Scott Fraser and an army of volunteers learned how far a thousand pounds of pork can stretch: It lasts about four hours, especially since thousands of hungry people arrived looking to enjoy a fabulous barbecue on a quiet August afternoon.
The second annual Fidalgo Avenue Block Party and Free Pig Roast took place Sunday in downtown Oak Harbor. Volunteers started preparing food Saturday so the meal could be ready in time for the 1 p.m. start of serving. Shortly after volunteers started serving, the line of people stretched through the parking lot at Old Town Mall to Fidalgo Avenue then over to Dock Street.
“It’s amazing. You see a line like that and you wonder if we cooked enough food,” Fraser said while scanning the crowd. Harried volunteers served 400 pounds of pork in just the first hour of the event. Unlike last year, there was enough food to serve everybody who attended.
More than just a good meal, the block party provided a wealth of activities and entertainment for children and adults.
A climbing wall is always popular among the children, and provided something for folks at the end of the line to do while waiting to be served. A dunk tank was also available along with a variety of contests. Eight-year-old Leila Brimeyer of Oak Harbor raised her hand in victory after winning the pie-eating contest that took place near the stage.
Three of what Fraser described as the best bands in the area performed throughout the afternoon. Those bands were Woodrush, Midlife Crisis and Johnny Bulldog.
Several local businesses also participated by lining parts of Fidalgo Avenue with booths.
Fraser also pointed out the business support he received for the block party. Island Thrift provided a $3,000 grant to help cover the cost of food; Les Schwab provided the bungee race; volunteers from Whidbey Island Bank brought in a climbing wall and P and L Construction provided the dunk tank.
“We’re grateful to have such local support,” Fraser said during the party.
Fraser, who owns and operates Frasers Gourmet Hideaway, started the block party in 2008 to commemorate the anniversary of his restaurant’s opening. Last year, volunteers prepared 450 pounds of pork that ran out before the event concluded. This year he more than doubled the food.
He also thanked the hundreds of volunteers who chipped in with the 2009 party.
Several local nonprofits are also benefiting from the block party.
A large, pink piggy bank near the food tent served to collect donations for the North Whidbey Help House and the Island County Red Cross.
As of Monday morning, he didn’t have a tally yet on how much people donated to the two groups.
Fraser said he plans to hold the Block Party again next year. Naturally, it will be bigger and better than ever.
