Mallard Creek Presbyterian to retire annual church BBQ after 93 years

CHARLOTTE — Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church has announced the retirement of its annual barbecue event after 93 years.

The event in 2024 was the last.

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“It means a lot to me,” Mary Harris, who worked at the barbecue, told Channel 9’s Eli Brand. “We were there when we were about 8 or 9 years old.”

Harris’ story with the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church BBQ isn’t all that uncommon for people who live nearby. She grew up going, eating barbecue, and stirring Brunswick Stew. The biggest difference for Mary is that she turned 84 Tuesday and has been attending and working the event for over 70 years.

“We would go up there, and we would have birthday parties,” she said. “We would go out there and play ball, and I just loved the people.”

Organizers say the barbecue is shutting down because generational leadership is stepping away, and the process can’t continue without them.

One of the event’s leaders, Charles Kimrey, said it’s an emotional time for the people who plan it every year.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Kimrey said. “My wife’s family were some of the original ones that stared it 93 years ago. We’re going to miss it.”

It started as a fundraiser in 1929 to pay the contractors building the church during the Great Depression. The deacons hosted the barbecue to raise money, and it became a beloved tradition.

Over the years, the event has drawn thousands of visitors who enjoyed the food and fellowship while contributing to the church’s mission work.

Eventually, it evolved into a who’s who in North Carolina politics where candidates would come to connect with voters.

PHOTOS: A look back at the Mallard Creek BBQ through the years

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