This UMC-sponsored event serves a dual purpose: a major social event for Unions supporters and a graphic protest against the embodiment of all cartoon evil. Many comic strip enthusiasts, including famous syndicated cartoonists such as Berke Breathed, share a collective distaste for the undeservedly popular and thoroughly despicable feline - whether it be for his complete lack of redeeming values, his obnoxious and repugnant behavior being passed off as a desirable trait, his smarmy cuteness, or his promotion of triteness as made commonplace by countless other strips. But mock protest alone does not suffice, with the Unions venturing where no other cartoon characters dare in their resistance. In real life, the Barbeque rebukes these affronts and then some.
The Barbeque involves the public burning of Garfield propaganda - both large objects in bonfire fashion atop the grill and comic strips among the charcoal for cooking purposes. Other traditions include Garfield-shaped cake and ice cubes, contests for bringing in articles to burn, and a bloated pinata disemboweled with a baseball bat.
The Barbeque took place annually from 1989 to 1992, with over a dozen people in attendance at its peak. Plans are underway by individuals not affiliated with the UMC for a Barbeque in Austin, initially scheduled for this summer but still pending at this time. The UMC will play an advisory role in the planning and execution of the latest Barbeque.
Stay tuned to this page for the latest details.
Contact Glenn Sands for up-to-date information or questions on the Barbeque.