Every year about this time, the East Contra Costa Historical Society and Museum gives far East County residents a chance to get together with old friends and history buffs during its annual barbecue. This year's event, held Sept. 10, was by all accounts the biggest ever.

"I think this is the best barbecue and the most people we've ever had," said lifetime Brentwood resident and historical society member Barbara Bonnickson - a sentiment most folks at the event wholeheartedly agreed with.

As with society barbecues of the past, a variety of activities were available to inform and entertain the guests, from performances by the East County Concert Band and Hillbilly Buzzards to Jody Moody's demonstration on spinning, plus presentations by Rick Lemyre on the Civil War and Danny Love on horse-smithing.

Prominent on the menu were local vine-ripened tomatoes and sweet corn, enjoyed by the crowd that packed the society barn and spilled over into the tents perched on the lush green lawn.

The 18-year-old Historical Society barbecue has become an occasion eagerly anticipated by senior members of far East County. It provides a means of touching base with old friends and acquaintances who might not have been seen for an entire year. Lifetime Brentwood resident Dennis Sanchez, along with his wife Etta, enjoyed

the camaraderie and small talk that goes with the barbecue. "We wouldn't miss it," he said, a remark echoed by a many others at the event.

The historic Nail House barn was filled to capacity.