NMC Barbecue :: Northwestern Michigan College

A Community Tradition

The Barbecue has always been made possible through the generosity of the Oleson family.

Local Schools Benefit

Area schools that sell tickets get to keep a portion of the proceeds.

Barbecue-funded projects

The Barbecue has raised more than $1.5 million for NMC programs and special projects. More »

The Barbecue: What does it take?

500 volunteers
1,400 pounds of carrots and celery
3,000 pounds of potato salad
3,000 pounds of coleslaw
8,400 ice cream cups
4,500 cartons of milk
3,000 pounds of baked beans
3,000 pounds of buffalo steakettes and hot dogs

NMC Barbecue

The NMC Barbecue is one of northern Michigan's most popular and enduring traditions. The annual event brings thousands of people to NMC's campus for an old-fashioned picnic and a chance to see their community college.

The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fundraiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continues to donate the food, and hundreds of volunteers turn out to make the event happen.