OTR 1999

50 Years of OTR Celebrations

This was the reunion to remember.  
50 Years of Old Timers Reunions don't happen every day, and we wanted something to remember.  Vic Ward had quite a job ahead of him this year.  Just how do you commemorate a gathering like OTR.  With an outstanding attendance of 2,408, we reached a new record.

With a much planning, and a lot of work we had one of the best reunions ever organized.  Most notably was the fireworks display on Saturday.  This was a spectacular which could be seen for miles around.

There was a tree planting that allowed everyone to meet some of the truly influential people involved in OTR.  At this gathering, a tree was planted by the real COOTs, Ackie Lloyd and Bob Lutz.  This was a very symbolic task.  Ackie represented the TRA membership, and Bob represented the OTR Chairs, past and present.  A second tree was planted by Hannah, Becca, Cody, and Phoebe Shaw, representing the future of OTR.

This year was the grand opening of Cooters Pub and Lounge.  Located on vendors row it featured a wide variety of micro-brews and Ginness on tap.  Cooters had been a vision for many years, but finally became a reality.  It's pilot run last year was proof that the idea was worth investing the time in and many people spent some time at Cooters this year relaxing and drinking some of their investment.  Did you notice the tables at Cooters?  They represent a collection of years of OTR history.  Next time stop by for a cold one and take some time to read the tables.

It was quite a show, but Vic managed to arrange a recognition ceremony for the former OTR Chairs.  With over 50 years of OTRs there were many past chairs, and if you had never met them before, this was a fine chance to see them and learn something special about what happened during their years with OTR.

Ray Garton and Dale Ibberson, both avid collectors of fine OTR paraphernalia, have established the COOT's Museum.  This is a first ever museum dedicated solely to the history of OTR and TRA.  All TRA members are encouraged to contribute items to the museum's collection.  The museum was available for viewing in the tin shed along vendors row.  Here you could see a collection of t-shirts from previous years, panoramic photos, books, stickers, programs, and photographs.

The party this year consisted of no less than 4 different bands.  The popular Towering Bouffants, Diana & the Moondogs, Buzz City Grotto, and Honky Tonk Confidential.  The bands were supplemented with our very own DJ's Nick @ Night and Johnny Parsons.  

Not to be out done, we had a marriage proposal of one of the Cooters bar tenders (Shack) to his beloved on stage with the world as a witness.

For those who thought that camping space was just a little bit crowded were probably pleased when the reported hurricane and previous night rain storm cleared out many of the more timid campers.  Needless to say, the hurricane missed us completely, and Sunday night was as good a party as the rest, sorry to those who missed it.  It may be another 50 years before we have a celebration that equals this one.