St. James Holy Smokers Return Saturday, Sept. 12

It’s been a tough time in our county. Many businesses have shutdown or cut back. Charities, too. Such as the Holy Smokers and their BBQ sales every second Saturday of the month at the St. James’ Church parking lot across from the HEB in La Grange.

The virus on the land shut them down for several months. But come Sept. 12 they are back up and running again.

Oh, you might not be able to recognize them. They will all be masked, staying as far apart as possible and preoccupied with slathering hand sanitizer over every square inch of exposed skin. But they are the same ones.

And they’ve been doing it for decades. “And what do they do with all that money?” you ask.

All the profits go to local charities. All of it.

“But it’s such grueling, hot work under the Texas September sun. Now with masks! And they have to start the pit fires practically in the middle of the night, at 5 a.m. Why do they do it?” you ask.

That’s easy. Because they’re good, big-hearted folks who care about the community. And those loyal customers who drive by, scarf up their main courses for their evening’s dinner – well, they too are helping the community. It is, as they say, a win-win.

So, they’re back. But if I were you, I’d be dubious about their official sales times of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. My guess is they’ll sell out by noon on Sept. 12.

“Why don’t they smoke more product to meet the demand?” you ask. The answer: They can’t; they’re maxed out in the pits.

So be forewarned I predict their return will be welcomed and popular. I’d drive by early. You know that saying, the early bird gets the … uh … chicken. Or something like that.

Holy Smokers’ chicken and sausage sales will resume Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St. James’ Episcopal Church parking lot, corner of Monroe and Travis. Proceeds go to local charities.