By Kyah Corff
SYV Star Intern
With the school year fast approaching, families try to take advantage of their remaining summer days. And one tradition of the season is the annual Barbecue Bonanza hosted by the Buellton Recreation department.
About 1,000 people attended this year’s 16th annual event July 28 at Riverview Park to enjoy a free barbecue, support local businesses, and play on the water slides.
People picnicked under the shade of the park’s trees or browsed through the booths of about 30 local businesses. Kids cooled down by playing on two massive, blow-up water slides.
“It’s a good, free, kid-friendly event,” said Jason Ramirez, who attended the event with his family for the first time.
The event began after a short speech by Buellton’s mayor, Holly Sierra, who said that the event was the “city’s way of saying thank you to its citizens for participating and making the town great.”
The Barbecue Bonanza was the brainchild of Kyle Abello, the Buellton Recreation coordinator. He was inspired by the story of Stone Soup, a folk tale in which a chef comes to a new town and convinces every townsperson to add an ingredient to make a soup for everyone to enjoy. The lesson of sharing and community gave Abello the idea to start Buellton’s free annual event.
“The Barbecue Bonanza brings a feeling of fellowship and togetherness,” he said.
The late Russ Hicks, a former Buellton mayor and City Council member, brought his love of barbecue to the event, and the gathering continues his passion for food and community. This year’s crowd of people piled their plates high with hot dogs, tri-tip sandwiches, beans, salad, and other potluck goodies brought by those attending.
Among the 30 booths was one set up by the Friends of the Buellton Library, an advocacy and fundraising group. It offered a wide selection of books for a dollar each.
“It’s a great event. It brings people out and allows neighbors to meet neighbors,” said Judith Dale, president of the Friends group. “We are thankful to the Buellton City Council for the event and their service.”
Other booths included Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Veggie Rescue, Crossroads Church, and the Wilding Museum, which set up a popular rock-painting table.
