It started out 19 years ago as a way to raise money for the fledging Manteca Historical Society.

Today it is a bona fide Manteca tradition.

The 19th annual Old-Fashioned Barbecue Social takes place this Sunday afternoon in the spacious country backyard of Mick and Kristen Founts on North Union Road from 2 to 5 p.m. Previous venues were the old Campbell Family Park that is now part of The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley site as well as the front lawn of the old Spreckels Sugar factory office that now serves as headquarters for ANF Development.

It is a perennial sell-out event with a few tickets left for $15 each.

Ken Hafer - one of the original social organizers - noted many people use it as a reunion of sorts.

There are about 20 people from the Manteca High Class of 1949 attending that plan to sit together. There is also a smaller contingent from the Buffaloes’ Class of 1949.

“We get quite a few people from out-of-town,” Hafer noted.

The event has also served as a way for newcomers to Manteca to get to know those who have deep roots in Manteca.

The Founts’ well-shaded backyard got high marks last year form attendees. The yard has been used for a wide array of Manteca events including the annual Best of Manteca awards dinner. Mick Founts is the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools.

The Park Avenue Band wil provide music. There also will be a no-host bar, raffle, and displays.

The $15 ticket buys a tri-tip and turkey dinner complete with pasta, salad, French bread and marinated tomato slices.

Tickets are available today from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum, 600 W. Yosemite Ave., or from German Glas Werks at Yosemite and Main, Guido’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza at Louise and Union, ticket chairperson Phyllis Abram, and from board members.