Tracing the history of the EOSB goes all the way back to the summer of 2001. My neighbor and good friend Ted Colombo had invited me and my family to their summer party. It was there that I was introduced to a man named John Merdler….and subsequently to the band String Cheese Incident….
The following Memorial Day saw me invited to the Star M Star festival/camping trip up on Horse Creek about an hour outside Eugene. It was here that I saw for the first time how an annual camping trip with many friends could be such an inspirational event. I do believe that this particular event was the 22nd annual pilgrimage into the woods. There I was impressed by all the folks and their children coming together to eat, drink and play in one of the most beautiful settings I have ever had the pleasure to behold. The experience left an indelible mark in my mind…..and so the seeds were sown.
Also in that same year I made the commitment and bought a ticket to see String Cheese play at Hornings Hideout. The festival was an incredible event, with lights and music; in a picturesque setting…..alas I had found the place for my event! I had a discussion with Mr. Bob Horning and the date was set for Memorial Day. A perfect three day weekend, just before all the kids return for school. A last chance summer dance where I knew the kids, as well as the parents could unwind and spend a great weekend together socializing and carrying on before the hustle and bustle of the outside world would once again take precedence for the next 9 months.
2003 – The Saga Begins
The first year was, well it was the first year. Very few lights, some tapestries and about 20 folks in all attended the event. It was a smash hit with the kids. The children were left to their own to explore their world, with Mom and Dad close by to oversee. Valuable lessons in safety were learned as the young boys found that throwing rocks at a hole in the ground where bees were wasn’t the best thing to do. The parents also learned about faulty camp stoves….Hornings had withstood the inexperienced crew, and an annual event was in the making.
2004 – The Funk in the Forest (End of Summer Blunder)
Chapter two saw the event double in size. The location although still at Hornings saw us in the picnic area down by the creek. Lights, lots of lights, and a full stereo system lit the night. The music played on throughout the days as everyone chipped in to make Chapter 2 a great success. Night hikes throughout the Hornings property were sponsored by Mr. Colombo. John Merdler proved to be a valuable asset in managing the music selection. Todd Gydesen provided the kegs of beer and root beer a tradition that holds true to today. It was cold that year and Bob Horning brought down burn barrels so that we could build fires and stay warm as Fall was on its way early. Marshall Petty was seen dawning a tye-dye tank top, and Joe Marx performed the Sweetest Monkey routine to the delight of all….except his wife. Joe Reitzug and Stephanie were reunited and remain so till this day three years later.
2005 – End of Summer Blunder
Chapter three and we are back above the bowl overlooking the amphitheater. Ambiance oozed throughout camp as even more lights were brought in. Tapestries and carpets were available and the first Kasbah (which just happened to be outside the front of my tent) gave the adults a place to “hang” at night. Mr. Merdler went above and beyond on the music selection. Colombo cooked BBQ Peacocks to delight of the Saturday crowd. The event also picked up a great addition in the Kneefel family. Scott, Tammy Mycala and Kyle showed their camping experience and helped make the event a smooth one. Scott introduced us to the Big Buck Club and the first members made the sacrifice for the benefit of humor. Mr. Colombo needed an ejection seat to exit his tent. Wendy had us all in stitches as she danced her way around the late night campground.
Kid’s camp was in full force, another first, and the kids had a blast chasing and catching snakes, lizards, fish and newts. And few can forget Jake Colombo’s screams coming from the forest when he heard the word “Beans!” spoken just outside his tent. Decorations were everywhere; made from Peacock feathers and whatever else the kids could put their hands on. The elevated area made for keeping an eye on the kids easier and I believe a permanent home for the event was found.
2006 - End of Summer Blunder
Chapter four almost was a “no-go” but with prodding from John Merdler, Ted Colombo and Scott Kneefel (all of whom are now organizers of the event) I was awoken to the fact that people were looking forward to this event and the show would go on. I am so glad and proud that I did. Wow, what an event!! A different mix this year, more people, more kids, more fun. About fifty folks camped throughout the weekend. Meals were shared by all. Colombo’s own BBQ Peacock on Saturday night and a late night jam session compliments of Latenight Freakout Odyssey’s very own Jeff Seacrist kept the crowd partying until the wee hours. Tim Gustke helped out with the harmonica and Marc Panet-Raymond helped round out the sound with his didgeridoo. It was even rumored that I helped out on the vocals, my apologies to all!!
Kid’s camp once again proved to be a great time, with girls Vs. boys throughout the weekend. Sorry boys, girls ruled this year! And the fishing, I had never seen so many fish caught, Mrs. Horning made out like a bandit. Glow sticks anyone? The night air was made colorful by every possible glow in the dark toy available. The weather was warm and the festival was a huge success.
We are looking forward to next year already. Marc has undertaken the responsibility of a “new” camp layout. The same cast of organizers is committed to making 2007 even better, I have no idea what to expect. Needless to say the buzz for the Blunder is at an all time high. I can hardly wait for next year. Stay tuned for more information.
