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Sturdivant Hall, a picturesque Greek revival mansion, with a history dating back to 1853, has been a centerpiece on Union Street for generations. On Oct. 26, the venue will host its annual barbecue on the Green beginning at 5 p.m.

This year’s event gives the community a chance to come together for good food and conversations with their neighbors. Tickets are $25 and there’s even a drive-through pickup available for people that can’t stay but still want to support the museum and have a delicious dinner prepared for them.  

“The pickup drive through is available from 5-6:30 p.m. on Union Street,” said Mary Margaret Mims, the museum’s director. “Eating on the grounds begins at six, so people can stop by on their way home and grab a plate or they can sit and eat and chat. “ “

The historic home, which stands at 713 Mabry Street, operates as a museum offering daily history tours for just $5 a person, as well as hosting weddings, showers and luncheons. Although the museum hosts many events throughout the year, the barbecue on the Green is the venue’s only annual fundraiser, with proceeds going towards the museum’s upkeep and repairs. 

Mims said cocktails will be served starting at 6 p.m. and food is catered locally.

“The barbecue has been provided by Mason with the Sportsman Hunting Lodge and we’re going to have sides too.” she said. “We’ve got potato salad, slaw, beans, bread and a desert made by a local baker.”

Larry Justice, the event chairman, is taking the reins for the fifth time and spoke about the event’s origins and the role it serves in the community.  

“This was started for the neighborhood, it’s for community involvement,” Justice said. “It gets a lot of the younger people out and involved.” 

According to Justice, the fundraiser fosters new friendships and rekindles old ones too, as neighbors sit together, eat and talk. 

“It’s just a lot of fun,” he said.

Last year’s Barbecue on the Green sold over 450 tickets and included 120 to-go plates. This year, organizers say they are prepared for an even larger crowd, as the event continues to gain popularity and support for the community.  

Justice said the event would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses.  This year’s barbecue is locally sponsored by Dallas Air and Heating, Sam Kirkpatrick with Mayfair, Selcom, Fuller Building Supply, Children’s Dentistry, Claude Anderson and Associates, Gloria Sims with Remax, Roundtree Electric, Henry Brick, Frazer Insurance, GH Parts and Components, Pilcher McBryde, TW Orthodontics, Selma Family Care, Preferred Eye Care, Talton Communications, Trustmark, Dr. Julie Sams, Tucker Dentistry, Hobb and Hain, Bama Budweiser and Pepsi.