If you happen to be cruising around today and wonder where everyone has gone, you obviously forgot to check the calendar before leaving home.

Today is the third Wednesday in May, which means they’re probably at the Bronco Rod & Gun Club for the 49th annual Hunterdale Ruritan Club Beef BBQ.

The Beef BBQ has been an annual rite of spring in Western Tidewater, a highly anticipated gathering of friends and neighbors in the woods along the shores of the Nottoway River.

The Ruritans host the annual fundraiser for many local charities, and have donated thousands of dollars over the years.

Loyal attendees mark the date of the barbecue on their calendars early in the year, often arranging to leave work early for the 4 p.m. start time. Many take the day off.

If you can somehow manage to find a ticket, make your way out to the Bronco Club this afternoon. There’s always really good music, and even better barbecue. You’re guaranteed to run into plenty of people you know, all of whom can point you in the direction of something cold to drink, and it’s about the only place you can score one of those really cool commemorative T-shirts.

All that, and the proceeds go to charity? We’ll see you there a little after four o’clock.