One of the most surprising things I learned at the first, first 100, was the number of repeat attenders. First-timers were definitely in the minority. Five, 10, and even 20 was not uncommon. It has become a little club that goes to each of these. I soon learned during the first one, how addicting they can become.
The Pell City Grand Opening came on the calendar soon after the Five Points opening, so I put it on mine. Rebecca also took off work this time. We were able to convince David to come, but Emily being great with child, decided to stay home. As you'll see, we still included her as best we could. Our friend Dave was also attending again and this time he brought his brother-n-law, Brad, along.
I was much more relaxed this time arriving at the store. The forecast called for rain, so that may have kept some people away. They brought us into the parking lot and there were 130 people, meaning a 77% chance of getting selected. So I was hoping for at least 2 out of 3. They started calling numbers and Dave went - #4, Rebecca - #12, David - #51, Myself - #80, and Brad - #104 (1 of 10 alternates in case anyone bails). So all three of us made it, but we were all committed to stay even if only one got picked.
We got set up in our spot. This time we had a lot more gear, and I think we actually used all of it. Dave and Brad were our neighbors, so most of the day was spent under the tailgate tent chatting, playing games, eating, or posing Emily in random pictures. It did rain lightly for a couple hours. We were glad for the tailgate tent, so we weren't stuck in our actual tent. The four boys did participate in one contest. It was a relay and after some rules confusion we pulled out the victory. The prize was a milkshake. Oh yeah.
Due to the weather, the overall mood was a little subdued. After the rain, it got much colder. The sleeping conditions due to the cold (low 40s) were not the greatest, and that's the one thing we weren't greatly prepared. While comfortable, the air mattress is a very cold base to sleep on. So we both were on the egg crate foam and were warm, but couldn't get comfortable. There wasn't as much of a variety of noises through the night as last time, but the wind was very strong and some others decided to stay up fairly late. So I was glad when they woke us up with the bugle at 5 AM.
Fifty-two more coupons for me. Another great time, even though I was very sleepy the rest of the day.
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| Nothing like a sunrise in Pell City. |
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| Look at that excitement! |
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| Looks like a winner. Brett needs 52 more Chick-fil-a meals. |
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| You can tell she's a first-timer |
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| You got to go outside based on your number being drawn. Rebecca was first out so she got to set-up the tent. |
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| No skipping work here. |
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| Rebecca enjoying her facebook posts. |
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| Our spot for the day. |
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| The ice relay. |
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| David |
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| Dave |
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| Brad |
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| Champions |
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| What a pretty Krystal's |
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| The rain gave way to a beautiful sunset. |
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| Champions with milkshakes. |
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| Intense game of Wits and Wagers |
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| Scary Cold |
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| This tent won for best set-up. They brought a projector and a screen so they could play video games and watch movies. |
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| Lil' help with our portable heater. |
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| Almost bedtime. |
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| The next morning at 5 AM. The fun has worn off for Rebecca. |
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| Free food! |
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| And a free t-shirt. |
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| The whole crew. |
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| Wish you could have made it Emily, but we had fun with your absence. |
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