4 things to know about the Mallard Creek BBQ, which has come to an end
Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church on Wednesday announced the end of its annual barbecue after 93 years.
The tradition drew political leaders of every stripe to mingle with thousands of constituents enjoying the famous pork barbecue and Brunswick stew.
But the event didn’t have enough people to run anymore.
How it started, why it ended:
The church was under construction, building Sunday school rooms, when the nation fell into the Great Depression. To pay the contractor, the church deacons held a barbecue that raised $89.50 after expenses. That was enough to pay off the debt, with a small amount left over.
The barbecue has ended because it no longer has the people to run it.
Signature offerings:
Pork barbecue, Brunswick stew.
Nickname:
By the 1960s, the barbecue became known as the “Grand-Daddy of Barbecues” around Charlotte and across North Carolina, according to a church history of the event.
Notable diners:
Politicians, both Democrat and Republican, hobnobbed at the event, including then-vice presidential candidate Dan Quayle; former North Carolina governor and Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory; former U.S. Sens. Lauch Faircloth and John Edwards; current Mayor Vi Lyles.
This story was originally published October 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM.