The ends of the poles rest upon the top of the pit, leaving the meat suspended in the center over the coals. The meats are turned slowly and basted at intervals with a special sauce, the recipe of which is jealously guarded as the secret of the men in charge. Shoes are worn by all, if possible, even though they may be removed before the day is over. The night before the big day the children are scrubbed until their faces shine, and the little girls have their hair done in tight stiff braids. At dawn, after a breakfast of fried bread and side meat, they start for the Grove.
Some families walk, always in single file, with the man leading and the woman bringing up the rear.
Sometimes a younger child becomes too tired to continue, and the father slings him over his shoulder like a sack of meal. They respond timidly to the voluble greatings of the political aspirants who seek them out. At noon the men bring them plates of food. The squatters try to listen attentively to the political speeches, but become most excited when political arguments end in a fight, the highlight of the day's festivities. At night the Grove is lighted with huge bonfires, and after a few hours everyone prepares to leave.