Fred Smith held his 89th barbecue Monday night in Smithfield.
The Republican gubernatorial candidate addressed a crowd of more than 380 during the campaign stop in Johnston County, which was catered by White Swan, a local restaurant.
Rudy Renfer, chairman of the Johnston County Republican Party, kicked off the event by urging everyone to vote in the primary on May 6.
Following a prayer, Johnston County Commissioner Cookie Pope led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Smith's wife, Ginny, then sang the national anthem.
After the jump, more scenes from the barbecue.
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After guests finished their barbecue, Republican state Reps. James Langdon Jr. of Angier and Leo Daughtry of Smithfield spoke to the crowd.
"He's running an outstanding campaign," Daughtry said. "There's nobody out there who can touch him."
A short video emphasized Smith's policy plans and family life, which culminated with Nashville country singer Lee Greenwood debuting "Good to Great," a song he wrote for the campaign.
That was Smith's cue to enter.
His 30-minute speech covered his history as a politician, his major policy platforms and the reason he is holding barbecues in each county.
Smith told the crowd the reason he has been successful as a politician and businessman is because of the work ethic that his father taught him.
"The difference between good and great is a little extra effort," Smith said.
Smith ended the night by shaking hands and signing copies of his autobiography, "A Little Extra Effort."
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