NBTFHF Rendezvous 2009
By Chris & Sue Bay
 

What a way to initiate the Bays into the fold!

We hope everyone had as much fun on the week end as we did. The weather co-operated (almost) and a few of us actually got sun burnt! There was no lack of activities for all to participate in as they so desired. There were a few overlaps and delays but they were to be expected when you have a crowd get together only once a year. Not everyone was interested the same things at the same time but all seemed to have fun!

The Meet”N”Greet was the start for many a plan and the grumble pit for every politician, fur buyer, and reminiscer, while the beer was the ultimate cure and reliever, troubles were forgotten…for the most part…Until the ever present voice of Mr. Dale Clark could be heard far and wide from sooooo early in the morning until the dark of evening. There was no day care this year, but there was always an adult around with a watchful eye for any and all stray kids. The interest taken by our young folks is a tribute to continuing the fur harvester tradition. It is they who are future trappers and we need to show them the outdoor experience is still alive and waiting for them to take advantage of and enjoy.

Various events were fun filled competitions for all concerned, as is plainly evident on the faces of John Richard and Randy Mersereau at the bow saw competition (They obviously knew something the rest of us didn’t). We even found a few ladies to take a crack at it and we now hope that there will be more signing up for the event next year (Maybe there will be a bigger log to cut).

The log rolling challenge was watched by all and participated in with great vigour .Kids, parent , friends and family alike, we ended the event with a battle of the sex’s and a brotherly challenge that was a blast. Our thanks to the efforts of Jeff Boyle for providing the log.

The kids fishing competition lit up everyone’s face, with our winner catching the biggest fish before her dad even made it to the beach! There was much advice and guidance given by moms, dads, friends, and neighbours while the morning broached to a perfect day. A special thanks to Anne and Miles Boone for making this event come together and touch so many.

The bass competition organised solely by Roland Boudreau was a resounding success. Some good fish were caught with lots of prizes for all competitors. Thank-you Roland!

Our Saturday night auction was a real crowd pleaser with a job well done by Randy Mersereau and Stephen Scott.

The only time the camp was quiet (sort of) was for the moose call event. Talk about some tough judging! Good thing it was early in the day or we may have had the real thing coming to answer the conversations. Cow and bull calls were distinctive yet unique to each caller. Our junior competitors gave an outstanding performance, (hey, you senior folks have some serious up and coming competition).

The kettle boil was a challenge to all and our thanks to Ernie Moffat for putting this event on.

The trap setting competition went fast and furious, our thanks to Bob Steeves for all of your efforts.

The Albert county bike draw, was a major highlight for the kids. Way to go Albert county! You folks are definitely the life of the party.

Our thanks to Charles Neveau for putting on the fly casting competition.

The horse shoe pits were an attraction that brought out everyone from their camp sites. There were lounge chairs and cup holders lining both sides of the field!

The air rifle shoot is something that shows us all just how much we keep our young ones involved in the sport with us. Each and every child who had the rifle in their hands was fully aware of just how the thing worked and where the pellet was supposed to go! Thanks to Kirby Burtt and the helpful dad (you know who you are) for coaching at this event.

The beaver fleshing demo was enlightening and informative with techniques and tips for all. It is going to take me a while to get up to speed with them folks! We still need to watch that the knife is cutting the right carcass! Thanks to Ed Cottreau for doing such a fine job.
 

Our Prize winners in the ticket draw were:

1st Place: Robin Demerchant
2nd Place: Debra Harding
3rd Place: Vaughn Whitley

First place wining ticket was sold by Ryan Demerchant with second and third sold by Frank Hathaway. Tobique Council sold the most tickets. Way to go Tobique Council!

For the most part we have received very positive feed back and would appreciate any suggestions for improvement for next year.

Our special thanks to Dale Clark and Marshal Christie, whose guidance and council were much appreciated. With out all of our volunteers and sponsors this wouldn’t have been the success that it was. We are looking forward to working with all of you next year. A busy fall ahead with trapping season just around the corner and with Fredericton Council heading up the Convention this January, there will be hardly a dull moment to rest in. Best of luck to everyone this season. Hope to see you at the Convention.