85th annual Mallard Creek BBQ on Thursday

Up to 20,000 people are expected to descend on a northern Mecklenburg County church building Thursday for good food, socializing, and some politics.

The 85th annual Mallard Creek Barbecue opens at 10 a.m. and will continue until church members have sold the 14,600 pounds of pork barbecue, 2,500 gallons of Brunswick stew, 2 tons of coleslaw and 400 gallons of coffee. That usually happens about 6 p.m., church members say.

The barbecue annually draws plenty of politicians and their supporters, but the event’s main purpose is to raise funds for mission and other programs at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church.

The barbecue is at the church’s community house, 11400 Mallard Creek Road. A plate costs $10, and sandwiches sell for $4. Steve Lyttle

This story was originally published October 22, 2014 at 8:49 PM with the headline "85th annual Mallard Creek BBQ on Thursday."