Great Falls Counter-Protests PETA with Class…and Barbecue

GREAT FALLS -- It surely wasn't the response PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - was looking for, when it announced on its website last week that it would be protesting yesterday (Wednesday) at SMOKED American Barbecue in downtown Great Falls. SMOKED mentioned the impending visit by PETA's "Hell on Wheels" -a livestock transport truck outfitted with speakers that blasts the sound of squealing pigs, and messages urging people to go vegan - on its Facebook page. Video posted on YouTube late Wednesday shows Hell on Wheels parked across the street from the restaurant, its soundtrack all-but drowned out by traffic and a live DJ, and a line of customers more than a block long on what turned out to be a beautiful...and peaceful...afternoon for barbecue.