One hundred thirty-two half chickens roasting on a brand new barbecue pit is enough to make the mouth water from the savory aroma. One institution continues its tradition of helping another and gave the new pits a test run Monday, and in the process, gave a hearty thank you to the construction company that made the pits possible.

The Georgia Military College Prep School Bulldog Club is keeping a 40-plus year tradition alive by sponsoring the annual barbecue plate sale. A trial run of the barbecue pits, located at the field house at the GMC baseball and softball complex, was held Monday to feed employees of Skanska who constructed the pits as a donation to the club. Skanska is constructing the new Usery Hall that will house the entire prep school under one roof for the first time.

Bulldog Club president Lisa Castillo, who has been working with the barbecue sale for seven years, was on site to help give out plates. Van Melder and Clifford Pennington were also on hand to season the chicken in what Pennington and Melder called a secret sauce. Melder also helped with the construction of the barbecue pit, which has been moved several times. Tony Layfield, another essential volunteer who has been working with the sale for seven years, was on location to spearhead the trial run.

Wednesday, Nov. 18, six new pits will fire up to cook 7,100 half chickens with the help of 60 volunteers and many more who support the club project throughout the community. Local real estate broker Bill Craig is a proponent of the project and among the many volunteers.

“We appreciate all the volunteers who come out and help with the barbecue,” said Pennington.

Layfield’s and Castillo’s most memorable year as volunteers occurred when the rain did not let up, but even though the rain delayed the barbecue, their spirits were not down. Cars were lined up down the street waiting for plates to be picked up, which were being put together at the time in the old campus canteen.

“We have had bunches of folks who have helped us out,” Castillo said.

Tickets for this year’s barbecue are currently on sale for $7 and plates will include a half chicken, baked beans, chips, bread and homemade pound cake. Parents are donating time and pound cakes using a shared recipe.

The Bulldog Club is offering incentives and prizes to students among all grade levels who sell the most tickets.

Money raised from the sale will benefit GMC by helping in paying for bus trips, field trips, equipment and band equipment.

For more information or tickets, call Castillo at (478) 804-1092 or Helen Ray at Jenkins Hall at (478) 387-4799.