If you've got a hankerin' for some downright dandy barbeque ribs with a million dollar sunset for dessert - hustle your family and neighbors to Des Moines Marina on Friday, July 22nd from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for Billy McHale's fine BBQ specialties at "Des Moines Classic Barbecue."
A community bonus is that part of your ticket cost goes to help fund next year's 4th of July Fireworks over Des Moines and the fun-filled annual parade, as well as other local worthy causes. And there's much more to bring smiles and make memories.
The BBQ also helps offset costs for the Classic Car and Wooden Boat show scheduled Saturday, July 23rd when approximately 250 classic cars are expected at the marina. How can you go wrong with such community fun and a plate of fine BBQ too! Live music features the "Fabulous Murphtones."
The reason there's an opportunity like this to celebrate the City of Des Moines is because there are volunteers and officials who care, such as Joey Jewell who is leading the BBQ and marina events. He's a very special guy and a 30-year city marina employee.
He's also known as Frank Sinatra and/or Dean Martin, when he puts on those hats of impersonation as he has at many well-known theaters and entertainment events. He's almost as top-notch good as Sinatra and Martin were when I saw them in person near the start of their careers.
I leaned against the bandstand as Sinatra sang softly. He was very skinny as I recall in those younger, swooning days. Do we know what "swooning" means? It's kinda like living in your teens again with all the hormones running loose. Heaven forbid! Count me out. Kids still swoon iover entertainers 2011 style, so as much as life changes -life remains the same.
Jewell is an active member of the volunteer non-profit organization, Destination Des Moines, an organization that pulls all of these community events together in cooperation with city officials, local businesses and other non-profit organizations. It's Des Moines citizens and businesses spearheading community events to draw local folks together in a sense of community connections and elected officials support.
Destination Des Moines volunteers revamped and improved city events to a higher standard and variety. When the now non-existing DM chamber put on a carnival most of that money left town with the carnival. Now, funds raised at the BBQ, classic car shows and multiple public events will go to local worthy causes such as Hospitality House South King County that provides a safe haven and services for needy souls.
Jewell said, "These events also give us a chance to develop a "community identity" by inviting everyone to take part in it, just as a local non-profit club did years ago with a salmon bake."
Terrific citizen and business volunteers, and a progressive City Council and Mayor Sheckler changed this scene working with Destination Des Moines. Even city staff has volunteered their personal off time to help show off the beauty of this city that draws people here and enchants them to stay.
Sometimes, we can learn much from looking back, before looking ahead.
Occasionally I find myself hoping people won't come here when they bring bad habits and disregard nature's beauty and community spirit. It reminds me of unruly children that need to be told to "mind their manners," although we wouldn't dare. The most innocent looking may be packing knives or guns.
When people openly disregard, disrespect and/or destroy that which is beautiful and treasured by local citizens I wish there was a big sign at all Des Moines entrance roads reading: "Love it or Leave it -- No disrespectful behavior allowed."
Des Moines has boats, water and mountain beauty, classic cars and live entertainment for this 5th Annual Des Moines Classic Barbecue July 22 - and you're invited. Take a look-see at the millions of dollars marina rebuild and facelift. Bring friends and neighbors for an unforgettable, tasty BBQ dinner and sunset that supports "community spirit." Good BBQ like McHale's is hard to find. And come back on the 23rd for the classic cars.
Buy advance tickets at brownpapertickets.com or the marina office, 206-824-5700, or at the event. Admission-$20, $15 for seniors. I haven't heard the cost for children, if any. If you're inclined to add a few more dollars donation to this fundraiser dinner, don't be bashful.
Today's Thoughts: "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy." Anonymous.
OR "When in doubt, tell the truth." Mark Twain
