With a host of late-year events and attractions already beginning to crowd the Washington-Wilkes holiday activities calendar, the Washington Lions Club announced Monday that its next chicken barbecue will be an event of Saturday, November 8.

The popular barbecue continued its run of success with another sell-out last month, reported Lions President Mary Hubbard in making the announcement. "We appreciate very much the response and support we continue to receive," Hubbard began. "Even after we increased the number of plates available and also had to raise the price to $7, we still sold every plate."

Lions members are already offering advance tickets and early purchase is strongly recommended. Anyone who is not contacted directly may arrange for tickets by calling 706-678-2422 and asking for Mary or Lisa. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door while they last. They may be reserved on the morning of the barbecue by calling the Lions Club at 706-678-2951. Serving at the Lions Club building on Spring Street begins at 11 a.m.

"Of course we regret the price increase," Hubbard added, "but rising food costs have finally caught up with us. Our generous suppliers often give us special prices or even donate some of the food and we are certainly grateful for that. Still, the amount of money we can raise for community projects has been on a steady decline over several years and the price increase was mandatory. ` "We sincerely appreciate the understanding of all our friends and supporters, and we invite your continued help as we work together for the common good of our community," Hubbard concluded.

The Lions' chicken barbecue, slow-cooked to perfection and enhanced with a special secret sauce, has earned a reputation as among the best of its kind anywhere. Cooking is on-site behind the Lions Club building and begins well before daybreak under the experienced eye of Master Chef Willard Lance, with assistance by fellow Lions Olin Newby, Robert Wright, Jerry Stover, volunteer Martin Burgess, and others.

The $7 ticket (eat in or take out) includes generous servings of the same famous menu -- one-half chicken, Cole slaw, baked beans, bread, iced tea, and an extra container of the special sauce.