I think that would be fine to get the tickets that late, Gary. I talked to Danny and Gena tonight. They are very excited about coming. I'm going to get Cat at 1:30 at Baltimore. We will then get Danny and Gena at 2:30. We should be leaving the airport at about 3. I think we will drive directly downtown to Union Station. There we can have a few drinks and wait for the rest of the folks who will do the dinner and trolley tour. Denise will be available to lead a contingent from Waldorf to the local metro station and then downtown (she will be in Jason's Honda civic, so you folks might be able to fit or follow behind). We are planning to meet for dinner from 5 or 5:30 to 7:30 when the tour leaves. And then back to Waldorf at about 10. There will be some breathtaking photo opportunities for sure. We then can all figure out what we can to do together (or separately) on Friday during the day before we all meet for the big blowout BBQ bash at night. PS. We just ordered a few pounds each of pulled pork, beef brisket, and pulled chicken BBQ. Lots of buns, etc. Denise is gonna do a bunch of salads and a little birdie told me that others will be working up some epicurean delights as well!
On Wednesday night for the early arrivers, let's coordinate and I will join you downtown during the day and then we can do the BP version of the moonlight cruise that night (hold on!) I can comfortably take six persons beside myself. Denise said that she will wait until Thursday night, so I can take the Garls, the Arnolds, and the Zapps! Does that cover everyone?
Roughly, here is an idea of what I am thinking:
Wednesday - sightseeing in DC by day, BP moonlight cruise by night. (Would love to get together for dinner somewhere -- maybe the Silver Diner in Waldorf?)
Thursday - sightseeing in DC in the morning, BP departs to get Cat and the Whites, others continue to enjoy the city and then meet at the hotel for rest/relaxation... dinner open to whatever you want to do in Waldorf or elsewhere (A TON of options). BP return from Baltimore with the Texans and meet up those who want to at Union Station as described above for dinner and the moonlight trolley tour.
Friday - sightseeing wherever we want to ... maybe breakfast together somewhere? I might even make waffles at the house for anyone who wants to show up... let's talk about it! More sightseeing together... get your lists together and we will try to coordinate where everyone wants to go. We can do stuff together or split up as appropriate...
Friday night. Meet at the Pratt house for a massive BBQ/pool party/jam session. We have our antique player piano (survived the Chicago Fire) that Cat can play (and also an electronic keyboard. I understand that Daryl is bringing his bass... And brother Tim is the lead singer of a barbershop quartet... I've been known to win a karaoke contest or two when I have enough drink in me... I think this will be FUN!
Saturday... Legends of Budds Creek... I need to talk to all core Draglist members on Friday night about admission and the chain of events. I will be a busy beaver as I will be presenting the legends (as I do each year) and will be interviewing other legendary racers, etc. Get ready to meet Bunny Burkett, Royce miller, Dickie Estevez, Johnny Rocca, and many other drag legends. Bunny is an honorary member and will certainly join us for our group photo. Dale and Ellen Broderick from the chat room will be there, etc. I guarantee you will go CRAZY meeting lots of great new friends. As for food, we are going to get a tower suite courtesy of our gracious host, Royce and family. We will be ordering some sub sandwiches to feed the hungry DLN masses all day. We will get drinks, too. Denise is still game for escaping the track at some point if the ladies want to explore some shops, but that's a discussion topic for you ladies to decide on Friday night. After the event, assuming we are not all stuffed to the gills, we plan to go to Captain Billy's Crab House on the water just near the track for some amazing Maryland seafood and good times. Then back to the hotel for chatting (or our house, which will be open all weekend to all of you).
Sunday -- envisioning going to our traditional farewell breakfast at a place called Mimi's Cafe pretty near the hotel. Great stuff there. Need to finalize and see if we need reservations. After that, it's departure time and fond farewells.
That's the rough outline as I understand it now. Lots of room for adjustment based on personal tastes!
One bummer so far... have not heard back from the T-shirt lady on Gary's elaborate design... I think she's flaked out. Might see about doing something simpler... would love to have one for this event... but bring your favorite past year one just in case! bp