21st Dam Gathering of the Tears, May 1-4, 2014

May 1-4, 2014 Lakehead, CALIFORNIA
Jefferson State Chapter TearJerkers’ 21st Dam Gathering of the Tears at Antlers RV Park & Campgrounds, now an official JSC TearJerkers event, our great times with great people and great trailers (all are welcome!) just keeps rollin’ along! No registration, but you can make reservations through Antlers ( http://www.antlersrvpark.com ) or just show up (there’s plenty of room!), Pinewood Gravity Races, Potlucks & Campfires all nights, T-shirts & dash-plaques by Ray Perry (pre-order info soon), all the fun we’re known for but now without all the production ... just come on out, socialize, and have FUN! More info from [email protected] or by calling 530-242-6452
We've been talking about it for the last several years, and the formal announcement about it was made at the end of last year's event, but from now on, things will be a little different at the Dam Gatherings ... no more Registration, no more Raffles, no more awards ... no more assigned or segregated parking, no more perceived stigma about whether you should bring the teardrop or not ... in essence, no more big production! And, we made it official this summer while at the TearJerkers' CRA ... it is now a Jefferson State Chapter TearJerkers sponsored/hosted event (of course, that shouldn't be any surprise, as Kay is Director and I am Co-Diretor of the Chapter).
As a lot of you already know, we like to Potluck! ... it's when we all come together around a huge campfire for fun, fellowship, and FOOD! You'll have plenty of opportunities to share the feasts, whether it's the informal potluck on Thursday and Sunday (for those who stay over) nights, or the more organized ones on Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night's Dutch Oven Sampler focuses on a variety of dutch oven creations and accompanying dishes, and Saturday night's Campfire & Chili Cookout is all about the huge community-size over-the-fire chili pot and is potluck for accompanying dishes. If you wish to contribute to the pot, your chili must be freshly prepared or canned (please, no "hot stuff"!).
Returning this year is the Thursday Night Spirits & Sides Social, hosted by Rob & Caryn Scharf, so bring a local/regional/favorite "spirit" (wine or beer) and an appetizer and join in on the fun! Since this is a family-oriented event, non-alcholic beverages are welcome, too!
Also returning this year will be the Pinewood Teardrop Gravity Races! Participants build a car or car & trailer from Pinewood Derby kits and race them down a double-long gravity track for prizes and bragging rights, so grab a kit or two and start carving! For those really adventurous & crafty, we'll have an "Unlimited" class where almost anything that will fit on the track can run.
As previously noted, event T-shirts will be available from Ray Perry ... pre-order info will be up soon, and he'll have a limited amount available at the Gathering!
Children have always been welcomed, and encouraged (they are our next generation of Teardroppers, after all)! The campground has a nice playground, including basketball & vollyball courts, and there will be some activities just for them!
So, come on out and have a Dam Good Time! Call Antlers to make a site reservation, or just show up and share a site, 'cause there'll be lots of room! We'll look forward to seeing as many of you there as can make it! As always ...
CHEERS!