OCMC Kids Classic/Different Report

[frankypettolina]

As I had charters for both days of the Kids tourney, I did not get to fish it, but here is what I was involved with sunday afternoon.

Arrived Marlin Club at 2:30. Bill Regan (Club Pres) Annette Cropper (Club Secretary), Anne (Bill's Wife), Caroline (Annettes Daughter), Boz and Bean Jefferson, The Goodharts, Helen from Sunset and Dee Riggsby (of the Ladies Auxiliary) were already at work setting up a Snocone machine, popcorn machine, and cotton candy maker, unpacking goodies for the kids and setting up game booths and tables and chairs.

2:35, Bill puts me to work moving tables and chairs from the upper deck to the parking lot.

2:37, I vow to make a donation to the club elevator fund.

3:00, How many adults does it take to figure out a cotton candy machine?

3:15, 4th turn over on personnel trying to stuff lolly pops into the lolly pop peg board.

3:30, begin trying to figure out how to assemble the dunking booth with Bill, Annette, and Boz.

3:31, first attempt at keeping Caroline out of the booth as it is not yet filled with water (that little girl wanted to swim )

3:45, start filling booth with water.

4:00, standing around holding a wayward hose in the booth tank.

4:30, start to put hose away, realize that there are duck games and fishbowl games that need filling.

4:35, popcorn break.

5:00, My wife (Bog Monster) arrives with some sweat free clothes for me to wear for the evening.

At this point I went upstairs to grab a bite to eat before the kids arrived.

6:00 Kids arrive. Massive fun and games begins

Boggy and I were ticket takers and ball handlers at the dunking booth (until a wonderful little boy felt sorry for a fat sweaty old man chasing balls and started retrieving them for me, followed shortly by Spencer Paquette (5 year old son of Spencer from this board-whose name is actually Robby) assisting him with ball retrieval) Angry glares from the Bog Monster who is still hard at work whilst I direct ball chasing kids and sip a Miller Lite. Let me tell you something. Those kids can throw. Bill Regan was first up in the booth followed by Scott Lennox of Hooked On OC and Sunset Provisions, who was relieved by Pat Svehla (former Club President) and last but not least the well repsected White Marlin man himself, Capt. Jimmy Fields of the Wound Up. All 4 of these men were dunked more times than I can count. It was incredible. Maintenance on the machine was a chore, and a certain Squid Salesman kept running up and hitting the dunk pad and knocking the machine out of whack, but WOW what a Blast!!! The kids could not stop smiling.

When the dust settled on the evening, awards were given. Pizza and Barbecue was eaten. Every prize was given away. Kids got into the dunk tank. All the adults were frapped!!!!

I feel honored to be a part of the Club and was glad to help with stuff yesterday. The smiles on the kids made it all worthwhile.

Today while Bill and I were disassembling the Dunking Booth, Bill said something that made me appreciate him as President all the more. He told me that we were going to have a meeting later this week and figure out how we can make this tourney and post tourney carnival even better next year. We weren't even done cleaning up, and he was planning for next year. Any of you who have kids, or are kids, make plans to fish this thing next year. I promise we will work hard to make it even more fun (if that is possible) next year.

Thanks to everyone who helped out. And thanks to all the participants in the tourney and their families.

[OCcaptain]

WOW Franky you hit the nail on the head. The people that put this tournament together did an incredible job. I feel privelidge to just be a part of it. It's only going to get better!!! I've never seen kids so excited about anything like they were this weekend. Watching kids that were barely old enough to walk weighing fish was quite a thill. The future of our sport depends on events like this.

[Squidnation]

Thanks Franky, Billy and all those mentioned above. It truly was a great event. Sorry about the dunkin booth incident. But that was my CPA in the booth and he needed to hear from the people . I have said this a few times on the board. This is the best tournament OC has going right now. The carnival idea was fabulous. it really capped off a nice weekend.

[frankypettolina]

Wait a minute. He is my accountant as well. Lets put that booth back together, and fill it with tabasco!!!!!

[DoveHunt]

HIP ...HIP...HOORAAY!!!!!