DALTON—Just because times are tough does not mean you are not allowed to celebrate. Nor does it mean you have to break a popular tradition.

At least that was the thinking of Craig Vaughn, owner of Georgia Carpet Industries, who, for the last 13 years, has hosted a barbecue for friends, customers and suppliers, and was not going to let the sea of bad news sidetrack him from saying “thank you.”

Nor did anyone want him to as evidenced by the 500 people who came out for the fun, food and camaraderie. “The barbecue went well this year with a great turnout,” Vaughn said.

And, even with 2009 not looking much better than last year, the Dalton retailer promised to stage the popular event for the 14th time later this year.