2016 Rendezvous

May/June 2016
2016 Rendezvous
Rendezvous 2016 Rides Into The Sunset
By Kim Merrick
Thanks to those who attended, making this year’s event a fun
and educational experience. It was great to see old friends,
shop for a new scarf or some furniture, watch the TIP (Trainer
Incentive Program) mustangs, and sample food from the Dutch
Oven Cooking Contest.
Rendezvous is centered around a meeting for all members,
which the BCHW bylaws say we must have once a year. Some
smart people from the early days of BCHW knew that just having
a meeting would not be any fun, so some activities were added
to help get members to come. In earlier days there were more
contests, but the dinner and auction, the educational classes, the
vendors, and awards remain the same. Since this is an all-volunteer
effort, events change to reflect those who are doing the work.
For 2016, one new thing was a BLM Mustang auction. There
were six mustangs; all were gentled through the TIP process (see
the Feb/Mar Issue of your THN for more info), and all were adopted.
Our 2 BLM Wranglers, JW and Derrick, were the hit of the
live auction, maybe because someone kept buying them drinks.
Their antics really jazzed up the show.
The first night of Rendezvous, Friday, has traditionally had a
potluck (the mainstay of all BCHW parties). This year a bar and
some open microphone time were added, which made the food all
that much more enjoyable. There is always a big turnout for this;
Darlene Brady and Shannon Burvee did a great job organizing it,
and there were lots and lots of wonderful food. After dinner, people
undid their belts and listened to several singers up on the stage.
Another new thing this year was Movie Night. The movie that
took the horse world by storm last fall, ‘Unbranded’ was shown
on a big screen in the Armory, and there was even popcorn. All
who participated enjoyed it, even if they had seen it before. In past
years, we have had a dance, but it felt that maybe more guests
would prefer a movie. We’ll see what happens for next year.
Even our dinner had something new: Flank Steak. It was fabulous!
Cascade Mountain Grilling always does a terrific job, and
they are generous supporters of BCHW, donating a Dutch Oven
Dinner for 12 to our live auction. We had more than 360 diners at
our party, and it takes a long time to get your food sometimes, but
there’s always enough. From drinks to dessert, all had a good time.
Several things have remained the same as in years’ past: The
biggest fundraiser of the year is the three auctions, which made
about $17,000. Andy and Chuck brought their great packing classes
back this year as well, even though they had an opportunity
to go somewhere else. There was also the Saturday Dutch Oven
Cooking Competition and the Crosscut Saw Competition. Awards
given out on Sunday at the General Meeting included Bob and
Vicki Gish (Lifetime Achievement), Don Boltz (Backbone), Cathy
Nelson (President’s Diamond Award). For complete information
on all the contest winners and honorees, see the BCHW website.
So, while some things remain the same, other things change.
I hoped that attendees enjoyed themselves and spent some of
their hard-earned money to support their State BCHW, a leader in
BCHA circles. After all, it is our party, and we want to play like
we work. Thanks to those who attended, and hopefully, we will get
more members attending that are new to Rendezvous.
BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF WASHINGTON
PRIZE RIDE JOE WATT CANYON MAY 14, 2016
All proceeds go to Trail Projects and Support BCHW State Work Party.
• First rider out 9:00 AM - Last out at 12 Noon!
• Top Prize $500.00 in Cash / Plus many great prizes
• $10.00 per hand $20.00 for [4] hands and $5.00 for
every hand above [4] hands
• Family membership to Back Country Horsemen $54.00
gets [2] free hands!
• Single membership to Back Country Horsemen $41.00
gets [1] free hand!
Joe Watt Canyon Near Ellensburg
Thorp Exit 101 off I-90 ]
47.070281,-120.737215
Follow us on Facebook “Back Country Horsemen of
Washington” for more information or contact
Jason Ridlon,home 509 964-9260 Cell 509 699-9927
email jhridlon@fairpoint.net
Joy Rucker 509 304-4503 email ruckm2j@gmail.com
• Food available- Provided by Cascade Mountain Grilling
No Stallions or Dogs allowed on Prize Ride! • No Alcohol on Prize Ride! • Stock water only - no potable water
Dry overnight camp sites available • Discover Pass or Washington Fish and Wildlife pass required!
The Trailhead News
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