I must start my thanks with the Upstate Marshals. Over 10 marshals or marshals in training from the Upstate traveled to Darlington on Friday at their own expense to lend their support for this event!
Of course, I must start with my Assistant Marshal, Brian Snavely. I truly can not begin to put into words what a phenomenal assistant Brian was. His ability to anticipate our needs made my job so much easier. The way Brian accepts an assignment and follows it through to the end was a huge asset to the success of this event. I could write a book on how much help he was, but let's just say: Brian, you are the greatest!
All of the Upstate personnel were unbelievable in their support and performance of their duties. Judy and Tony Lindsey, Michael and Tina Bohm, William Holiday, Gene Benfield, Tim and Deb Garrett, Susan Hoyle and Trey Kirkland - Thank you for all you did. I am forever indebted to each of you. The Upstate Marshals that couldn't make it due to illness, were with us in spirit.
There is another Marshal who came on Friday to help that I could not have done this event without. Steve Meadows was waiting on us when we got there Friday with his golf cart ready to be my chauffeur for the weekend. However, Steve did so much more than just drive around. Your willingness to do anything I asked of you was such a comfort to me. I hope I wasn't too bossy! I truly appreciate your staying to the very end to assist with my transportation needs.
Calculator Mike Wilson, as always, did an exceptional job. I know that with Mike at The keyboard I have no worries there. Mike thank you so much for traveling to be part of my outstanding team. Your attention to details and timeliness in getting the job done was extremely important.
A Huge thanks to Elaine Latten who worked my receiving table. Job well done!
The SCBA is indeed lucky to have each and every one of you that I have mentioned. I am fearful of forgetting to mention someone who helped. Please know that if I did, it's not intentional...please forgive me!
Friday night's covered dish dinner was a huge success thanks to the work of Tesa Culbertson. She organized one of the best spreads of food I have ever seen. Participation was close to 100% of the cooks and many judges joined in as well. Everyone had a great time thanks to Tesa.
What a tremendous group of judges we had that traveled to Darlington to judge. We had quite a few last minute unavoidable changes and everyone was wonderfully cooperative. They ended up judging some of the best barbeque this year with the highest scores to date in 2017. Thank you!!
What a fine group of cookers we had. We lost 4 teams in the last days before the cook off due to illness, etc. However, the 21 teams that cooked treated us to some excellent BBQ. Thank you cookers! I look forward to seeing you all back in 2018 and a huge congratulations to all who got the call.
Last, but most certainly not least, a big thank you to all of the folks at the raceway. Kerry, Bridget Sarah, Dennis, the other Dennis and all the rest of the raceway staff were easy to work with and made sure every one had everything they needed. I can't wait to get started on next year!
I am already working on some very exciting new ideas for next year that I think cookers and judges will really like. Keep checking for more details.
This event is moving to the spring for 2018, so we will be back in Darlington before you know it!
I almost forgot...There is one more person to thank. My photographer Don Adkins. Don you did so much more than take pictures. Your support throughout this year as we worked on this event together has been so much appreciated. You know all you did and there is no way I could pull this off without you. From the bottom of my heart I thank you.
I know that with the support from cookers, judges and others, we can bring Darlington Speed and Feed to its full potential.
Hope to see you all on the BBQ trail!
Marcia Adkins
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