Why would two "Yankees" host a pig roast, you ask? Well, we were trying to start some new traditions and make some happy memories for our family after the passing of my husband's sister.
Words can't describe how devastating and terrible Margaret's passing was for the family. At one point, our niece was talking about how nothing will ever be the same (true). One thing she was sad about is she thought they would never go apple picking again (grief manifests itself differently for people and differently over time). She said they had a family tradition of going apple picking on the Saturday of Columbus Day Weekend, and only Mommy knew where to go in CT, and now she feared they wouldn't go again... are you seeing a connection?
Well, we live in CT and we said we know a few great places to share with them. That didn't seem to be convincing. We added, after apple picking, they could come over for a family bbq. Still not convinced, my husband said he would have a big bbq party on that day, a pig roast, and they would have to come over after picking apples. That seemed to be a convincing idea.
So every year we have a pig roast. Last year was our 3rd year. We had 167 of our closest friends and relatives. My husband and two of his closest friends manage the bbq. We supply the meat (multiple pigs and deep fried turkeys) baked beans (home made - over 200 servings), and beverages (including frozen margaritas). We ask people to bring an appetizer, side or dessert. It is a fun day! Next year (2010) we decided we would ask people to also bring something for the local food bank - seems like a good idea.
