Bar-S Bash Bangs

Early arrivals on Friday waited for Lori to arrive with the decorations so that the clubhouse, pool area and deck area could be adorned with pirate banners, skeletons, skulls, treasure chests, jewels, treasure maps and many other items to accentuate the theme of the first annual Bar-S Bash. Everyone jumped right in and all areas were decorated in record time in preparation for the first event of the weekend, The Full Moon Party. As the full moon rose over Lake Wanda, party goers gathered to sample favorite wines and cheeses provided by the members. An authentic pirate ship, built by John(Lynda), sailed across the lake and the party was in full swing. Last year's recipients of the gnome,Ken and Susan, instructed Lynn to present the "gift" to Dan and Lori with the following speech,"For their commitment in preserving and enhancing the fun and fellowship of Ranch members and guests, for contributing to the daily operations of the Ranch so that all may enjoy a clean environment, and for enlarging the circle of friendships by including all interested participants in a myriad of activities, this gnome goes to Lori and Dan."After the presentation of the gnome, the wine and cheese party lasted well into the evening even though a banging day was scheduled on Saturday.
Jon(Lisa) rose early on Saturday morning to prepare french toast for the early risers. Tummies filled and kitchen cleaned, the group headed over to the golf course to watch the jumpers land in the designated area. First to land with a thump on his rump was Jumper Kenn, our resident instructor. His students, Ashley, Erin, and Matt followed suit(although they landed on their feet) and the applause from over 60 people could be heard throughout the Ranch.
The group then headed back to the clubhouse area and the aroma of ham being prepared by Mike and Sandy for the dinner meal, greeted the members. David(Susan) and John(Lynda), satiated our appetites until the pork could be sampled, and were our hosts for the fabulous lunch of fried bologna sandwiches and hotdogs and Dan helped with the cooking of the dogs. Hungry members feasted on the delicious meal and relaxed before the next big event of the day, the Golf Cart Rodeo.
Over 30 participants and 60 spectators gathered at the beginning of the Golf Cart Rodeo which has become an annual event at the Ranch. Drivers blindfolded, they must navigate a golf cart through an obstacle course while receiving instructions from their passengers. Emcee Edie had everyone in stitches with her comedic comments, as each couple entertained us with their driving/directional skills. Roger and Anita won the event with the best time, but Stephon and Peggy were the most animated in the acquisition of the longest trip taken around the course.
Jaws aching from the vast amounts of laughter, the members moved to the pool area to enjoy the sounds of music provided by our resident DJ, Roy. The sound system Roy had set up in the pool area also provided sound effects during the Rodeo which added to the hilarity of the event.
As Mike and David chopped the meat, sans fat, the members anxiously awaited the evening meal. The imaginary dinner bell was sounded by Lynn and the crowd gathered in the pool area to enjoy the hams, chicken, salmon by Charles, shrimp gumbo by Bill/Steve and Anne, and the numerous sides prepared by the fabulous cooks at the Ranch. Head count for the evening meal was 91 and donations were generous.
After the Holiday dinner meal, participants then moved to the newly constructed horse shoe pits, to begin the horse shoe tournament which lasted well into the evening hours under the lights of the volleyball courts with Clarence emerging as singles men winner, Cathy as singles women winner, and Ray Ray and Cathy as doubles winners. Poker was being played in the clubhouse and other members lounged by the pool under an almost full moon. As the crowd dispersed, tired after a long fun filled day, the laughter could still be heard throughout the Ranch as people retired to their respective beds to rest for the events of the next day.
Sunday dawned and Jim(Dee) rose early to prepare omelets for those who awoke "starving". The kitchen proves to be the heartbeat of the Ranch once again as everyone gathered to see what they were eating next.
Water aerobics, led by Blonde Steve for the second day in a row, helped some burn a few calories, but for those who didn't participate, they simply watched the calories being applied to their hips and tummies, as the aerobics group dropped a few.
So imagine what comes next..Leftover Lunch, Clean-up and the beginning of the first water volleyball tournament. Sign-ups completed, John and Lynn did their best to divide the teams into four equal teams to begin the round robin tournament. Robbie's team emerged victorious after 6 highly skilled games. Throughout the course of the tournament, a cannon ball game was played, and CeeCee was the winner of that competition. This game was tied around the waist, and participants had to swing a cannon ball into small baskets attached to the belt. Emcee Jan made sure the belts were tied and the scores tallied.
As the volleyball tournament concluded, members continued to enjoy the music, conversations, and laughter by the pool. Leftovers again for dinner and members found various activities to amuse them for the evening. Some sat by the lake around the fire pit of Bill/Steve and Anne, some played poker and some played truth or dare after being read stories by our "teacher", Ms.C. By Sunday evening most were exhausted but that didn't keep Carl, Vi, Suzanne, Charles, Lynn and Roy from staying in the clubhouse until 3 in the morning talking about various and sundry things.
Monday dawned as clean-up day and Lori and Dan headed the group as decorations were removed. Monica(Todd) and Christa(Kenn) brought out the last of the leftovers and made sure all remaining members had a bite to eat.
This weekend was a banging success. So many people were involved in committee planning of food, activities, and clean up that invariably some names may have been omitted, though not intentionally. Blonde Steve became head dishwasher for the weekend, Suzanne, Charles and the boys, provided clean-up for the pool and clubhouse areas,Rick(Rebecca) made numerous trash runs and Don did a little of everything, including maintenance of our facilities. Thanks go to each and every member of the Ranch family for everything they contributed to this successful Bar-S Bash. Donations were fantastic, participation record breaking, and laughter in abundance. We truly worked as a family to make sure all were fed, entertained, compensated, and taken care of. You are all appreciated. Accolades to Lori as event coordinator, Lynda for prize selection, and Mike and Sandy for food preparation in what proved to be the best Bar-S Bash one could hope for.