STIRLING – The mid-day weather forecast last Saturday, in Stirling, called for “intermittent and severe thunderstorms, with rain, heavy at times throughout the day…” Yet from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the weather gods were smiling. Yes, there were dark, threatening clouds – but there was no rain, allowing the Pro One Stop’s twelfth annual “Customer Appreciation BBQ” to proceed as planned. The Pro One Stop gas bar and convenience store has been owned and operated by Min and Julie Yoo for almost thirty years.
“It’s hard to believe that this is our twelfth barbeque,” said Julie, adding, “but it’s been so much fun in past years that we just have to keep it going. We feel so grateful to be a part of this close-knit community and it’s nice to have the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our loyal customers.”
Julie and Min provided the food, drinks and treats as members of the local Rotary club and Lions club volunteered to set up tents, tables and chairs and to do all the cooking and serving.
“Julie and Min are quick to lend their support to so many worthwhile community projects,” noted Rotarian, Laurie Osborne, “so it’s an absolute pleasure for all of us to have a chance to thank them in this small way.”
The Pro One Stop gas bar has been a popular stop for locals and tourists alike for many years. And Min and Julie have made certain that it has been one of the friendliest stops around.
“This is where I get my gas and my lottery tickets,” proclaimed Stirling resident, Sandra Wilson, “I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. Everyone at the Pro is just so welcoming…Julie greets us all with a warm smile and she knows all of her regulars by name.”
This past Saturday, hundreds of those happy customers dropped by the Pro One Stop to echo that sentiment and to enjoy Min and Julie’s hospitality. “We were pleasantly surprised by the incredible turnout,” said Julie, following this year’s event, adding, “I mean, considering the weather forecast. But we couldn’t stage this event without all of the terrific volunteers from the Lions Club and Stirling Rotary. We’re so grateful for all the help…and thankful to have so many good friends.”
Once the smoke from the barbeques had cleared, someone announced that they had served over 200 burgers and more than 100 hotdogs. As well, there were ice-cold soft drinks, bottled water, bags of chips and assorted treats available for everyone to enjoy. And to make certain that there would be smiles on all little faces, creative face-painter, Laurie McMurray was on site, offering her inspired and incredible talents.
“This is one of my favourite stops,” said longtime Stirling resident, Shirley Deck, “Julie and Min simply epitomize down-home friendliness and hospitality.”