As a follow on to last year’s Tiki Bar Contest, this year’s contest will be bigger and better with judging in numerous categories. Subject to the whims of the judges, winners will be selected in a number of categories such as the ever popular Best Tiki Bar, Best Beer Bar, Best Wine Bar, Best General Bar – you can suggest a category you want to be judged in or leave it entirely to the discretion of the judges. Judging will be based on the quality and variety of beverages, the décor of the bar and surroundings, and the decorum (or lack thereof) of the patrons. Primary judging will be 2-7 pm Saturday, with a sign-up sheet for a time of your choice at Contest HQ; other times may be requested. Judges reserve the right to judge any bar and its libations at any time. Winners will be announced and given a handsome Certificate during the OTR Awards Ceremony. Bragging rights will be yours for an entire year.

Looking for something productive and satisfying to do during OTR to fill the void left by voluntary and mandatory cave closures due to white nose syndrome? The Mountain State Grotto offers a worthy event:  Pink Helictite Cave entrance sinkhole clean-up and cookout!

Jim Forsyth the OTR 2009 chair, has a sneak peak at some of what’s in store for you at this year’s reunion.  Hosting  the 60th reunion is a big responsibility, and Jim has stepped up to the challenge.  This year some of the hot events will be:

The light parade at dusk, grottos and teams will gather for a doo-dah like parade with everyone decked out in light.  The parade will travel around the campground and prizes will be awarded to the best display.

Since OTR was founded in 1950, Jim is planning a 1950’s style prom dance in the pavilion, don’t forget your poodle skirts and tuxes.  Jim has some great bands scheduled to play for the event.

Watch for a spectacular opening bonfire.  Ever since the 2001 reunion, the bonfire has become the kicking off event for OTR, and each year they try and out do the last.  This year is no exception.  Some amazing ideas, and when it all comes together, and impressive display.

A 10’x12’ outdoor slide show presentation by the climbing wall, this will be a multi-media event showcasing reunions from the past 60 years.  If you have any old photos that you would like included, by all means contact Jim.

Paul Southerly has decided to retire from the sauna master position, he will be replaced by a very energetic Jackie Harris.  Please be sure to thank Paul for the many years of service keeping the sauna area operational.  Also, please welcome Jackie to her new role.  She can use your help. 

As roll call was being read during the Spring board meeting, a moment of silence was held in memory of Dale Ibberson who passed away this year.  His dedication and general commitment to OTR was second to none, so much so that he was featured as the 2005 OTR logo supporting his now famous saying “Hey!  It’s OTR”.  Dale was dedicated to the preservation of OTR history and memorabilia.   Dale ran the OTR museum, and would feature it every couple of years at OTR so members could reflect on the past 60 years.  Dale will be missed, but his memory will live on.  Thank you for everything you have done.

It was determined that the position of Vice President of TRA has become a very work intensive position for a volunteer organization.  To best aid the organization as a whole, TRA voted to split this position into two separate positions.  There will now be the Administrative Vice President, and the Operations Vice President.  An immediate vote was held and Tim Brown, the current Vice President was elected as the Administrative Vice President, and AJ Goslin was voted the Operations Vice President.

OTR 2008 had many new features, one of them was the addition of street signs to help people better identify where they were camped or where they needed to be to meet friends.  These were the work of many people and many hours went into their creation.  Unfortunately, these signs quickly became collector’s items, and by the end of OTR many of them were missing.  Tim Brown, the OTR 2008 chair has requested that these signs be return, “No Questions Asked, just bring them back”.

It was noted at the Spring board meeting, that over the past few years, the Wild Side with its serene off the beaten path reflecting pool, hidden pathways, river side stage and bands to entertain the masses at the river party have really become a major part of the OTR experience.   To better aid this group in acquiring funding for their projects, it was decided to make the Wild Side an official committee reporting to the TRA Vice President.

Ahoy!  There was a camera found after OTR this year.  If you think this might be yours, please contact Mike Oatney  (moatney@columbus.rr.com) with a description and he will see that you get it back.

Ahoy ye land lubbers.  Steady at the helm!  There be a whole lot of work to be gettin your self ready b'fer ye set sail to OTR this year.  Keep your weather eyes peeled for news to help you along the way.  Check this web site often for updates.  Now be the time to pack your cutlass and a spare eye patch there be pirate’n a foot.  See the schedule of pirate events to help you make up your mind and don’t forget your ol’ mate when you are packing your spare rum or I’ll have you swabbing the deck.  Now come on if you’re coming and look sharp about it.  We’re about to hoist the anchor and set sail.