Article and photos by Alex Colvin
Hundreds of people came to the 36th Annual Deep Pit Barbecue at the Hat Creek Hereford Ranch Campground on Saturday July 18 to support the Hat Creek volunteer fire department. The ranch is located on Doty Road just off Hwy 89.
36th Annual Deep Pit Barbecue
As well as a wonderful beef barbecue, the event featured live music, a craft fair, and a raffle. Raffle prizes included a half-day fly-fishing trip, a hand-crafted picnic table, a kayak, fishing gear, and a hand-made quilt.
The Mountain Messengers
Two bands alternated playing sets of music. One of the bands was the Mountain Messengers, a talented group who played bluegrass and country gospel.
Honey Storlie and Kay Nichols
Playing with the Mountain Messengers were the popular Gerry Goldman, a banjoist from Round Mountain, and singer Honey Storlie from Redding. Kay Nichols from Buzzard Roost Road backed them up playing stand-up acoustic bass.
The US Forest Service also had a booth handing out goodie bags for children and adults. Last year, Hat Creek was the site of a serious forest fire that burned a restaurant and several buildings and threatened to burn Burney. The Forest Service was providing information on how to prevent and minimize the danger of wildfires.
US Forest Service handing out goodies
Smokey the bear was also there to roam the crowd, greeting children and spreading the wisdom of fire prevention.
Tyler from the Forest Sevice with Smokey the Bear
Photographer Susan Hanson displays her Smokey bandana
The craft show included a variety of booths displaying local photography, handcrafted items, and jewely.
The campground sits by a lovely lake where families could relax, swim, or fish. Visitors could buy a one-day fishing permit and rent equipment at the local store. There was also a tetherball court and a volleyball court where folks could enjoy friendly matches.
Families enjoy a dip
Quincy Model A Club stops by for barbeque beef
An additional special treat was added when the Model A Club of Quincy stopped in. They were on a tour and stopped in to taste the barbecue providing everyone with an awesome display of vintage vehicles.
All in all, the day was a wonderful happening of natural beauty, delicious food, country culture, and family fun!
The butterflies came too
Alex Colvin is co-owner of The Lace Gallery in Burney, California. He previously wrote for non-profit corporations in the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area. Since returning to Burney, where he has deep family roots, Alex and his wife Linda have dedicated themselves to exploring and photographing the natural beauty of Northern California.
Pit River Country 
well done Alex!! you captured the moment so well!
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