05/07/2014
It's nearly BBQ Fest time! We've already had 2 successful practice parties and most of the planning and administrative stuff is out of the way. Now it's time get our party supplies, tables/chairs, smokers, and appliances down to the riverside. We will be meeting at Cowboy's house on Saturday around 11am or Noon to wipe down our gear, drink a couple of beers, and take a quick inventory. This whole process took an hour or 2 last year and really made load-in much easier the next day. Load-in will be this Sunday, May 11. The gates are open most of the day until 7pm. In years past, we have met at Cowboy's around noon and loaded everything up. Then, the U-haul plus 2-3 other trucks/cars of folks and stuff have headed down to the river to set-up our PGW booth. Count on 3-4 hours if things run smoothly. Any amount of time/help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I realize Sunday is Mother's Day, so plan accordingly. Take mommy to brunch or plan on dinner, just make time to help out PGW for a bit before or after family time. I realize a couple of you will be out of town for load-in, and that's ok- just plan on pitching in a little more on load-out day, May 18.
Load-in day will also be the day you get your 3-day wristband for BBQ Fest. You need these to get in starting on Thursday. Come on out, lend a hand to the team, and get your 3-day pass. I won't be running up to the gait during BBQ Fest to give your wristband to you- come out this weekend and get it.
T-shirts are ordered and should be here in time for BBQ Fest. Wednesday night is friends and family night. We have a limited number of tickets for this night as turn out has been small in years past and gates close early. We end up wasting $100 or so on unused tickets each year. Each member will be given a ticket if they are certain they will attend. We may be (no promises) able to furnish an extra ticket or 2 for some members if they have people that are for sure coming on Wednesday. I'm working on menus and time slots for BBQ Fest so that we can half-ass plan and tell our guests when and if food will be out when they drop by.
Other than that, i'm pumped for the next 2 weeks. I'm really excited about all our new members this year, they have already made a big impact and I'm glad to get to enjoy BBQ Fest with them this year.
