As spring unfolds in Hamilton, familiar aromas fill the air: freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, and the unmistakable scent of barbecue. There’s something about the smell of a grill that brings people together, and this year, the City of Hamilton is putting that idea to the test.
In a new effort to strengthen neighborhood ties and promote open dialogue, the City has announced a series of eight community barbecue events to be held across Hamilton.
Organized by City officials, the gatherings are designed to bring residents face-to-face with local leaders - including the City Manager, City Council members, City Staff, and representatives from the Hamilton Police Department - in a relaxed, approachable setting.
With food on the grill and conversations on the table, the initiative aims to build trust, encourage connection, and create a stronger sense of community across the city.
The series of barbecues - completely free and open to everyone - launched on April 7 and will travel through various neighborhoods across the city, wrapping up on September 11.
The remaining events are outlined below:
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Monday, June 16th at 6 p.m.: PROTOCOL at Benninghofen Park
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Wednesday, June 18th at 6 p.m.: Jefferson Alliance Meeting at Jefferson Park
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Saturday, July 26th at 11:30 a.m.: Joe Nuxhall Birthday Celebration at LJ Smith Ballfields
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Monday, August 25th at 6 p.m.: German Village Association Meeting at the Carriage House
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Thursday, September 11th at 5 p.m.: Grand Club at the East End Boys & Girls Club
These events create an opportunity for residents to enjoy complimentary hot dogs, and beverages while mingling with officials who are eager to listen to their feedback.
“Barbecuing for a Better Hamilton” is the brainchild of City Manager Craig Bucheit, who stepped into the role just over a year ago.
“The inspiration for this was pretty simple,” says Bucheit. “Let’s find a way to bring people together and take that opportunity out into our neighborhoods and parks. We wanted something laid-back, something we could take on the road and host in different parts of the city.”
Bucheit and his colleagues were impressed by how many citizens attended the event’s opening at Bailey Square on April 7, despite the chilly temperatures.
“We had a great turnout,” boasts Bucheit. “People talked, shared ideas, and hung around even after the food was gone. It was a strong start, and it showed that there’s real interest in getting together like this.”
Prior to taking on the role of City Manager, Bucheit served as Hamilton’s Police Chief from 2015 to 2024, where he gained experience and insight that provided a deep understanding of the community and the challenges it faces. His time in uniform helped shape his commitment to public engagement and improving the quality of life for Hamilton residents.
“Hamilton - like every city - is always facing issues of some sort,” admits Bucheit. “It could be street maintenance, speeding, or housing, but sometimes it’s more complex concerns like economic development projects, homelessness, or other citywide challenges. The best way to address these issues is by listening, understanding, and working together.”
Having served with the Hamilton Police Department for many years, Bucheit is no stranger to genuine community interaction, which is a central focus of the barbecuing series initiative.
“The most rewarding part for me is getting out into our neighborhoods, into our parks, in the places where people live and raise their families,” says Bucheit. “Being out in the community face-to-face with our residents is the best way to connect, build trust, and see firsthand what matters to the people we serve.”
The inaugural series will conclude with a bang at the Grand Club, located at the East End Boys and Girls Club.
Tommy John, Chief Executive Officer of the East End Boys and Girls Club, is thrilled to host the closing event. John and his wife relocated from Florida to Hamilton two years ago and they haven’t looked back since.
“This is an extremely genuine community,” John says. “It’s a community that’s not just about bringing up a few people. It’s about bringing everyone along as we move forward.”
Back in September 2024, John teamed up with local event planner Jimmy Unger of Christian’s Corn Stand Jam to bring a community event to the neighborhood. They hosted it at the Grand Club, and the event was a hit.
“The East End neighborhoods needed something,” John recalls. “I thought we could partner and drive more people to meet in the East End and really get the residents engaged.”
John hopes to build off of that momentum and help close out the Barbecuing for a Better Hamilton series on a high note.
“We have a really dedicated teen staff and a strong teen advocacy program,” John adds. “We typically get excellent engagement from teens. We serve over 600 kids a year, and all of our members have been invited. It’s a great opportunity for our kids to be involved with their neighborhood.”
The final barbecuing event will also feature live entertainment, including music, dance, and spoken word performances.
There is talk of continuing the barbecuing series annually, but Bucheit is careful not to get ahead of himself.
“Right now, our focus is on making the first series of these eight events a success,” says Bucheit. “If we get to the end of the season and feel like it had a positive impact, we’ll take a look at continuing down the road.”
For those considering attending one of the five remaining barbecuing events, the only requirement is to “bring your appetite, an open mind, and a genuine interest in making our community a better place,” says Bucheit. “Come ready to ask questions, share ideas, and sit down face-to-face with your neighbors, City Staff, and community leaders.”
Be sure to visit https://www.hamilton-oh.gov/bbq for more information and updates on the Barbecuing for a Better Hamilton series.