Though we had to work a bit harder for this one, I still saw a lot of smiling faces. We're moving the dates out one or two weeks to the 2nd or 3rd weekend of May so we should never again have to deal with the rain and mud. Though, as many people noted, in some ways hangin in the lodge and huddling up under tarps and in the stage hut at the play area brought many people closer together. This was definitely an example of how trying times can bring out the best.
My personal list of thanks is very long and I'm always hesitant to begin for fear of leaving someone out, but I'll try to touch on what I can for now.
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Noel of course, you're at the top of the list. No one has promoted and helped spread tha werd about FireDrums more than you. Thanx for all the coordinating help and putting up with my ramblings and helping to keep me on track.
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Ian, thanks for jumpin on with Noel and coordinating all the finances and business.
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Chad, huge thanx for setting up and continuing to help with the web site and tickets. This was way beyond what anyone could ever hope for.
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Flint and all the Rangers, as always and even more so in trying times, you guys rocked it! Bacchus, thanx for the grilled bacon and cheese when I was too tired to even open a power bar. Creech, you da man with tha big 4 by, helping get people out of tha mud,,,,, that was uber awesome!!!!!
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Elecktra Bomb and all the Greeters, , every time I came by, you guys were always livening things up like the Greeters station WAS the party!
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Chelsea and the First Aid crew, , again, THANKFULLY, we didn't have need for many 'body repairs'. But you guys were always there and ready.
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Terra, George, Paul, Geoff, Crispy and all the kitchen crew, , how totally and completely amazed, happy and grateful I and everyone is for the awesome meals. I constantly heard so many compliments on the wonderful food, , and for once, I actually got to try some it.
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Greg, Sam and the FireSafety posse, the fuel station ran safely and was always clean. You guys were always around and smilin and kept everything running smoothly.
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P, Steve, Geoff, Yogi, and all the drummers, , this was the best year ever for the drummers. Thank you for helping build the momentum. Vatra and Dub, thanx for helping spread tha werd and getting us even more awesome drummers.
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Sean, Adam, Robert, Flint, Lester, Geoff, Steve, more who's names I can't remember and everyone who helped set up the decor, the dome, the tarps and the fires, , you all helped in ways that made things more comfortable for so many. For everyone who helped with the tarps, a special thanx for climbing trees and sloshin thru the mud and the rain to set them up.
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Scorch, Jaz and everyone who participated with vending, thank you for hangin in with us in the rain and having all your wares out there for everyone to try. The Vendors area was awesome. Thanx Ray and crew for all the chai tea and cookies!!!!!
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To the beautiful soul who's name I can't remember just now for that back rub at the stage hut. I was about to collapse when these magical hands massaged and revitalized me to keep going.
For all the amazing instructors who led so many awesome workshops, for all the wonderful hugs and and smiles of appreciation, for all the volunteers who helped make it all happen, to everyone of you for enduring the adverse weather and staying with us and being a part of the most amazing FireDrums yet,
THANK YOU ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !