SOUTH POINT — The name is a misnomer and everybody in South Point is glad of it.

Come Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. will be the annual staff cookout for the health care companies Joe Freeman owns.

Except this cookout is open to everyone who wants to show up.

“This started as a staff appreciation party, a small pizza party that we did every year,” Tim Stormes of Quality Care Nursing Services, said. “That was close to 10 years ago.”

One year Stormes suggested to his boss that he’d like to play some music during the party.

“At that point we opened it up to the community, it has boomed,” Stormes said.

The first year 500 showed up; last summer that number swelled to 1,000.

New this year will be catering by Stewart’s Hot Dogs and a change of location from the South Point Park to the old South Point Elementary School.

“Joe’s band will start around 5:30 p.m.,” Stormes said. “And a lot of vendors will be giving out door prizes. Last year there was a grill given away.”

Food and drink will be free while supplies last.

“Bring your own lawn chair,” Stormes said. “This is to show the community who we are and to thank the community.”