The BBQ-Potluck had a very short turn-around from approval of the application to the Sunday, June 28, event. Since my printer was down, the detailed invitations were printed at Staples. They were hand delivered to each residence (over 100) on our long street. My left foot pain was exacerbated by all the walking and stairs.
My original plan was to purchase burgers for about 100 to 120. A neighbour was convinced that we would have 200 people attend. We purchased burgers, buns, condiments, toppings for 200. Because of the larger estimate, we had to buy cheaper quality and priced food. We bought food early as I didn’t want to be stressed with that task just before the event. A portable rental toilet was arranged for a special price. I met Rural Septic when the lockable toilet was delivered on the Monday before the event to show her where it should go.
Eighty people RSVPed that they were attending. One of the neighbours who is retired as a caterer offered her assistance with the planning of the BBQ. During the week leading up to the event the weather forecast went from “Sunny” for the Sunday, June 28, event to “30% chance of drizzle”. There was no backup plan for the outdoor event. On the day, the weather forecast was “30% chance of drizzle. Clearing in the afternoon.” And it did clear in the afternoon with blue skies and a moderate temperature of about 21°C. Whew!!
Volunteers appeared (some expected, some not). The Tla’amin Nation Fire Department came with a fire truck. We were entertained by a neighbour and his band (another unexpected pleasure). Burgers were BBQed, people brought potluck dishes. Rather than name tags, I had people wear tags with their house number. (They would still have to talk to each other and ask for their names!!!) We kept driveways and the road clear in case of emergencies. A volunteer did a head count at the height of the gathering and there were 80 people (though not all the ones who’d RSVPed). Residents/neighbours who came appeared to have an enjoyable time. A couple of people used the musicians’ mic to thank me and the volunteers for putting on the BBQ-Potluck and asked if it would be an annual event. Many residents got to know people they hadn’t known before.
Learnings from putting on this event: I wouldn’t offer BBQed burgers again. A simple Potluck would be much easier to deal with. Though I’d asked people to put a list of ingredients with their dish, some people only listed common allergens. This was not helpful for people who are vegan when a complete list was not supplied. I would emphasize that people should bring a complete list of ingredients. I would have a “Plan B” for a venue in case of rain.
In spite of the challenges (and with the new learnings in mind) I would definitely put this event on again. Thank you Neighbourhood Small Grants!!
