Leland Yacht Club Bar-B-Cruise
When the cannon roars at 10 AM on a Saturday morning in early August at the LYC, another Bar-B-Cruise Day is underway. Cleverly decorated boats in every size and shape parade by the crowd at Nedow's Bay and a panel of expert judges, all hoping to win one of the many awards that will be given at the evening festivities. Judging is announced for several categories which usually include 12 years and under, over 50, most humorous and of course, the grand-daddy of all, the Mermaid Flag! A picnic follows the parade event, starting at 12 noon at Bartholomew park. As the bull horn calls in the "older" crowd from the boats and swimming, the tots start with a peanut hunt or the like. The children's games with family photographers capturing the unforgettable moments are followed by the teen relays with action heightening through the pie eating contest and the egg toss. The finale is a real drag as all able hands grab for a position on the huge tug-of-war line and the real struggle of the day begins! Then gradually the picnic supplies are rounded up and blankets folded as the clans head for home and a brief respite to ready for the Barbecue. At 6:30 p.m. a line begins to form at Bartholomew Park for the barbecue, dinner starts serving at 7:00! An event that in recent years serves 750-800 members and house guests to a barbecued treat of over 285 lbs. of beef, 150 lbs of fresh pork, 115 lbs. of leg of lamb plus succulent racks of ribs charcoaled in an old bath-tub along with brats flown in from Cincinnati, Special treat of cheese and locally grown corn on the cob boiled in a special gas stove unit complete the bill of fare. The delight is traditionally served on a cedar shingle (since '78 monogrammed with our own Bar-B-Cruise branding with the logo and the year) plus a wash of "bug juice". Dinner tickets are required. Over the years many families have come to make this event their prime opportunity to see other member friends and thus are eager to participate in the many committee assignments necessary to create such an exciting day for all. The event started some twenty-five years ago in modest fashion as a Commodore's picnic held on the Lake Michigan beach in front of the Hall cottage. The all day job of the cooks has grown with the numbers though their secret recipes are still known only to Andy Richardson and his loyal crew of charcoalers. To this beginning Gerry and Norb Gits added the stage, screen, and sound system that has done so much to help present the talent for the evening performances, always led by our youthful singing leader Bill Gard. For many years Keith Burnham has provided beautiful slide shows and recently he's been able to develop pictures of the morning float parade for evening showing - in color, yet! The day is concluded with awards for boat decorations, a few skits and musical numbers rendered by our talented members and the singing of LEELANAU as the moon glitters over our lake. 
Previous Page :: Contact Us :: Home Page |
