With natural gas flowing in Coos County's transmission line this week, NW Natural is inviting all county residents to downtown Coos Bay on Wednesday for a free barbecue lunch and a big celebration with prizes galore.

The lunch will begin at noon in the parking lot adjacent to the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, along U.S. Highway 101 in downtown Coos Bay.

During the lunch, there will be a special recognition program featuring local business leaders, NW Natural executives, county and state officials, and others who helped bring natural gas to the South Coast.

Free barbecued hamburgers, chips and soda will be served to all, and prizes will be given out during the event.

For more information about the free barbecue or to inquire about natural gas service, those interested can call NW Natural's Coos County district office at 2267-5655, ext. 6575.