Yes, kids. It’s that time. After the runaway success of the previous three extravaganzas, we’re gearing up for number four.
In the past, we’ve discussed having this in September. The weather is better, for one thing, and we’re not competing as much for our picnic pavilion, nor are we having to deal with tourists. danceswithcats and I are reasonably sure that we all decided that September 15 works out best, because it doesn’t interfere with the Jewish high holidays.
Now that we’re a lot closer, we should start planning this.
I’m a tentative. If my shyness didn’t get the best of me so often, I’d be a definite.
But hell, Dopers are good people, and I’ve only ever met one in the seven-and-a-half years I’ve been here, so I could perhaps be persuaded.
What are the protocols like on these Dopefests? Mainly hanging out and talking? What’s the experience like?
You’re supposed to bring a dish, right? I’m a stereotypical frozen-dinner-bachelor with zero culinary skills, but I’m sure I can pay a visit to good old Mom and bribe her into fixing up something nice.
Thanks for any answers to these questions.
Also, I do think that September is a great idea. (Well, I do the scheduling at my job, so any date would be fine, but I like the cooler air/fewer tourists thing.)
The drill: a potluck cookout, and lots of hanging out and talking. There might be juggling, kite-flying, or other low-key activities, but nothing too organized. Sometimes card games break out – AntaresJB has been known to bring her guitar – Jayjay usually brings his knitting – there’s a book (movie, CD) exchange – there are usually a decent sprinkling of kids.
But mostly it’s hanging out, talking, eating, and drinking – mostly non-alcoholic beverages. We gather in a G’burg city park, where alcohol is prohibited. I’m not going to say that no alcohol has ever been consumed at one of these, but it’s not usually the main point.
And yes, everyone brings something – but “something” can also include drinks, ice, plates and utensils, or a couple of bags of chips, so you don’t necessarily need to exploit your mom.
We’re in! I’m marking my calendar.
Don’t know what I’ll bring yet. The meatballs went over well last year.
neutron star, yeah, really low-key, mainly talking and hanging out. Sometimes small children wallow in the mud for our amusement.
As far as beer, technically, alcohol is not allowed in the park. However, certain Dopers, at certain times, have been known to bring unidentified beverages into the park in, say, insulated mugs. What would absolutely not be welcomed (as I’m sure you know) is any obnoxious behavior that would draw negative attention to us. Not saying you would do this, of course, just kinda pointing out the obvious.
I’ve been to a couple DopeFests, but this will be my first GettysDope. Yes, the other DopeFests are mainly hanging out and talking. They’re fun. It’s a chance to meet new people and have a nice afternoon. twickster, I have a whole pile o’ books for a book exchange. When I moved, I was weeding out the stuff I didn’t want and danceswithcats told me to make a stash for GettysDope.
