Operation BBQ Relief Commemorates 15th Anniversary of 2011 Joplin EF5 Tornado

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Operation BBQ Relief® (OBR) will return to the city where its mission began, setting up at Cunningham Park in Joplin, MO, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Joplin EF5 tornado and the founding of the organization. OBR pitmasters and volunteers will serve free, hot barbecue meals to Joplin citizens, first responders, tornado survivors, and community members.

The event at 12:00 p.m. on May 22 will be held at Cunningham Park, home to the Butterfly Memorial honoring tornado victims, located at 26th and Maiden Lane, Shelter No. 2, in Joplin, and will feature OBR's signature smoked pulled pork sandwiches with apple barbecue drizzle, cheesy corn, granola bars, and bottled water.

The public is invited to join for meals, fellowship, and reflection.