Cookout, barbecue, picnic, potluck—whatever term you use, there’s no denying that Americans love their outdoor summer parties. Today, the tradition of cooking and spending time outdoors has expanded to include games, music, fireworks, and themed decor. While some people throw a last-minute steak on the grill, others spend weeks planning menus, shopping for premium outdoor kitchen units, and transforming their lawns into elaborate alcoves for the ultimate party experience. Despite all of these differences, however, a common theme of socialization unites us all. So, fire up your grill and get the mower ready—company’s coming over, and it’s time to have some fun.
Traditional barbecuing can be traced back to indigenous Caribbean populations, where wooden frames were used to slowly smoke meat over fire pits. Spanish settlers referred to this method of cooking as “barbacoa,” which later translated to the English term, “barbecue.” Gradually, barbecuing made its way north as more Europeans migrated to America, adopting the method to transform unsavory cuts of pork and beef into palatable options. Naturally, as popularity of barbecuing grew, the outdoor cooking atmosphere changed greatly. Because of the slow nature of smoking meat, settlers in the 1700’s started arriving early to pig roasts, taking interest in pit construction and enjoying the company of fellow townspeople. Soon, barbecue events became synonymous with communal hangouts, and by the 1800’s, were popular settings for political rallies, church gatherings, and private parties. Farmers in the late 1800’s also started weekend barbecue services to cash in on the trend, traveling from place to place or setting up tents to attract hungry customers. Eventually, these tents were replaced by permanent structures, and the first barbecue restaurants were born.
By the early 20th century, outdoor cooking became an American staple. With the invention of the charcoal briquette, people opted for open-faced grills over traditional smokers, and a growing immigrant population led to a shift in grilling meat options (namely, German-inspired hamburgers and hot dogs). In addition, the movement of families from cities to the suburbs after World War II created new opportunities for manufacturers and advertisers, who pushed backyard barbecues as an ideal way of life. A pastime in the making, cookouts quickly redefined the American definition of summertime and with it, our expectations and memories of the season.
Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz
11875 Northland Dr.
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-2913
info@weingartz.com
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