Grab A Buffalo Burger Under The Pines...

May 20, 2016

One of Traverse City’s most popular spring traditions is the Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue, an event that attracts thousands of people to NMC’s main campus for chow, camaraderie, and charity.

SINCE 1956

This annual outdoor fundraiser picnic was started 60 years ago by the late Gerald Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores. “NMC was only a few years old when it moved to its Front Street campus,” said Diana Fairbanks, executive director of public relations, marketing and communications for NMC. “That’s when Gerald Oleson said, ‘I’d like to have a community picnic, donate all of the food, get everyone to work, get everyone to come out. Will you help me?’ And people did!” That first year the group thought they might serve a few hundred. But Oleson knew how supportive the Traverse City community was, and he thought they would serve no fewer than 4,000. “He was right,” Fairbanks said. “They served 4,960!” That community support is still at the heart of the NMC BBQ today, with Oleson’s continuing to donate the food, hundreds of people volunteering, and thousands of others visiting the campus.

BUFFALO BONANZA

The menu is one of hearty and traditional barbecue fare: buffalo steakettes or a hot dog, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, carrot and celery sticks, beverages, and ice cream. “Of course, Oleson’s is known for their buffalo, and the barbecue is a great way to high light that,” Fairbanks said, pointing out that this tradition is one locals have grown up with and now want to share with their kids and grandkids. Even the barbecue’s cooks have a longstanding history with the event. “I love seeing the teams of volunteer grill masters from Rotary firing up the food!” Fairbanks said. “Some have been doing it for years, and they take such pride in their work. It’s awesome.”

PICNIC IN THE PINES

Guests are welcomed all across campus during the event, with many activities available and most of them free (some kids’ games have a small charge for tickets). Picnic-goers can expect three stages with live music and dance performances, free admission to the Dennos museum and campus display, plus an antique car show and fire engine rides, an inflatable obstacle course, popcorn and cotton candy tents, and more. Fairbanks pointed out that the event encourages camaraderie and also serves as a welcome transition from a long winter into the busy summer season. “It’s our friends and neighbors relaxing together to share a picnic under the pines,” she said. “It’s not rushed, it’s not complicated — it’s warm and welcoming. Not every community has something like this, and I am so proud that we do.”

PROCEEDS FOR PROJECTS

Far beyond fun, the NMC BBQ is also a way for the community to support NMC at an affordable level, which in turn has an impact on students and programs. Proceeds from the event help fund special projects at the college, which in the past have included the Student Success Center workspace, a library laptop-loan program, artworks for the campus grounds, training equipment and study devices, and scholarships. This year’s barbecue will fund NMC programs that will include an aviation training device, surgical technology program equipment, and an art banner project for the Dennos Museum. “NMC is this community’s college, and this barbecue is a great way to bring us all together,” Fairbanks said. “It’s a win-win and is a perfect example of the college’s close relationship with the community.”

The 2016 NMC BBQ will take place on Sunday, May 22 from 11am–5pm on NMC’s campus at 1701 E. Front St. Tickets (which include your meal) are $6 in advance and $8 the day of the event, and are available at Oleson’s stores, many local banks and credit unions, at NMC, and online atnmc.edu/bbq.