Pacific Northwest BBQ Association Hosts Free Lunch for Veterans and First Responders

Pulled pork, sides, and more offered at Myrtle Creek Community Center this Saturday.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:07am

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The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association is hosting a free lunch for veterans and first responders this Saturday, April 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Myrtle Creek Community Center. The lunch will include a pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, macaroni salad, and baked beans, with up to 200 people able to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will need to show proof of their veteran or first responder status.

Why it matters

The event is part of the PNWBA's efforts to support the local community, particularly those who serve in the military and as first responders. It also helps promote the organization's upcoming 3rd annual Fly-In Pig BBQ Competition, a major regional BBQ event.

The details

The free lunch is being offered as a way for the PNWBA to give back to veterans and first responders in the Myrtle Creek area. The menu includes classic BBQ fare like pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, macaroni salad, and baked beans. The event is capped at 200 attendees, who will need to show proof of their veteran or first responder status to receive the free meal.

  • The free lunch will take place this Saturday, April 4th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • The 3rd annual Fly-In Pig BBQ Competition hosted by the PNWBA will be held on May 16-17, 2026.

The players

Pacific Northwest BBQ Association

The sponsor organization for the annual Fly-In Pig BBQ Competition and host of the free lunch for veterans and first responders.

Myrtle Creek Community Center

The venue hosting the free lunch event in Myrtle Creek, Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“We're honored to be able to provide this free lunch as a small way to thank our local veterans and first responders for their service to our community.”

— Sarah Johnson, President, Pacific Northwest BBQ Association

What’s next

The 3rd annual Fly-In Pig BBQ Competition hosted by the PNWBA will be held on May 16-17, 2026 at the Myrtle Creek regional Airport, featuring over 35 BBQ teams, 30 vendors, food trucks, live music, and kids' activities.

The takeaway

The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association's free lunch for veterans and first responders is a thoughtful way for the organization to give back to those who serve the community, while also promoting its upcoming major BBQ competition event.