Every year since 1996, the Johnson County community has come together in early December to feast on roasted pork and other goodies, all while helping to feed their neighbors.
The Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast is a tradition that thousands take part in annually, and those in charge hope they come out again this year to support the Good Cheer Fund and Interchurch Food Pantry.
But like so many other parts of 2020, people will have to adapt to a new format this time around.
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Organizers with the Franklin Rotary Club have tweaked the yearly hog roast, transitioning from a banquet into a drive-through meal pickup. From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, people can pull into the Johnson County fairgrounds and get their packaged meal of pork, fried chicken, green beans, rolls and other goodies.
Last year, they raised more than $38,000, which was split between the Good Cheer Fund and the Interchurch Food Pantry.
And despite the altered approach, the core spirit of the event remains — attacking hunger throughout Johnson County.
“It’s for the charities. The Good Cheer Fund has more applicants than ever this year and more people needing assistance than ever before. The Interchurch Food Pantry “ said Eric Leugers, who chairs the event for the Franklin Rotary Club. “We couldn’t turn a blind eye and not provide the same level of support we normally do. The show must go on.”
There is no set cost for the meal. Rather, organizers ask people to give what they can to the cause. Some people give a couple dollars, while others have donated as much as $1,000, Leugers said.
Supporters will be able to make donations with cash or check on the day of the hog roast. They can also make donations online at a special site set up by the Rotary Club.
The hog roast was the idea of Rhoades, a former county commissioner and member of the Franklin Rotary Club. Rhoades was a well-known character in the community. He hosted the hog roast in the parking lot of his business, Rhoades True Value Hardware in Franklin. Eventually, a heated tent was erected outside his hardware store on Jefferson Street to give people a place to sit.
To support the dinner, Rhoades would canvas the community asking for in-kind donations. Farmers would donate hogs or chickens. Vendors would provide massive grills. Dozens of other businesses would provide drinks or sides or other supplies.
Rhoades was involved in the hog roast until his death in 2005, at which point the Franklin Rotary Club decided to carry it on. The first year Rhoades held it, the hog roast raised $3,500.
Now, getting more than $30,000 is expected, Leugers said.
All of the food for the event is donated. Malone’s Catering of Greenwood provides the pulled pork, fried chicken, sides and other items, while Indian Creek FFA gives pork chops. With their help again this year, organizers are confident they’ll be able to provide valuable funds to eliminate hunger in the community.
“You’ll still have all of the options that you have every year. It’s just going to be to-go,” Leugers said.
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What: Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast, hosted by the Franklin Rotary Club. This year’s event will be to-go only.
When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Scott Hall at the Johnson County fairgrounds
Cost: The lunch is free, but donations are requested.
Why: Proceeds benefit the Johnson County Good Cheer Fund and Interchurch Food Pantry
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