March 8th 2003 - LAFA PIG ROAST

Today was plane fun!

At 0600 hours, many LAFA members were already busy setting up their ultralights, tents and tables for the Chickee Chat and Safety Seminar at X-51 and for our first "home field" Pig Roast that followed.

The safety seminar arranged by Captain Bob was conducted by Mr. Mark Forare - Assistant Aviation Director of Security for the Miami Aviation Department.

LAFA Members learned what to expect in the way of restrictions at airports in the (all but assured) event of an Iraqi war.  We were also told how to recognize and report suspicious behavior that could be indicative of terrorist activities.

In previous years LAFA has joined forces with the good folks at River Acres for a "team effort" Pig Roast. As one can see from last year's activities, that was a huge event!

One problem with the River Acres location for our group, however, was the distance.  Many LAFA planes are just too slow to go that far and still arrive in time for Lunch (or in some cases - dinner!).

So... this year LAFA decided to hold a smaller version of the event in our own back yard - X51.

Despite the reduced size, our home-grown Pig Roast was lots of fun and a great success.  There was plenty of food for the approximately 100 participants (and lots left over too that Mike took to an appreciative soup kitchen in Homestead the following morning!).

Photos of the event are scarce because somebody accidentally deleted everything in my camera during the latter part of the day while I was refining the art of "runway bouncing". If you took any pictures, please email them (in full resolution) to pilot@lafa.com and I will include them here.

Many thanks go to LAFA Chef Jose Torrado who spent his entire day selflessly roasting the pigs to perfection for our pleasure and enjoyment. Appreciation and thanks also go to the "usual" volunteers who are always behind the scenes during these events making sure everything runs smoothly.  Doris, Sue, Skeeter, Eva, Barry, John, Julio, Ricardo, Bob, Donald, Alex, Patrick... just to name a few.  We all know who they are...

...they are the ones who answer our questions; the ones handing out tickets and serving food; the ones looking for things to fix and trucks to load or unload.  They are the only reason events like this are possible. If you didn't get the chance to thank them yesterday, consider doing so next time you see them.  Better still... join their ranks!  You will get more out of the club, there will be less work for each, and a good club will soon become a great club!

This was our first club event under a new, tough, uv-resistant, professionally made bright yellow awning courtesy of Ricardo Martinez. Ricardo also brought a beautiful LAFA banner that we will proudly display during future events, and he donated decals that the club will be able to use to raise funds.  Thank you VERY much Ricardo!!

This event was a learning experience for us that should lead to a bigger and better Pig Roast next year.  If you weren't able to make it to this one, we hope to see you next time.