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Bill Loftin, Sr. (Heritage Printers, Inc.) grins as he's caught in the act of refilling his "cola" drink at our annual Charlotte Rotary Hoedown!

Luther Fincher (Charlotte Fire Chief and President-Elect of International Association of Fire Chiefs) is seen  checking the roasted pig to be sure the flame's out.

Check out the fabulous sounds of our strolling 4-piece C&W band --- Kilocycle Kowboys --- which in turn entertained us and encouraged our members to show off their own singing and/or harmonica-playing talents.  (Attention:  Al Allison - If the fencing business ever goes south, you have a long career ahead in the C&W music business!)

Dal Shefte (Kennedy, Covington, Lobdell & Hickman) volunteered to check the beer spigot to be sure it was functioning correctly.

Teresa Evans (Theresa Evans CRP) and Gayle Smith (The Charlotte Observer) enjoy a good laugh between friends.

Our gregarious Charlotte Rotary President Ronnie Pruett goes casual at our Annual Hoedown held on June 8th at SMS Catering.  The barbecue was outstanding, the facilities were great for our large crowd, and President Ronnie showed off his PR skills by going from table-to-table, greeting everyone.  A true Charlotte Rotary Ambassador!

Mary Mack (First Union National Bank) and Henry Bostic (Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department) celebrate Henry's return from surgery.  (He looks too healthy to have had major surgery. Was he faking???)

Mary Mack fills us in on what's planned for our upcoming year under new prez Worth Williamson (who was in China.)

Al Allison (Allison Fence Co.) sheds jacket and tie to talk to us about events and programs planned for Charlotte Rotary in the upcoming year.

Bill Underwood chose NOT to follow Al Allison's harmonica solo with one of his own, preferring a more judicial facade.

Don Haack (Donald Haack Diamonds) talks about our Rotary Foundation and how much our Paul Harris Fellows help those in need.

Jan Thompson (Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department) may send "the law" calling if Charlotte Rotarians act up ...

John Phillips (Joint & Clutch Service, Inc.) reminds us that some of our membership might need his professional services to get home if we eat too much pig!

Jan Thompson, Chase Saunders (newly of Dozier, Miller, Pollard & Murphy) and the very lovely Carolyn Saunders are having a ball at Hoedown.

Harry Daugherty, Don Haack and President Ronnie tip a glass of "iced tea" ...

Charlotte Rotary's terrific trio - Ralston Pound, Dwight Thomas and Glenn Clinefelter -  load up on the "good stuff" that Bob Freeman's doling out ... Brunswick Stew, Pork Barbecue, and everything good that goes with it.

Charlotte Rotary member and great pig-pickin' chef Bob Freeman (SMS Catering Services) hosted our Hoedown '99.

Ex-Mayor Ken Harris (Harris Plans) and President Ronnie fill their plates in preparation for some fantastic barbecue.

Powell and Dorothy Majors get serious when it comes to home-cooking and great Southern barbecue.

Ray and Betty Killian can almost taste the delicious barbecue.  They're one of our most faithful attendees at our annual Hoedown.

Leroy Mayne (Mecklenburg County Council/ Boy Scouts of America) and Pete deWitt (Hanover Realty Co.) give the buffet a once-over before loading up on the great food.

Don Carmichael (Capital Investment Counsel, Inc.) and beautiful wife, Ann enjoyed the opportunity to meet and greet new and old friends.

Freda (Science Museums of Charlotte) and Henry Nicholson - two of Charlotte's most valuable community leaders.

Norma and Tom Burgess had a ball at Hoedown --- as they usually do. Tom possesses one of Charlotte Rotary's most famous smiles.

Mac Jackson (a 46-year Rotarian ) and his terrific wife Miriam enjoyed the barbecue, the general meeting and the entertaining music.

Bill (United Air Filter Co.) and Imogene Kinney smile with delight for our expert photographer, Bert Voswinkel.

Jim Graham (who we recently welcomed back into our Charlotte Rotary fold), Ralston Pound (our 51-year Rotarian) and Chuck Lineberry (Southern Packaging) may be discussing the feasibility of going back through the buffet for another helping of barbecue and all the deliciious "fixin's."

Jim Graham, Carroll Thomas and Carroll's wife, Ruth were socializing and catching up on old friendships.  It was hot that evening but not too hot to share stories and laughter.

M. C. and Tom Lane were seen chatting with friends all evening long.

Carroll Thomas and Donald Haack (Donald Haack Diamonds) propose a toast to friendship and service above self ... which makes Charlotte Rotary so special.

Betty and Jim Graham were delighted to pose when our photographer Bert Voswinkel (Ceramic Gold Dental Laboratory) asked them to "smile at the birdie."

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