The Famous Mackay Free BBQ

Mackay is rightfully famous for its annual free BBQ staged right around the Fall Equinox every year.  A strong case could be made that there is no other free BBQ like this anywhere in America, except Mackay, of course.  There are NO strings attached to Mackay's Free BBQ.  It's free.  Seriously.  Free.
You get this heaping serving of succulent roast beef on a great bun with chips and condiments, too, and it's F-R-E-E.  That's why it's called The Mackay Free BBQ. A great variety of side dishes, drinks and desserts are sold by local community groups.  It's one great big celebration and it's So Fun!

Believe it or not, this Free BBQ has been going on every year since 1935.

But the bottom line is that all you have to do to participate in the Mackay Free BBQ is to show up with an appetite and a Happy Attitude.  Mackay is filled with Happy Attitude People that day.  Everybody is Happy!  Trust me, when you  get free BBQ this good, YOU will be Happy, too!

The South Custer County Historical Society's Earl Lockie wrote two very fine accounts which provide background and understanding about the beginnings of the Mackay Free BBQ.

Click here for Earl's 2015 document entitled: "Tons of Meat, It's Mackay's Treat:

https://goo.gl/qSqxMI

Click here for Earl's 2011 document entitled, "That Damn Dam."

https://goo.gl/FCRknu

The rock oven now in use built in 1938.  Here's two photos from "The Mackay I Remember" by John L. Powers.

We've only attended the Mackay BBQ 3 times but we can tell you that it is THE BEST Slice  Americana we have ever seen.  Anywhere.  Bar None.

Here's the quintessential video of the Mackay BBQ:

https://vimeo.com/121488722

Here's a few photos from the last time we attended:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.218195941677013.1073741899.100004598250156&type=1&l=c3fe742e33