I will attempt to answer some of the common questions and offer my advice on what Bownanza is all about, what to expect and how to get the most out of it.
I'm sure others with more experience than I have will step in and offer more info along the way.
First, What is Bownanza?
It is a gathering of TBH members and their families. Its a party. Its a family reunion. Its a shin-dig. Its a group feed.
You and your family (yes, even the kids) come on out and meet and socialize with all the folks you talk with daily on TBH.
It's a chance to put a real name and face with a screen name.
How does it work?
Members form teams. There will be everything from breakfast tacos, stuffed jalapenos, gumbo, fried fish, BBQ ribs, gator, axis carne guisada, desserts, crawfish,.... well you get my drift.
There is no cost associated with attending Bownanza, it is free for you to come and eat all you want to eat.
** However, if you join a team, there will most likely be some cost associated. either a donation for the meat, or buying supplies for your team like paper towels and foil pans, etc.
Do I have to join a team?
NO. Being on a team is not required. You are welcome to roam around and visit all day with no commitment to any team.
Is there anything besides food?
YES! There is a playground for the kids, there is a pavillion where live music happens. There is always horseshoes or washers set up somewhere. There are places to just sit and chat with friends, old and new, where you are away from the bustle of the teams, but still in the party.
What kind of rules are there?
The rules are pretty simple.
1. Act like an adult. If you are going to drink, have a plan for getting home/back to the hotel. Dont get sloppy drunk and cause a scene.
2. Clean up after yourself. There will be trash cans everywhere, be an adult and put trash where it belongs.
3. Be aware of who is around you. There will be tons of women and children around so behave accordingly.
4. No dogs.
5. No bows. (you can bring one if you want, just leave it in the truck. there is not a shoot held at Bownanza)
What is the best way to experience Bownanza, I really dont "know" anyone from here?
No worries! The folks around here are pretty outgoing, so even if you are kinda shy you WILL make friends.
MY advice for getting the most out of your 'Nanza experience is to go to the Bownanza forum and join a team.
I feel like this is the best way to ease your way into this event. Even if you dont know a single person on the team, you will within 5 minutes! Show up and say "Hi, I'm **** and I'm here to help"
You will meet and get to know your team as you work for a few hours, then as folks start filtering in and roaming around your team members will introduce you to all the people walking by.
Its a GREAT way to meet people and to feel like you were a part of Bownanza instead of just being at Bownanza.
One other thing I suggest to all first timers is to be at the Hotel parking lot party on Friday evening. There is always a good group of folks there and we cook and socialize the evening before 'Nanza.
The crowd is smaller than what you will see on Saturday, so its less intimidating and easier to meet people.
The biggest excuses I hear for why someone didnt go to bownanza is they didnt want to go by themselves or they didnt know anyone.
PLEASE dont let this stop you! You WILL meet friends and have one of the best weekends of the year! DO NOT miss the chance to go to this!
Well, thats about all I have to say about that! Hopefully some of the others will chime in and pick up anything I left out.
I'm sure others with more experience than I have will step in and offer more info along the way.
First, What is Bownanza?
It is a gathering of TBH members and their families. Its a party. Its a family reunion. Its a shin-dig. Its a group feed.
You and your family (yes, even the kids) come on out and meet and socialize with all the folks you talk with daily on TBH.
It's a chance to put a real name and face with a screen name.
How does it work?
Members form teams. There will be everything from breakfast tacos, stuffed jalapenos, gumbo, fried fish, BBQ ribs, gator, axis carne guisada, desserts, crawfish,.... well you get my drift.
There is no cost associated with attending Bownanza, it is free for you to come and eat all you want to eat.
** However, if you join a team, there will most likely be some cost associated. either a donation for the meat, or buying supplies for your team like paper towels and foil pans, etc.
Do I have to join a team?
NO. Being on a team is not required. You are welcome to roam around and visit all day with no commitment to any team.
Is there anything besides food?
YES! There is a playground for the kids, there is a pavillion where live music happens. There is always horseshoes or washers set up somewhere. There are places to just sit and chat with friends, old and new, where you are away from the bustle of the teams, but still in the party.
What kind of rules are there?
The rules are pretty simple.
1. Act like an adult. If you are going to drink, have a plan for getting home/back to the hotel. Dont get sloppy drunk and cause a scene.
2. Clean up after yourself. There will be trash cans everywhere, be an adult and put trash where it belongs.
3. Be aware of who is around you. There will be tons of women and children around so behave accordingly.
4. No dogs.
5. No bows. (you can bring one if you want, just leave it in the truck. there is not a shoot held at Bownanza)
What is the best way to experience Bownanza, I really dont "know" anyone from here?
No worries! The folks around here are pretty outgoing, so even if you are kinda shy you WILL make friends.
MY advice for getting the most out of your 'Nanza experience is to go to the Bownanza forum and join a team.
I feel like this is the best way to ease your way into this event. Even if you dont know a single person on the team, you will within 5 minutes! Show up and say "Hi, I'm **** and I'm here to help"
You will meet and get to know your team as you work for a few hours, then as folks start filtering in and roaming around your team members will introduce you to all the people walking by.
Its a GREAT way to meet people and to feel like you were a part of Bownanza instead of just being at Bownanza.
One other thing I suggest to all first timers is to be at the Hotel parking lot party on Friday evening. There is always a good group of folks there and we cook and socialize the evening before 'Nanza.
The crowd is smaller than what you will see on Saturday, so its less intimidating and easier to meet people.
The biggest excuses I hear for why someone didnt go to bownanza is they didnt want to go by themselves or they didnt know anyone.
PLEASE dont let this stop you! You WILL meet friends and have one of the best weekends of the year! DO NOT miss the chance to go to this!
Well, thats about all I have to say about that! Hopefully some of the others will chime in and pick up anything I left out.
).
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