oh man, I don't even know where to begin...
BEWARE - This could take awhile, we do about 12-15 a year.
Salisbury, MD - this is by far one of the best ones I have done (three years in a row)... Sandy Fulton has this 'organizer thing' down. Great people, great venue, bands, kids rides, VERY well run, good payouts, TRIPLE KCBS points (which is rare around these parts) and you may even get the chance to meet Jim Perdue. How good is that?
Memphis In May - missed it last year... we will NOT miss it again! So, chances are we won't make it to Yardley, PA unless they change the date...bummer, I really like that one. We did not have any of the issues some other people had...the Grand and GC trophies were fantastic, we didn't get one, and Tom puts on a good breakfast to boot! I loved the local grocery store too!
Lime Rock, CT - we had a BLAST at this event, since we didn't sign up to do all the extras... we just did ten categories, not fifteen like everyone else. Way far out in the middle of nowhere though. AND... it's Memorial Day weekend... isn't that the same as the GAB ...? ... I'd rather go down there, to be honest.
Peter's Pond - I SO hope this event keeps going and going and going. No real payouts, but it's WAY cheep to get in anyway so what can you expect? Also, it is one of the longest running New England events, and what a good time! The Cape in June... with 'private' beach access and HOT showers even! Plus, we get to celebrate Charlie and Carlotta's anniversary with them every year.... nuthin' better!
Merrimac, NH - I have always had a great time here, even though we NEVER do well. I think it is because we are having WAY too much fun ! It's pretty well run, it's a state championship, bands, kids stuff, air show, and fresh Budweiser...pain in the butt to get in and out at the designated times though. And the parking issues need work.
Lake Placid, NY - another one of the best in this region. Tons of stuff, very cooker friendly, hot showers, camping in the Olympic Oval, fireworks, cool trophies and big payouts, and this year it is on the 4th of July...even better!!!
Harpoon, VT - I cannot say enough about this one, my first EVER BBQ event! Hands down one of the best! Extremely cooker-friendly, while still taking care of all the 'festival business' that has to be done.... going back to defend our GC, fer sure. So, NO, sorry but you cannot buy our spot Vinny.
We normally take August off, chill out by the pool and re-group, but this year I am really pushing for New Holland, PA or Hudson Valley, to see what we can see.
Lowell, MA - the only Mass State so far and we consistently do VERY WELL... we'll be back - regardless of where they have it.
Harvard, MA - this was really fun. Relatively small event right now, payouts were well distributed, a couple of water and porta potty issues... they were easily fixed though. Fall festival in a beautiful town on a gigantic farm, bands, craft fair, and AWESOME FIREWORKS! Possibly a Mass state next year too... we are so there!
Clarence, NY - we LOVE LOVE LOVE Oinktoberfest!!! Another one that I had NO issues with at all. A wee bit on the expensive side since I always miss the late fee date...but the people and the payouts and the prizes are SO worth the entry fee and the long ride out, plus, if you work it right, you can do Niagara Falls or Cooperstown while you are out there. Bands, kids stuff, indoor bathrooms, swag bags, very well run, huge pumpkin festival with corn maze and pumpkin cannon. I just can't resist the possibility of snow either, PLUS, everyone there has already seen and laughed at our trusty, rusty, duct-taped pop-up, so ... we'll be back for the three-peat! Then it's a dynasty, right?
American Royal Invitational/Open - regrettably we decided not to road trip this one this year... Not the case next year... I am already planning it.
the Jack... you just never know how lucky you can be...
Best Of The Best - Douglas, Georgia - if we somehow can homeschool the kids and take off work for the months of October and into November, I would love to go back to this one. Kell knows how to run an event! The only thing, it is expensive to do both days, and driving from Mass, we aren't gonna do only the one. I'd recommend it to everyone though. Good Times and there are a TON of Florida teams there to play with.
whoa... shutting up now....
hope to see you all out there somewhere!!!
:lol:
