Rollins readies for 32nd annual BBQ
The events of last weekend included more happenings than one person could attend in a day, but the fun isn't over yet, because the last Sunday of July is the annual Buffalo and Turkey Barbeque in Rollins.
Every year, hundreds of people from all over the Flathead pack their appetites and head to Rollins for what some call the biggest picnic in the Valley. And, now in it's 32nd year, the traditional pit barbeque held at the Rollins community building is also, as near as anyone can figure, the longest-running fund raising event in the Flathead.
Some Rollins residents still remember the first barbeque, which started under the direction of former Rollins Fire Chief Chuck Rogers and Bud McDivitt in the late 1970's as an effort to generate funds for the Rollins Volunteer Fire Department. For years, the Rogers, McDivitts, Ryans, and Arts families came together to make the coleslaw for the barbeque and Chuck faithfully helped people park their cars at the fundraiser until his death in 2005.
"Chuck served as fire chief for years and was instrumental in getting the fundraiser started," Jim Hollensteiner said. "Although Chuck's not with us anymore, his wife Mamie still helps with the barbeque every year to keep his memory alive and keep the fire department that he served going strong."
Of course, there have been more changes at the barbeque than changes in command. Most, like the change in attendance, have been for the better.
The first barbeque drew 300 people and effectively fulfilled the event's mission of enlisting the support of the Rollins community for years to come. In recent years, volunteers have served as many as 1,200 dinners.
Every year, event chairman Ron Tjaden and other volunteers attempt to make the experience more and more enjoyable by adding more tents or other conveniences. This year, Tjaden purchased two additional carports for picnic tables, where patrons can find shade and escape from the direct heat of the summer sun while they enjoy their dinner.
And, as the size of the event has grown, so has the need for volunteers. Around 100 volunteers now shuck corn, serve food, pour coffee, park cars, clean tables, and perform clean up when everyone goes home, in order to make the barbeque an enjoyable for everyone.
The area covered by the Rollins fire department has also grown, and that means that more and more equipment is needed. In previous years, the department has purchased equipment like the "jaws-of-life" in order to perform life-saving extractions at the scene of vehicular accidents. This year, the department will attempt to purchase updated SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Aparatus' with masks that seal more effectively against the firefighters' faces and lightweight oxygen tanks.
"They're about half the weight of the ones we're using now," Tjaden said. "They're just a lot more convenient when you're going into smoke filled rooms."
The Rollins rural fire district presently services in excess of 500 properties, and Tjaden stressed that fire fighters still protect those homes, even when no one is in them.
"They'll come to your home to put out a fire, even if you're in Florida," Tjaden said. "I think $12 for a meal is a small price to pay to help maintain that level of protection."
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 or bought on the day of the barbeque for $14. Children under 12 cost $6, or $7 at the door. As always, children under 5 eat for free as guests of the Rollins community. Advance tickets can be purchased at Points North (the Post Office) and M & S Meats.