AFTERBOO

By Michelle, "Queen of the BOO"
Thursday's storm created a gusty Friday, which brought the weekend's cold temps. -Witch tit coldness creates an extremely playable & snuggly BOO. During property prep, my favorite part was painting the teepee with Liz. We worked really hard as well as had a blast doing it, unfortunately we couldn't get the teepee to stay standing due to old rotting poles & mad winds. Oh well, maybe next year. I actually saw the sun rise Friday morning. Marcie and I were the first awake in our campsite. We went down to the dock and were joined by a lone fisherman. The beautiful colors coming thru the trees and reflecting off the lake created a perfect beginning to BOOX. Friday was an extremely blustery day--so much so that we had a difficult time keeping the propane burners lit so that band food could be prepared. Geri handled it like a pro--borrowing a few stove tops from neighboring RV's. At dusk the winds died down. An enjoyable chilly evening followed. The BOO long play night turned out to be Friday this year, instead of the usual Saturday night. Friday had the biggest turnout I've ever seen. Parking was tight both nights. Especially since we, had just over 400 people attend this year. Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day, I was so mad at myself for forgetting my kites! But, I saw my slack was taken up by other BOO kids. We had a nice batch of pumpkins resulting in many contestants in this year's pumpkin carving contest. We offered prizes for 1st & 2nd place in two categories: children & adults. Thank the Goddess that Coffee Culture was in residence this year. Some of us might not have survived the cold without them! They showed up early and left late--l think they like us. St. Brendan graced B00-land heavily this year. He must be the patron saint of early morning imbibers (or maybe he was just on sale). The Jersey Crew might have doubled in size this year but good company can never be too big to be accommodated. Generous & warm--we all love the Jersey Crew, Especially Pete! They are young, tender, & probably taste like chicken! Camping alongside of the J-crew was Flo & co. They had a most wonderful barrel grill/smoker. That Boston Butt was heavenly! Many thanks for the sandwich. I love running into Pumpkin Bill every year--& not just for the Jell-O shots. He always dresses up but this year; he looked surreal! The most Johnny Depp looking Mad-hatter ever! He also left his mark throughout BOO-land. Dozens of women (& a few men) wore the tell-tale sign--a bright lipstick kiss: on necks, cheeks, jaw lines & a few foreheads. Bill is also the BOO pumpkin carving maestro. His carvings are legendary! Thanks for being so much fun!! This year our grounds were set up was slightly differently. We incorporated a manned band gate. Restricting the amount of cars entering the crimping area after the bands had started, trying to make it safer for everyone as well as creating a bigger play area. Thanks to all for helping in this endeavor. We had extra electric poles available to help accommodate our ever-growing PV parking. These were located at the rear of the property (entrance area). There was a well dug and potable water was available. We had shower boxes available, but the chilly weather created a lack of usage. We were also able to separate the BOO kitchen from the BOO cafe--all thanks to Richard's developing of his property. He definitely spoiled us this year. Next year we may have to take into consideration the extra amenities of the property and compensate extra monetarily. Every year it's so wonderful to see everyone catching up on each other's lives, trying to figure out who all the grown kids are, trying to figure out who all the new kids belong to, and tasting everyone's specialties. We greatly anticipate the beginning and dread the end. But we sure do stuff a lot into those 3-5 days! This year's overall feelings were warm, inviting & generous good vibes. Conflicts were minimal as were injuries. Also--not one officer made an appearance all weekend! As always, the worry warts, nervous nellies, & timid timothys were predicting their "what ifs." But faith created BOO and faith will keep it alive. I love all of you. 'Til next year, my friends. Blessed Be!

BOO NEWS FLASH:

The mushroom man was stolen this year, Somehow Sunday morning he was taken without any witnesses. Thru deductive reasoning and some good ole boy Columbo-ing, the mushroom man was located in Rochelle. The culprits were confronted & they returned the mushroom man back to the property Tuesday evening, Thanks Bill--we never would have found him without you!

NOTABLE BOO CAMPSITES:

  • LEE & ART: The deluxe-multi-portable-bakers rack-kitchen! The experienced BOO-ers are always evident & envied!
  • CAPT. RON & LIZ: Dark & creepy yet a way a huge cooking adventure. Pack roasted, stuffed pig--OMG!
  • PUMPKIN BILL: Pumpkin carving, jello shots, pinatas, & other perversions. An awesome site for all ages.
  • JENNIFER, DAVIS & CO: A quick rising of a small O'dome--construction of the most experienced is always awe inspiring!
  • TEENIE & BOB: Traditional & nostalgic--skull borders with a coffin corner. It was the colorful occupants that were scary, Stick people & crazy Cajun women are definitely on the edge.
  • BIG OIL: A self sufficient nomad tribe for sure! Organized & maintained by their own site master. During their stop at B00 they invented the wheel and created their own religion. We love you guys! Thanks for the CD!!
  • MANNEQUIN DAVE: Camping near the stage with Bonnie & Stew--Dove's mannequins added a touch of weirdness perfect for BOO! We love 'em-- keep 'em coming!
CLEANUPOne of our best, We so appreciate everyone's conscious efforts to leave as they found. Thanks to this, we hope to be allowed back to play again next year.

BOO CREW

  • *SCOOBY-The "shariff" of B00. He's eerily everywhere at all times, except when you're looking for him. Without Scooby BOO would truly suffer. He makes sure property chores are done--scheduling work crews, toting BOO necessities to & from, firewood duties, placing compsites & RV's, barrel dumping, & generally just trying to make everyone happy. Thanks for everything you do--we need & love you.
  • *GERI- The BOO's culinary master. Cooking mass amounts of food to nourish the bonds & half the crew. She is tireless in her efforts. This year she made sure she had plenty for the growing number of vegetarians. Friday's menu included beef-a-roni & veg-a-roni. Saturday offered chicken soup (with or without noodles) & yellow rice with steamed vegetables. Available both nights were vegi-vinegarette salad, fruit salad, various types of bread, and fresh picked tangerines. Geri makes BOO delicious!
  • *LASER GREG- What can not be said--awesome as always! The graphics & pics with & in between bands and the always-anticipated laser show, Every year wow-ing us again & again. Forever we thank you!
  • *PHYLLIS-The graphic artist of staff, band, & neighbor passes. The first of our personal decorations for all involved. Thank you.
  • *SOUNDGUY RICK- A crappy beginning but you endeavored to persevere. A few scars, but not lost limbs or other permanent damage. Thanks for hanging in--we need you! Your new addition (your bride) was favorably accepted. She's charming, beautiful & filled with the B00 spirit, whether she knew it or not!
  • *STAGEMANAGER CHRIS- You were my personal favorite. Compact & portable--I loved the way you took over what you know how to do! Thanks for everything, especially helping me out Saturday night. Hoping your around next year to help us--can't imagine the chaos that would result without you.
  • *ERICA- Only her second year of T-shirt designs but she's already a BOO pop-icon. Retro/new wave--this year's hand drawn design was extremely popular. Erica also got sneaky with her design this year-- within the picture she hid a signa fy nothing, a RPP, and a 420. Beautiful! Keep up the excellent work.
  • *GRADY- Always providing whatever mowing & tree removal/moving B00 needs. Grady has actually been a part of BOO a lot longer than most know. In fact, he helped me with the first B00 I had a hand in organizing. 11 years ago!! Thanks for always being there for me.
  • *ALISA & MIKE- Coffee Culture, I think we figured out that this year was their 5th year with BOO. How did we ever survive without them'-' I can't even remember! Thanks for all the HOT coffee thru this very chilly BOO!
  • *FLO-The dumpster dude. Flo has been providing BOO with dumpsters for the last 6 years. Without Flo, BOO would be a dirty place in deed! Thanks again.
  • *JOHN MONKUS-The BOO webmaster, Helping to keep the masses informed on current A past B00s. Thank you.
  • *VEGGIE CRAIG & MEATMAN DAVE- Even though they could get in for free--neither has ever made an appearance at BOO. But their contributions are most needed! Veggie Craig donates a couple of boxes of veggies every year to help us feed the bands. He also donates the pumpkins that are left over after Halloween. Because of him, we have been able to have our pumpkin carving contests. Meatman Dave always lets me know when the London broil is on sale so 1 can make my infamous jerky. He slices it perfectly & has it waiting on me. Meatman Dove says he knows when BOO is close because of a call-in order from Texas. Clark may live in Texas, but he knows where to go for good meat in Gainesville! Their generosity is much appreciated and helps B00 greatly & deliciously!
  • *LUCKY- My handsome and wonderful sig-nif . Lucky aids me in all my endeavors. This year he helped us greatly by bringing the BOO stage by flatbed. He helps before BOO w/preparations, during BOO by working 2 gate shifts for me, and after BOO with clean up, I could not ask for a better partner in this lifetime, Thanks for all the help for putting up with me. I love you, baby!

Thanks to the rest of the crew that made BOO happen:

  • Rob Cotton
  • Travis
  • Kevin
  • Andi
  • Steven
  • Rainey
  • Lydia
  • Marcie
  • Yvonne
  • Lindsey
  • Joey
  • Big Kevin
  • Kim Hardy
  • Caveman Mark
  • Dean
  • Keith
  • Mechanic Greg
  • Leon
  • Liz
  • Montgomery
  • Mark
  • Big Billy
  • Handy Travis
  • Mr. Black