ABILENE, TX — It's what many call ‘The World's Largest BBQ' and it's happening tomorrow right here in the Big Country.
"It's been 53 years since we've had the world’s largest BBQ,” said
Even though there is no record of this being the world's largest BBQ, its purpose is much bigger, according to Doug Williamson, interim vice president of the Military Affairs Committee with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.
"It's to say a big ‘thank you’ or like we like to say here, ‘thank y'all’,” said Williamson.
The barbecue is a big thank you to Dyess active duty military and their families, and will be filled with nearly 3,000 pounds of beef, 600 pounds of sausage and much more.
"I was stationed at Dyess for eight years and the Air Force is near and dear to my heart,” said Kyle Johnson, co-owner of the Betty Rose’s Little Brisket restaurant.
Betty Rose’s will cook all of the beef that will feed about 5,000 people at the Abilene Convention Center on Saturday.
"Our troops mean so much to me, my family and our business that we want to make sure they have a great day,” said Johnson.
Many business, organizations and helping hands worked hard to make this yearly event possible and it will take about 200 volunteers to serve the food.
"We can't say thank you enough,” said Williamson. “They are protecting all of us. They are protecting my grandchildren and their grandchildren.”
Serving times are: Noon - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.