A Longview pitmaster wanted to help, a local business offered space, a barbecue crew donated food and thousands of neighbors showed up.
LONGVIEW, Wash. — The smell of bacon wafted through the crowded parking lot Saturday. Thousands of people gathered in Longview for a community barbecue fundraiser to support local families and bring neighbors together during a difficult week.
What started as an idea at the kitchen table quickly turned into what organizers believe may be the biggest barbecue event the city has ever seen.
Organizer Adam Scattergood remembers telling his wife what he was thinking after hearing about the tragedy that rocked one of Longview’s largest employers earlier this week.
“I need to cook,” Scattergood said.
Scattergood quickly contacted Bob’s Sporting Goods, which provided parking for the event. Smokers from across Southwest Washington gathered to smoke, donated food and volunteered their time.
By Saturday afternoon, organizers estimated they had prepared thousands of pounds of food and were serving crowds around the venue.
“We didn’t expect this. It’s awesome,” Scattergood said.
The fundraiser drew residents from across Cowlitz County, many of whom said they came not just to donate or eat, but to spend time with their neighbors.
“This is the biggest turnout of the weekend and when everything is going on,” said Chris Corekin, a Longview resident who attended the event. “This community needs the camaraderie of everyone coming together.”
Korekin moved to Longview three years ago but quickly learned how closely the community was tied to the area’s lumber and paper industries.
“This is a factory community, so everyone knows someone,” she said.
For many residents, the barbecue was a stark contrast to the mood for much of the week.
Nick Anderson, pastor and former president of Columbia Heights Christian Academy, said the turnout reflected the character of Longview.
“It’s really frustrating what happened,” Anderson said. “But you see the turnout today – it’s a complete shift. To me, it’s the positivity in this town. Longview has come together and they support what’s going on.”
Scattergood said the event was not intended to address all the issues faced by affected families. Instead, he hoped it would offer something simpler: a place for people to gather.
“This doesn’t solve all our problems. This doesn’t heal all our wounds,” Scattergood said. “But the good thing about it is it creates a place where we as Cowlitz County residents can come together.”
