Annual NIRG Picnic – August 10, 2008

By Ken Bounds

What a great day for a picnic and what a great time we had!  Approximately 100 NIRG members, family, and guests attended the annual picnic at the home of Lloyd and Gladys Duzell.  About 45 classic cars, most of them Ford Flatheads, were proudly displayed on the grounds on a warm, sunny day.  August 10 could have been very hot, but a light breeze and moderate temperatures added to the enjoyment of the day.

The festivities began about 10:00 a.m.  There were games for everyone.  Lloyd and Gladys donated two Coca-Cola director’s chairs as prizes for the lifter toss game and “guess how many items are in the jar” game.  Coincidentally, Nell Kozmic took home both chairs as the only person who scored two lifters in the box and a guess within 6 of the 163 pieces of hardware in the jar.  George Cech ran several games and provided prizes for the ladies and children (and a few guys who sneaked in).  There was plenty of time for the guys to admire the beautiful cars on display and the cameras were clicking.

Food and beverages were plentiful.  A great meal was served at noon featuring dishes provided by the participants.  Thanks go out to our cooks for the day, Mark & Judy Coleander and Ron Clements.  Fittingly, Judy was the lucky winner of $113 in the 50/50 raffle!  After the meal, our auctioneers Lenny Vinyard and Tom O’Donnell treated the crowd to a little entertainment while they sold various items that had been donated.

After many hours of enjoying the friendship of fellow V-8ers and friends, of telling stories, of kicking tires, and admiring Lloyd’s collection, the day had to come to an end.  As everyone pitched in to stack the tables and chairs and bring down the tent, the V-8’s began pulling away toward home.  It was a memorable event and our sincere thanks go out to our gracious hosts, Lloyd and Gladys.