Things were looking a little “iffy” this year for the Buzzard Bait event, with new management at Ocotillo Wells State Off Road Park, but we were able to change the dates (from the same weekend we’ve had for the last 16 years) and keep most everyone happy. We still had a great turn out though, just not as many as years past. We would like to thank the “Hard Core” supporters that came out for this year’s family event – we couldn’t do it without you!
This year we changed the theme a little bit. There were still the clues to figure out but when riders got to the designated sites, we had guys dressed up like card dealers who presented the riders with poker hands. We had a lot of great prizes donated by a number of businesses and individual families. Thank you very much for your support.
We had two “firsts” this year. There was not even one injury reported – WOW! Good job! And in the youngest rider award category we had a tie – we had two riders, a boy and a girl, who were both five years old. I guess we are getting soft in our old age because we gave each of them a prize.
As per tradition, the oldest rider from last year brought back our “Old Buzzard” trophy and we awarded it to someone new (OLD). I think he was 72 years old – sorry if I got that wrong, I’m getting old.
One of our LACoFD friends got his mega motor home stuck, AGAIN! But this has become a tradition now for many years (I love tradition). His family name makes him an III, but now after this year he should be a V.
This was year 17 for the event. As life goes on things change. Many of our participants are now retired but they have been coming out since the beginning. And it’s great to see all the new families coming out with their kids, just like we did years ago. This provides us with a whole new pool of participants.
The purpose of this event is to get Fire Department families together to have fun tell stories (lies) and raise money for the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Everyone this year was VERY generous and we were able to give a nice donation to the Widows and Orphans. Thank you everyone who came out and we hope to see you all again next year.
By Mike Reitmayer
Photos by David Perez
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See more photos from this great event! Click here.
