Partying Between Set Up and the Start of Business at the Raid

Brooksville Now-- we started the kettle korn business

Bev's Mom and Dad

Once we started going there as a business, we needed to get there much earlier.  Instead of arriving on Friday, we now had to set up on Wednesday.  Thursday was a day in which not much happened. Then the get-togethers started to accumulate between setting up and actually starting selling at the event.  Steve and I are not party folks as mentioned before.  But we do like our special traditional and annual gatherings.

Parents of my long-time friend Bev are snow birds.  They are currently 89 and 91.  Several years ago, Mrs. S. invited us for lunch on Thursday.  At that time we still lived in South Florida.  So, when we left on Wednesday, we did not return to our home until after the event Sunday night.  The Thursday luncheon with old friends was perfect in so many ways.  That first year, we were served a variety of breads, rolls, chips, cold meats and salads…egg, crab, tuna, potato.  The next year Beverly asked what we would like to eat.  We requested the same meal.  And, thus, a traditional was born.   Even after we moved to North Central Florida and we could go home easier with fewer miles, the traditional continued.  Last year, Mrs. S. was battling illness.  So, we did not go.  But this year, Bev and her sister decided they could go back to this wonderful tradition.   We did go this year.  And the meal was as wonderful as ever.  Good food, good friends.

Bob's get together

Loafer’s Glory sutler—Debbie and Bob live near the Brooksville Raid.  He is the sutler co-ordinator.  Several years ago, because most of the sutlers came in on Wednesday to set up and, like us, did not have much to do on Thursday, they started inviting a handful of us to their house for a small get together.  It is held primarily out of doors.  Some of these evenings have been reaaaaaaaaaaaaaallly cold.  But this year, it was cool, but pleasant.  They have a fire pit where we roast our own hot dogs.  Every one brings something.  A list is compiled during the day of such goodies.  That first event I brought cheese cake—a variety of flavors which we bought at the local Winn-Dixie.  It became my traditional donation.  Since most of us do not have the convenience of “making” or “baking” our contributions on site, almost everything is store-boughten.  There is, however, homemade slaw and homemade chili.  Various beverages (no alcohol).  Sometimes children (Bob’s and Debbie’s granddaughter).  A pleasant evening.

Karaoke takes on its special doings.  Steve and I are not fond of this entertainment.  So, we often leave about the time the singing starts.