This year is supposed to be the 18th annual Forestry Forum Pigroast. The date would be July 31st for the prepig cookout and August 1st for the roast. Also Tammy and my 40th wedding anniversary is that day. We found a voicemail this morning from our deer friend the @fat olde elf (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=2641) inquiring so I thought I would try to have us all address is here.
We are in turmoil of course on what to do. Should we just cancel? Could things get better before then and make it possible? would people even be willing to come after what we are being put through? Would people NEED to come after what we are all being put through? I know if I was to say right now, it is cancelled, Tammy and I would have far less on our minds in planning and approaching this summer, but would that be replaced by regret for letting down our members? Probably. Miracles happen and one could happen between now and then but I'm thinking hope for better times and hopes for a miracle are two different things chasms apart. I'm not sure trying to bring people together from all over the continent this summer is an appropriate thing to even attempt that soon.
What are your feelings?
Jeff and Tammy
Hi Jeff
I think this thing will be over by then and people will be more than ready for a gathering like this. I wouldn't be thinking of cancelling it until at least sometime in June.
What is the latest that you can place an order for Porky Pig?
We had every intention on attending as we have already made campground reservations for 7/31 & 8/1.
Hopefully this scourge will be over soon.
Gerald
We would need to make our decision near or around June 1st to make sure a pig and porta potties are spoken for. Anything after that and the county fairs all around us cause havoc trying to get those things.
I'd wait for a bit before cancelling. Give it another month or six weeks and see where we're at.
*DanG! I wish I was closer. I could even supply a pig!
Jeff, you said a couple of years ago, that one reason to attend the PR may not happen one day. This might be the year.
If it is cancelled, I think FF members will understand. I feel this virus is going to be with us for several more months and will not be over until a drug is developed to cure it.
Give it a couple weeks and see how it looks.
My two cents worth John
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/47685/IMG_20190802_191257_602.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1564938995)
I was lucky enough to be able to attend last year and had a great time. I was impressed how Jeff and his family went all out to make it possible, and if there is another one I would gladly try to attend. Everyone is hoping and praying this "storm" blows over sooner than later, I suggest maybe hold off on the official decision for a few weeks. It is your party Jeff, and you decide whatever you think is best.
I have yet to attend my first roast, but with the growth rate of death during March, this thing has just gotten it's running start.
The Indy 500 is postponed until Aug 23 , the Kentucky Derby will be Sept 5
Wait two months and then do what you think is best. I will be disappointed if I don't get to see you this year, but I will get over it.
Whatever you think, Jeff.
Steve
It is 4 months away. i will be fine with what ever decision. we will come if we can, and not if we cannot. So do not hold yourselves to any other standard. you guys do what you feel is best for you. We are behind you no matter what! :)
Would it be possible to be a bit flexible with the date this year and may be push it to the Labor Day weekend IF required or another date? Just thinking out loud.
While I would certainly like to attend (my first time), I can understand why you might want to cancel. I agree with others who said you should wait to see how things look closer to the end of May when you have to place an order for the hog and porta-potties. If things are not looking up by then, probably won't improve much by August and you can cancel. If things have improved enough, you can drive on. Fingers crossed.
I had 3 important dates on my summer schedule. The 85th International Convention of AA was scheduled in Detroit July 2,3,4,and 5. This event is held every 5 years and this year AA is 85 years on June 10th. I attended the 80th in Atlanta along with 58,000 recovering drunks. A real BFD....
This summer I was planning to attend the 65th Anniversary of my graduation from Napoleon Rural Agricultural High School. 48 graduated and 29 are still alive.....
Both of these events have already been cancelled !!
My son Patrick worked many years as a board certified Respiratory Therapist in Charlotte. He was twice honored as Employee of the year. He was also certified as a pulmonary equipment technician. Because of his background and his concern for his 80 year (plus) parents he has strongly suggested that we should not leave our home. No time frame was suggested.
I have attended every Pig Roast except the first one. I treasure the friends I have because of the Forum especially Pat D.,Wildflower, and Tami. Sorry guys...... I appreciate the wealth of knowledge and inspiration The Forum has given me over the years. Unless a true medical miracle happens quickly I can see no chance that I can attend this years Pig Roast. The health risk is severe and is forecast to become even greater. Stay safe.... Paul Randolph aka Fat Olde Elf
I have a bit of personal insight into the immense volume of research that is currently underway to defeat this virus and my insight is also strongly recommending that being in the over 75 age group we (wife and I) stay home for the present. Having said that, I also recognize that what would have been considered a medical miracle just a few years ago is now becoming routine. So I have no doubt this COVID-19 virus will be defeated and it is just a matter of time.
Since we are only about 15 days into this effort, I say it's too early to cancel. The next few weeks will tell us more and certainly by June we will know if the promising new and older drug treatments will be effective. Even the ever cautious Dr. Fauci today gave some indication that if early stages of the vaccine trials showed promise that his one year timeline could be shortened.
So while it good to discuss your options now, take some more time to make your decision.
Jeff I agree with those that say wait until the "go/no go" date to decide.
I doubt we will be back to normal by August.
From what I saw when we were there a couple of years ago, and photos of the events since then, it appeared that many of those at the pig roast would fall into the over 60 or other higher risk categories (I check 3 of those boxes). Of course, there may be some attending who will have already contracted CV19 and survived it, presenting no danger to the group. Apparently, most of the population will contract the disease unless they can avoid exposure until an effective vaccine is distributed (15-18 months?).
The good news is, if you do have it, you'll be able to get by with a much smaller pig. :)
Perhaps this would be a year to focus on celebrating your 40th anniversary.
Quote from: Redmt on March 31, 2020, 11:42:50 AM
*DanG! I wish I was closer. I could even supply a pig!
Same here, iv got a 275 lb corn fed, pen raised feral hog i need to butcher. Couldnt think of a better way and donating it.
Plus my son is graduating usmc boot camp on or around that date and i plan on attending that.
As for the pig, if someone close (100-200 miles) was attending, i could harvest him, pack him on ice and meet half way the distance and do a hand off.
It would be much simpler to just tie a rope around it's neck and lead it to the PR. Don't be concerned about how fast you walk 'cause what's time to a pig. ::)
I bet he wouldn't weigh 275 lbs by the time he walked to Michigan.
It would be much simpler for him to stay in my pen too. Iv been feeding him for 3yrs, well, as soon as he came off the teet and started eating on his own. What another yr or 2?
Quote from: WV Sawmiller on April 01, 2020, 07:36:00 PM
I bet he wouldn't weigh 275 lbs by the time he walked to Michigan.
You are right, but this over weight mid age man aint walking to michigan, so im sure the pig wont either. Plus with 3.5" cutters, i wouldnt trust him not to turn on me. We do pretty good together in the pen, but as even with his daddy, i dont take my off them w/o someone else in or near the pen to watch my back. Or if im on the tractor, as long as neither decides they wanna learn to drive.
Charles, if you walked to Mi, you would still be middle aged, but probably not overweight.
Being an adaptable sort of fellow, I am happy with whatever you decide, Jeff.
Quote from: Jeff on March 31, 2020, 11:28:06 AM
We would need to make our decision near or around June 1st to make sure a pig and porta potties are spoken for. Anything after that and the county fairs all around us cause havoc trying to get those things.
Jeff, I would just keep an eye on how things are going and the time lines you gave for reservations and ordering food. That's 60 days away. A lot can happen between then and now and if things are opening up, it might do a lot of people good to get out and get together. I wasn't even aware that you do this, but I think it's a really good thing. Can actually meet the people your chatting with.
I have never been able to attend and was planning to be in Denmark this year. We received notification just this afternoon that an 11 day tour in mid-August has been canceled. I might be able to make it this year, depending upon date.
I'm with others who say wait a bit longer to make a decision. Things don't look good, but that could change in a short time.
I am trying to stay positive through all this. Our world is changing by the day and sometimes what we know in the morning has changed by the evening.
I agree wait and see.
Boar or barrow?
Maybe put lipstick on this critter?
P him off enough he might run most of the way fast enough to turn into bacon.
Due to a lot of salty perspiration, smoke from his heated hooves followed by dehydration.
Back on subject, wait and see for a decision seems to me to be about right
Quote from: petefrom bearswamp on April 04, 2020, 11:42:47 AM
Boar or barrow?
He still has his berries. Nvr felt much like barring him. 90 days of 99% veggie fat every other month and 35% protein between veggie fat, he gained mass real fast.
For us retired people, this COVID 19 crap really wouldn't have an impact once its past. However, for the self employed, and others that have been forced to stay home in quarantine the longer this goes on, the bigger the impact. The other part of being out of work is the lost time. I know from my days when I did work full time, something like this would lead corporations to cancelled vacations and such to get production and support services caught up. It all plays into the annual bottom line.
I would expect quite a few would still make the pig roast, but I would also expect several or more of the regulars may not make it because of the financial impact of time off and/or making up lost labor time.
Definitely a tough call.
I'll just mention that postponing a decision adds more uncertainty and stress to the host while a decision now might allow them more time and resources to plan a special anniversary. It is always easier for the guest to wait as long as possible before deciding but for a host, that is generally not the past of least resistance.
We had a great time last year, so much in fact that I can wait another year if needed. We host a family reunion, and on the best years we had 200 people at our home. It takes a week of prep full time before, although much of it needs done anyway. I have family come and help. but I can say if I went to all that work and only a few were able to come... it would be disappointing. I appreciate your asking the group, but it is your decision Jeff and Tammy. and we will all understand. If the world is getting back to normal at that time, great! but many will be busy getting back to normal and not able to come as well. happy Anniversary. and welcome to the 1950s.! :)
Jeff, I say wait a while. I think this COVID-19 will be done here in 4-6 weeks. I will certainly attend your not too far from me in SW MI!
Don't worry about letting us down it is disappointing sure but not your fault you didn't cause this virus but you have continued to provide a great forum , which is helping us all keep in touch. Your decision i am sure will be accepted by all and we all know that you and Tammy have plenty of more important things on your minds.
@Jeff (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1) has there been a final decision on the pig roast? thanks
You and @doc henderson (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=41041) both missed ot here. :)
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=110896.0
As it turns, out we would of had to cancel any how. We are in the midst of a horrible gypsy moth outbreak. This is the summer of caterpillar crap hell here. Much of our area has near total defoliation.
I'm glad it's in your area, I have been through that H@#$$ about 20 years ago.