As the aroma of pork and ribs cooking on the grill swarms the air and the hot sun beats down on your neck, you begin to feel a strong sense of community with your friends, neighbors and family surrounding you at the backyard barbeque.
Growing up in a neighborhood with a tight community, Mark Smith, a junior at Flagler College, began to crave the urge to bring his new friends, neighbors and family together at a backyard barbeque within Downtown Saint Augustine, Florida.
Smith and his roommates, Clay Mitman, Chris Mitman and Shelton Rutherford, held an event, called “56 Smokes BBQ Extravaganza”, in hopes of bringing the community, within St. Augustine, closer together.
The “56 Smokes BBQ Extravaganza” took place at 56 Carrera St. Saint Augustine, Florida and ran from 1 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2020.
Price per plate was $5.00, in order to cover the funds to throw the event. They were able to hold this barbeque within their own residence, bringing down much of the cost to accommodate more of the community.
“These are some of the best ribs that I’ve eaten in awhile, definitely worth the $5,” said Ryan Muscalerra, a junior at Flagler College.
In preparation for this backyard barbeque event, Smith and his roommates prepared six pork shoulders, nine racks of ribs and 40 pounds of chicken by applying a dry rub marinade on everything and smoking the meat. They were also able to find help within the area from other barbeque chefs, to guarantee the best outcome of their event.
In Smith’s free time, he enjoys barbecuing with his roommates, Clay Mitman, Chris Mitman and Rutherford. These four Flagler College students, also run an instagram page, “@56smokes”, promoting the community of backyard barbecuing, within Saint Augustine, Florida.
“Me and my roommates can always find a fun time when being outdoors, eating and drinking with each other, so why not share the good times with everyone else,” Smith said.
With 60 people attending the first “56 Smokes BBQ Extravaganza”, they were able to break even with the costs to throw the event, giving well hopes of upcoming barbeque events within the future.
Mark and his roommates intend to continue their instagram page, “@56smokes”, along with public barbecues for friends, neighbors and families in the future, in hopes of growing a stronger, tighter community within his neighborhood.
Cameron Hammer 