By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
Millbrook Men’s club members were hard at work on Friday afternoon, cooking and preparing Boston Butt, Chicken, and Camp Stew for their annual 4th of July celebration. This year’s event, which will be held at the Men’s Club Pavilion next to the Village Green in Millbrook, is on July 3rd instead of the traditional July 4th date.
The club will begin selling food at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Kevin Kelley, member of Millbrook Men’s Club, says that lines are expected to be long.
“The earlier you come out the better your chance will be to get food before it’s sold out, usually that’s around 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.,” Kelley said.
Huge grilling stations, kitchen areas, and camp stew pots were sizzling under the pavilion on Friday afternoon, bringing in the all-to-familiar BBQ smell that comes with the 4th of July. Over 800 pounds of Boston Butt and chicken will be slow-cooked throughout the afternoon, and 1200 quarts of freshly made camp stew will sit over hot flames.
Members of the club will take shifts throughout the afternoon and night to make sure that the operation is running smoothly.
In the past, Kelley said that close to a 1000 people typically go through the line – each of which pay for one of their delicious menu items. Those items and prices can be viewed below:
Pulled Pork (Bulk Meat) 1 pound – $10
Camp Stew – 1 Quart – $10
BBQ Plate – $10
Chicken Plate – $10
Half a Chicken – $6
BBQ Sandwich – $5
Canned Soda – $2
The BBQ event is not just an opportunity to fill people’s stomachs, it’s a chance to give back to the community, says Kelley.
“Every dime that we get from this goes back into the community. We do grants, scholarships, give to churches, schools, boy scouts, and all other types of projects,” Kelley said.
Kelley said that the event usually brings in close to $7,000-8,000 per year. They also hold a similar event on Labor Day.
“It’s a great way to give back to the community in more ways than one,” Kelley said.
Men’s Club History
Eighty years ago, the Men’s Club had its humble beginnings, with area men coming together to make a big difference. Over the years the Club has taken the lead in making utilities available to what is now officially Millbrook. They even helped in creating incorporation of Millbrook as a city.
The Club was part of the first hospital, the first fire department, library, telephone service and so much more.
They have sponsored Boys and Girl Scout groups, created the first community swimming pool (which was located in what is now Village Green Park.) They provide scholarships, grants and donations to organizations. Recently, they honored longtime member Coach Conrad Henderson with a scholarship in his name for a deserving Stanhope Elmore High School student each year. Henderson was a beloved coach and principal at SEHS for many years.
With so much history behind them, club members are constantly looking to the future. They continue to support numerous organizations in the area, and have regular visitors at meetings asking for financial support. A committee reviews all of those requests and financial donations are voted on by active members.
The Millbrook Men’s Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Memorial Center building. They are always seeking new members who have a love of the community and a willing to serve. You can follow the Millbrook Men’s Club on their Facebook page, or message them for more information on how to become involved.
