Farm Fest V (updated)
And just like that, it's over. Farm Fest V is in the books and boy did we have fun! Three days of food, fun, family and friends.
The 80's party was great on Thursday night. Everybody dressed up in their best '80's attire, we played '80's tunes all night long and served up some pretty mean chili. We hit a few snags, including a very blustery wind (couldn't put up the big tent) and a faulty CO2 tank for the keg and had to improvise on the fly (in true '80's fashion, we were running around the countryside looking for a tapper!)... but we adapted, overcame and had a great time.
I damaged my canopy on my camper right away Thursday morning. I tried to put it up in those high winds on Thursday and the entire canopy flipped right over my camper and bent the support poles. The lesson learned: Don't put up your canopy in high winds. Check.
We had to break out our winter coats Friday night. The temperature dropped, the winds kept howling and our teeth were chattering -- it didn't even enter my mind to bring hot chocolate. I mean, it is August, not October! But take it from me, it was a bit on the nippy side.
Then came Saturday, "show day." The sun came out after a cloudy morning and it turned out to be a perfect late summer day. The band sounded pretty decent, considering we had one full rehearsal in the past 12 months, and we had a great time. We raised some money for cousin Kathy, who has gone through a tough year, and we all felt great about that. Family sticks together, and when the going gets tough, we git 'r done.
The Man in Black made his final appearance, and he was outstanding once again. This time, he was escorted by Sallie Mae, the Farm Fest beauty queen (did anyone get pictures?), and the Man in Black passed out Bibles (at least that's what it looked like from where I was standing). Too bad he won't be back next year, because I think people get a kick out of it!
As usual, there were a lot of people there who I didn't get to talk to... no more than "hi". If you are reading this and you were at Farm Fest, please don't think I was snubbing you if I didn't talk to you. The whole night seems to go by in a big blur and it is over before I know it.
We took our time packing up on Sunday and it was kind of sad to leave the old farm after such a fun three days. But at least we have something to look forward to next year... Farm Fest VI!
I would like to say a special thank you to Korey & Shelli Kampen and Scott & Sammi Thesing, who busted their ass again this year, both at the '80's party and at Farm Fest, to make things fun for everyone. Just remember, they run the Purple Pride Portable Pub because they want to, not because they have to... and they spend a considerable amount of money each year to make it happen, and don't ask for a penny in return. They have the right to refuse service to anyone, and they will not serve anyone under the age of 21. Don't even ask.
UPDATE:
Good heavens, thanks Stacy! You are exactly right about your mom (Kathy Branstner). I was so busy getting ready for the live music that it went right over my head. Yes, thanks to Kathy for thinking of the little munchkins once again, with the balloon animals and pirate treasure hunt. She always thinks of the kids and makes it fun for everyone. Also, thanks to Mel for the fantastic food after the show was over. The jalapeno bread and dip was great and the turkey buns were unbelievable. Thanks Mel and Kathy! Also thank you both for your hard work during the raffle. I know I forgot more people to thank... of course I can't forget Wild Bill for keeping things organized all weekend, directing traffic, etc., (and his adventures with high explosives), also thanks to Sandy and my aunties for getting the quilt raffle organized. And a big thank you to Mark Simonson for donating a handmade rug for auction ($290!). Thanks to Brandy for getting the t-shirts organized and keeping all of the orders straight. Three years running and not a single mistake!
The 80's party was great on Thursday night. Everybody dressed up in their best '80's attire, we played '80's tunes all night long and served up some pretty mean chili. We hit a few snags, including a very blustery wind (couldn't put up the big tent) and a faulty CO2 tank for the keg and had to improvise on the fly (in true '80's fashion, we were running around the countryside looking for a tapper!)... but we adapted, overcame and had a great time.
I damaged my canopy on my camper right away Thursday morning. I tried to put it up in those high winds on Thursday and the entire canopy flipped right over my camper and bent the support poles. The lesson learned: Don't put up your canopy in high winds. Check.
We had to break out our winter coats Friday night. The temperature dropped, the winds kept howling and our teeth were chattering -- it didn't even enter my mind to bring hot chocolate. I mean, it is August, not October! But take it from me, it was a bit on the nippy side.
Then came Saturday, "show day." The sun came out after a cloudy morning and it turned out to be a perfect late summer day. The band sounded pretty decent, considering we had one full rehearsal in the past 12 months, and we had a great time. We raised some money for cousin Kathy, who has gone through a tough year, and we all felt great about that. Family sticks together, and when the going gets tough, we git 'r done.
The Man in Black made his final appearance, and he was outstanding once again. This time, he was escorted by Sallie Mae, the Farm Fest beauty queen (did anyone get pictures?), and the Man in Black passed out Bibles (at least that's what it looked like from where I was standing). Too bad he won't be back next year, because I think people get a kick out of it!
As usual, there were a lot of people there who I didn't get to talk to... no more than "hi". If you are reading this and you were at Farm Fest, please don't think I was snubbing you if I didn't talk to you. The whole night seems to go by in a big blur and it is over before I know it.
We took our time packing up on Sunday and it was kind of sad to leave the old farm after such a fun three days. But at least we have something to look forward to next year... Farm Fest VI!
I would like to say a special thank you to Korey & Shelli Kampen and Scott & Sammi Thesing, who busted their ass again this year, both at the '80's party and at Farm Fest, to make things fun for everyone. Just remember, they run the Purple Pride Portable Pub because they want to, not because they have to... and they spend a considerable amount of money each year to make it happen, and don't ask for a penny in return. They have the right to refuse service to anyone, and they will not serve anyone under the age of 21. Don't even ask.
UPDATE:
Good heavens, thanks Stacy! You are exactly right about your mom (Kathy Branstner). I was so busy getting ready for the live music that it went right over my head. Yes, thanks to Kathy for thinking of the little munchkins once again, with the balloon animals and pirate treasure hunt. She always thinks of the kids and makes it fun for everyone. Also, thanks to Mel for the fantastic food after the show was over. The jalapeno bread and dip was great and the turkey buns were unbelievable. Thanks Mel and Kathy! Also thank you both for your hard work during the raffle. I know I forgot more people to thank... of course I can't forget Wild Bill for keeping things organized all weekend, directing traffic, etc., (and his adventures with high explosives), also thanks to Sandy and my aunties for getting the quilt raffle organized. And a big thank you to Mark Simonson for donating a handmade rug for auction ($290!). Thanks to Brandy for getting the t-shirts organized and keeping all of the orders straight. Three years running and not a single mistake!
