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Lynden Tribune
2015 Fair Magazine
Following the 2011 fair, Young Life moved its booth to a more centralized location and renovated a building into the current BBQ Barn. make it happen.” In addition to the improved location, another major benefit of the new building is a much easier setup process leading up to the fair. Whereas with the previous building they had to store everything off-site, now it can all remain in the BBQ Barn year-round. “It was more of a rigorous set-up,” said Zylstra of the old process. “We had stuff in trailers and in a storage site on another part of the fairgrounds. We had to bring everything (over) to set up.” Now everything is already on-site leading up to the fair, which Zylstra said has been “awesome.” The preparation begins about two weeks prior to the fair with a group of volunteers who clean dishes, wash the area, bring everything out and set up the booth. As the fair nears, Pepsi makes a visit to ready all its products. “And we usually come in (once more) the day before and just make sure everything’s ready to go
before we open the window on Monday morning,” Zylstra said. The BBQ Barn takes a community to put on, but the community certainly benefits as well. “We say our food is the freshest and healthiest at the fair,” Zylstra said. “And many people have agreed.” In addition to the aforementioned food, the BBQ Barn sells local corn, a grilled beef and cheese sandwich, Polish dogs, hot dogs and mashed potatoes. The barn also offers a roast beef dinner plate, which consists of sliced beef, mashed potatoes and choices of either beans or corn. “That’s been a really popular one, with so many people being gluten-free these days,” said Zylstra of the dinner plate. “We have a nice selection for people who are gluten-free to enjoy good, healthy food at the fair.” And the booth benefits Young Life communities across the north county, as the
money raised helps the organization operate throughout the year. “We want to have Young Life happening in every school in our community,” Zylstra said. “Our goal is to have thriving teams at every school that have leaders who are reaching out to kids. So the money that we raise goes to our Young Life operating fund to help make that happen and pay the staff. “Everything that we do is pouring into our leadership
and into the community to help raise awareness and get people involved in our communities so that Young Life can happen, and happen for a really long time.” If interested in volunteering at the BBQ Barn this year, contact North Whatcom County Young Life at 354-4807 or northwhatcomyl@gmail.com. Volunteers receive a free meal and a ticket into the fair for that day. — Cameron Van Til
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