Candidates for political office greet people coming to the Mallard Creek Barbecue

Make sure you put Oct. 23 on your calendar. No one should miss the granddaddy of church suppers: the Mallard Creek Barbecue. More than 20,000 people are expected between 10 a.m., and dusk, along with the traditional greeting line of politicians hoping to win your vote in November.

And while you’re waiting in line for barbecue, slaw, applesauce and Brunswick stew, be sure to talk with one of the many Charlotte Chamber volunteers who’ll be handing out flyers and answering questions about the Charlotte city bonds package on the Nov. 4 ballot.

There’s an appropriate bond, you might say, between the Chamber volunteers and the event’s sponsor, Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church. Eighty-five years ago, church members held their first fall barbecue to help the church grow. Proceeds helped pay for the young congregation’s new Sunday school classrooms.

This fall’s city bond referendum, if approved by voters, will help Charlotte keep pace with the needs of its own rapidly growing population and businesses. Much of the $145.9 million of bond money will pay to relieve crowded roads, make several neighborhoods more livable and help some of our citizens have better places to live.

Want to go?

The Mallard Creek Barbecue will take place 10 a.m.-dusk at the Mallard Creek Community House, 11400 Mallard Creek Road about a mile north of Mallard Creek Church Road. The event takes place outdoors. Meals and packaged food are available to eat on the grounds or packaged to go. The standard dinner – Barbecue, slaw, applesauce and Brunswick stew, is $10. Barbecue sandwich with slaw is $4. Call 704-547-0323 ahead of time for orders of 50 or more.

• Visit mallardcreekbbq.com to see the complete menu, get directions and learn much more about the event and the people of Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church who make it possible.

Learn more about Charlotte’s city bonds

Visit voteyesforbonds.com, the official city bonds website.

Read recent articles posted by University City Partners on our website:

• Charlotte bonds could transform University City
• City bonds could open new routes to Research Park jobs, sidewalks to light-rail stops, and bikeways to downtown!
• Get latest details on Northeast Corridor Improvements plan at meetings Oct 28-29