The Poker Run took on a bit of a different tone this year as long time club member and sponsor, Larry Rubis, retired from organizing the event giving others a chance to continue this great endeavor. This year Lynn Burgess stepped up to fill the void left by Larry, and created a Mardi Gras themed poker run, which benefited two charity organizations; Meals on Wheels and Hunting with Heroes.
Purple, green, and gold were the predominant colors as members decorated their boats and created costumes for the event based on a Mardi Gras theme. After picking up their poker cards at various stops around the lake, the final stop was the east side of Goose Island where a massive floating dock had been constructed. People stopped for burgers and hot dogs, graciously prepared by Wheels on Meals staff. As some boats left, others came in to take their place. While the parking was somewhat limited, all agreed this was a really great concept and enjoyed the idea of meeting in the middle of the lake. Judging of boats and costumes was done at the island. Winners will be posted here shortly.
After the "run," members enjoyed a great dinner on the lawn at the Club, along with games, an auction to raise money for the charities, and great DJ music after. The auction had some great items for bid, including packaged meat, vacation in Costa Rica, and water toys, to name a few. Total amount given to the charities is still being determined and will be posted here when calculations are complete.
All in all, a great time was had by all. If you didn't participate in this year's Poker Run, put it on your list for next year. Not only is it a good time, but it helps our Casper Community charity programs. Check out some pics below.

Imagine a warm summer evening, sitting on a lawn with a lake view, drinking your favorite drink, and listening to some of your favorite music performed by a great live band! That's what the evening of July 21 was like for the CBC members who attended the show put on by the Grease Monkeys Band. A great summer night provided all the atmosphere needed for everyone to enjoy the sounds of the band with great conversation and dancing all evening. What started out as a "Hey, let's see if we can get a band to play on the patio one night," turned into a sort of, "Best Summer Ever," theme night (no costumes), with CBC members enjoying dancing on the lawn to the sounds of one of our favorite bands (the Grease Monkeys have played at the Beach Party event for several years). Dancing and socializing was the order of the night. One of our members, Rick M. even showed his skill as a band member when he played and sang, 'Ridin' the Storm Out' with the band. A fairly large crowd experienced the show with perhaps as many as 100 members being present during the evening. Thanks to the Grease Monkeys for providing us an evening of great entertainment, and thanks to our CBC community for making this a great event. Maybe next year will be another, 'Best Summer Ever!?'

Casper Boat Club sponsors the annual July 4th fireworks display each year for CBC members, friends, relatives, and Alcova area residents. As usual, it was another spectacular show this year. Sadly, Andrew Burgess, after managing the show for us for ten years decided to step aside. However, our Club responded by sending four member volunteers to receive fireworks training, so that we could continue the CBC fireworks tradition. And...we did it! The show went off without a hitch and everyone enjoyed a fantastic fireworks display on July 4th.
One of the best things about the CBC fireworks display is the location and atmosphere. It's hard to top seeing fireworks shoot off the island over the water, and hearing the echoes across the lake. People find their favorite locations to enjoy the display; beach, lawn, hillside, boats, deck, whatever. A truly great event and thanks to CBC, an awesome annual event that we plan to continue for years to come. If you would like to make a donation to cover the cost of the fireworks for next year, please stop by the Club to fill out a form, or call the Club for further information.
It would not be appropriate to post this article without recognizing and thanking the member volunteers for their time and effort in making this event so successful. Special thanks go to Rob Vondra, Pat Burgen, Ken Denman, and Rick Means. These members attended an all day training so that we not only have someone who can manage the display, but we have built in redundancy by having several people trained. Also, a big thank you to Rob Vondra, Pat Burgen, Ken Denman, and Tom Stokes for doing the "island work." This includes setting up the fireworks canisters, filling them with the fireworks powder, and connecting them to the computer board. In addition, once the actual fireworks powder is placed in the canisters, someone must be present at all times to make sure wayward water sport enthusiasts do not come on to the island. A necessary safety precaution for all.
There is also the transportation of all the canisters and equipment to and from the island to be considered. Again, several members volunteered to do the loading and unloading on and off the barge of canisters, fireworks, and various other equipment needed to make the fireworks display possible. This takes several hours of work for several people, on the day before (July 3) and the day after (July 5). Instead of boating and partying with family and friends, these members put in long hours to make the fireworks display a success. Also, a special shout out to Lynn Burgess for organizing the training and moving the fireworks storage container to and from the front dock.
Below is a list of member volunteers that helped make the fireworks possible for 2018. If you know or see any of these members during your time at the lake, give them a hearty "Thank You." They deserve it!
​And please....consider volunteering yourself next year for this project. It's one way you can give back to the Casper Boat Club Community.

Casper Boat Club Fireworks Volunteers - 2018
​Rob Vondra, Pat Burgen, Ken Denman, Tom Stokes, Larry Stevens Jr., Rick Means, Nathan Vondra, Howard Oden, Austin Vondra, Donovan Short, Andrew Burgess, Dave McMahan, Lynn Burgess, Extreme Performance (pontoon barge).

Another successful Beach Party, although marred a bit by weather. Kids enjoyed the games provided by the entertainment committee, and the burgers and dogs were excellent, cooked on the barbecue right at the beach house. There was plenty of seating and when the weather turned a bit cooler with some sprinkles, the "campfire" was a hit. Eventually rain forced the party to move to the dining room at the club. However, this turned out to be the perfect venue for Aquile, and members enjoyed his music for the remainder of the evening.

Once again the annual Canyon to Curve Fun Run ran into some inclement weather on May 28. Even though the skies were gray, the temperature was at least warm enough, and the rain held off long enough for the Run to take place. Approximately 35 people participated in the event and everyone enjoyed the outside activity as well as the breakfast and drinks afterwards. Results of the Run are posted below.
Thanks to the Gruners for organizing this event, and as always, thanks to the CBC staff for their help and cooperation.

One could rightfully ask, what do horses, seafood, and moms have in common? When you're talking about the 2018 season at Casper Boat Club, the answer is clear. These are the first organized events held at the Boat Club this season (excluding clean up day)...and what do they have in common? Success!

​The Kentucky Derby Party was a success measured by anyone who was there. Betting buckets, wild costumes, contests/raffles, and great Derby themed food and drink, provided the 40 or so members and guests, a great ride while watching the race on the overhead TV. The decorations, food, and drink created an atmosphere that definitely gave everyone a sense of really being at the 144th Kentucky Derby. Too bad the Kentucky Derby happens only once a year!

The Icebreaker was the first big food event of the season. Cooks, Josh and Mike really showed their talents as they prepared and served (10 minutes early!) a fabulous seafood buffet. The almost 100 attending members enjoyed lobster, crab legs, scallops, and shrimp of various kinds, served next to prime rib and Chicken Marsala. And don't forget the cheesecake. The included red/white wine on each table along with drink service provided the "icing on the cheesecake." The staff kept the food coming and the tables cleared. Ask anyone who attended, and you'll hear something like, "the scallops were awesome; the cheesecake was wonderful; the crab legs were unending, the lobster was amazing." You get the idea. For a cost of $60, anyone who was there will tell you it was value beyond cost, especially when you include the camaraderie of the Boat Club community. The Icebreaker/Seafood Fest is back!

Finally, Mother's Day Brunch. Nothing need be explained about this special day honoring these special women. To honor the many mothers in the Boat Club community, the Club offered a great buffet brunch which included, prime rib and ham cut the way moms like it best, served alongside green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes and more. Breakfast items included croissants, sausage, pancakes, and quiche. About 70 moms/families attended during the brunch hours. The Club staff did a great job as a follow up to the huge success of the Icebreaker the previous night. How do they do it?!

If these early season events are any indication of what the Club staff can do, it looks to be a successful season indeed. Many thanks to Club manager Tim for his organizational skills. We want to thank Josh and Mike (cooks), and all of the servers and staff who made these three events such a success: Thank you Joe, Heather, Holly, Leslie, Raeanna, and Kalle.

The CBC members are eagerly looking forward to the next event. Members are welcomed to leave a comment. If you have questions about future events, please contact the Entertainment Committee or call the Club.