they increased food production to more than 10,000 pounds of cooked pork and approximately 8,000 people visited.

This year, more than 13,000 of pork will be cooked along with 2,500 gallons of brunswick stew.  Nearly 20,000 people are expected to attend the event which started at 10 a.m.

The group is using four reconditioned drive-thru take out lines for orders of one sandwich up to Extra Large Group Orders. Orders of 50-plates or more can be quickly accommodated with a call ahead to the take-out stand.

For more info, click www.mallardcreekbbq.com.