The Big "0" Bash

For the past 3 or 4 years my Owens' Family (My mom's side) has had a summer "party".  We've done a variety of things such as a family softball game or 4th of July Party.  Each year seems to get bigger and better!

This year's celebration was the Big "0" Bash!  Big "0" (zero) because there were a large number of birthdays this year ending is zero. 

80 years old - Grandpa

60 years old - Aunt Janilla

50 years old - Uncle Mark and Uncle Joe

40 years old - Aunt Heather

30 years old - Cousins Kim, Adam, Justin, Kurt, Tracy and Me

Plus a 10 year Anniversary for Kim & Adam!  Whoo-hoo!

The Birthday crew got sashes

This year's "Bash" was held at Easter Lake.

Registration Began at 3pm

My littlest Owens Cousin Kerrigan (right) and her Friend Madison were our greeters and registration coordinators. 

As you registered you made a name tag (not sure why, we are family, we know who each other is) Then you complete an entry form for a drawing and completed your White Elephant Registry which includes the name of your item and a brief description telling about the item.  (More about this later)

There was a face painting station...

  

Kati did an awesome job.

Nick

Ashley

Jordyn

There was a Craft Station for the kids...

Craft Station

White Elephant Auction...

Our gifts.

For the White Elephant Auction everyone brings an item from around the house or garage that they don't want anymore.  At the registration table you complete a card with some information about your item including a story of the item.  We make up things... For example, I brought an Indian mask and said it came from the great Barrett Indian Tribe.  Alison brought chopsticks and said she used them in China while eating with an Emperor.  Ashely brought some books and Nick brought a combo of wine, a "persistence prevails" rock and a Jamaican bracelet. 

My Uncle Joe is the Auctioneer and everyone gets to bid on the item/s they want  Some things go for $1, some go for $5, $10 even $25.  We got:

Alison: $2 for a picture Baby Nicholas drew

Ashley: $1 for a feather, $1 for Travel Connect Four

Rae Ann: $7 for a vase

Nick: $1 Sponge Bob watch, $3 wine rack

The money that is collected is put into a pot and after the Auction, someones name gets drawn and they get to keep all the money.  This year the pot was $165 and was won by Kati! 

Among all the events there were other activities such as fishing, horseshoes and volleyball. And of course, plenty of yummy food to eat!! 

A special THANKS to the following for the wonderful event!

Master Grillers: Janilla and Sterling

Auctioneer: Joe

Bathroom Monitor: Heather  (it's a park people... the bathrooms are disgusting!!  Heather brought hand sanitizer, wet wipes and air fresheners so you could at least stand to be in the bathroom long enough to finish your business) 

Invitations & Signage: Emily

Overall Event Coordinator: Joy

Can't wait till next year!