By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
ROSELAND -- A small community of people in unincorporated Indian River County carry on a 120-year-old tradition of private, quiet life with natural surroundings.
Roseland, a small community just north of the city of Sebastian, began to see its first settlers in 1892, between the shores of the St. Sebastian River and the Indian River Lagoon.
Now, 120 years later, the current residents hope to celebrate the historic roots of the community with their annual barbeque.
This year's event will be held on Dec. 1 from noon to 3 p.m. at the old firehouse on 129th Court between U.S. 1 and County Road 512, off of Roseland Road. As usual, the money raised at the event, from the meals and the silent auction, will go toward the Roseland Community Association to be dispersed to Roseland students going on to college or a trade or vocational school.
Jackie James moved to Roseland in 1993, but said she feels as though Roseland is the best place for her to call home.
"I lived down the beach in the county below, and I had my own antique business, and I needed to have space, so I bought a cracker house up here," Ms. James said.
With a train station nearby, thick, mature trees and a small creek, Ms. James knew Roseland was home.
"The beauty lured me here. I think there's no place like it in Indian River County," she said.
She was appointed to the Roseland task force by the county in the early 2000s and, along with the rest of the task force, created a plan that would improve the community and businesses, yet still retain the small-town feel Roseland is known for, Ms. James said.
By having the barbeque, other people can show their support for Roseland and its values, said Cindy Wade, vice president of the Roseland Community Association.
Within 24 hours of moving to the community, Ms. Wade said she was welcomed with open arms by neighbors and had an armload of food.
"We have million-dollar homes and mobile homes in Roseland and nobody cares because none of that matters. It's really more of an old-fashioned neighborhood," Ms. Wade said.
All the food at the event will be prepared by Roseland residents and professional chef Joanie Reed. Ms. Reed works at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and is volunteering her time, Ms. James said.
The menu will include baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread and iced tea. Adult plates are $10 and include chicken or pork barbeque, along with the extra sides.
A child's hotdog plate is $5. Tickets can be purchased at the event.
Entertainment will be provided by Brevard County band, Summer Rain, performing many classic tunes, said Ms. Wade.
Also during the event will be an old-fashioned bake sale and a silent auction, featuring a variety of donated items from area businesses.
For more information about the barbeque or about the Roseland Community Association, call Ms. Wade at (772) 388-1228.