Expecting a crowd of about 400-500 people for a July 4-related concert and barbecue, the Wilshire Baptist Church and caterers were stunned Wednesday evening after an estimated 730 people showed up to grab a meal and mingle with neighbors.

Long lines formed to get to the food and caterers were sent scrambling to bring more barbecue to the church. When asked how many pounds of meat were served, one caterer answered with a wry smile, "a lot."

John Schreiber

A crowd of more than 700 people showed up for the community barbecue, causing a long line at the food tent.

After the lines died down, the crowd made its way to the church sanctuary to listen to a patriotic concert put on by the Wilshire Wind Symphony and the Dallas Christian Jazz Band. In front of a packed house, community members were treated to songs such as "America the Beautiful" and a funk-rock version of the gospel song "Soon and Very Soon."

Military veterans were honored with applause during a rendition of the "U.S. Armed Forces Medley."

Although the Wilshire Baptist Church has been putting on a patriotic concert for years now, this year marked the first time the church invited the surrounding community and served up barbecue.