By Lele Emmons
Director, Little Snake River Museum
On September 10, 2023, the Little Snake River Museum welcomed over 400 community members and visitors for its annual Community Barbecue, a beloved tradition that brings together residents and supports local initiatives. Lela Emmons, the museum’s director, was at the forefront of this year’s event, which relied on a combination of donations, grants, and volunteers to make it a resounding success.
The heartwarming community event would not have been possible without the generosity of businesses and individuals who came together to support the cause. Both groups shared the costs of providing a delectable feast that included lamb, beef, pork, corn, beans, rolls, salads, and desserts.
One unique aspect of this gathering is the source of the meat, which all comes from 4-H animals raised right here in the community. Individuals and businesses alike purchased these quality meats at the local fair and donated them to the barbecue, demonstrating a true spirit of community involvement.
The dedicated Future Farmers of America (FFA) students took on the role of servers, ensuring that everyone enjoyed their meals while contributing to the event’s success. The Little Snake River Museum provided the picturesque grounds for the festivities and organized the bouncy houses, courtesy of the Carbon County School District #1 Recreation Board.
This year’s barbecue went above and beyond with a diverse range of activities, including fundraisers, games, live music by Sam Platts and the Plainsmen, a soccer tournament, a book signing featuring authors Sharon O’Toole, Mark Miller, and Rod Miller, and a competitive cornhole tournament.
One of the highlights was the dunk tank, where brave volunteers like Thomas Duncan took the plunge, all in the name of fundraising for the Community Auxiliary Response for Events and Services (C.A.R.E.S.).
In addition to these activities, the barbecue also featured a raffle hosted by Marianne Sheehan, benefitting the Little Snake River “Village,” an organization dedicated to assisting seniors in the community.
The event was a testament to the community’s dedication to coming together, showcasing the spirit of unity and support that defines Little Snake River. As attendees enjoyed their meals and partook in the festivities, the Little Snake River Museum’s Community Barbecue is a reminder that when a community bands together, great things can be accomplished.
