One of the year's finest and most fun opportunities for fellowship as “one church” is just around the corner! Bishop's Barbeque will take place in the splendor of Gray Center on May 29 (Memorial Day Weekend). The trademark activities of this annual event will all be back including the terrific Silent Auction, live music from some of our own Diocese musicians, and of course, the delicious barbeque smoked by some of our own Diocese master barbequers! This year's event will also include two first-ever special events that are sure to become annual favorites: the Bishop's Hog Jog and the Cardboard Boat Regatta. The purpose of the Bishop's Barbeque remains the same as always: to raise money to support the mission of the Duncan M. Gray Episcopal Camp and Conference Center, the spiritual center of our Diocese.
A Run/Walk to Remember...
The idea for a 5K Trail Run/Walk to coincide with the Bishop's Barbeque came to BBQ Co-Chairs Del Harrington, Crystal Skelton and Greer Proctor-Dickson when they began planning the 2010 event last year, and it seemed like the perfect fit for a weekend set amidst the beauty of Gray Center. “It made great sense: get our runners out into the gorgeous terrain that surrounds Gray Center so they can not only work up a huge appetite for barbeque, but also fall in love with the special setting that is Gray Center,” said Proctor-Dickson. “Thus we will have gained supporters for Gray Center and voracious appetites for our barbeque plates!”. And so, the first annual Bishop's Hog Jog was born. The co-chairs knew of the perfect person to head up the 5K race: avid runner and self-proclaimed “Idea Engineer” Lloyd Gray, a student at Millsaps College and a member of All Saints', Tupelo. Gray has mapped out a course for the race on the grounds to the south of the Conference Center that will provide both a challenging run for more experienced racers and a “serene walk in the woods” for those wanting to take a more relaxed approach. Bishop Gray has already registered for his race number! To register for the Bishop's Hog Jog, download an entry form at www.graycenter.org or www.msracetiming.org. The race fee is $15 in advance, and $20 on Race Day. All proceeds from the race will go towards the Camp Bratton-Green Camper Scholarship Fund.
Who will win The Titanic Award?...
The Cardboard Boat Regatta is the brainchild of the Reverend Walton Jones, St. Pauls, Meridian. The Bishop's Barbeque Steering Committee recruited Reverend Jones to head up the return of the popular No-Boat Float Race, and Jones instead suggested a new type of race to navigate the waters of Gray Center for 2010. The Cardboard Boat Regatta requires the construction of a human-powered boat out of cardboard that can “sail” the official Bishop's BBQ Regatta course with at least one human passenger. The first to cross the finish line will win The Expeditious Episcopalian Award! Other awards to be handed out include The Pride of the Regatta Award (most creative boat design), The Filled with the Spirit Award (the most spirited team), and The Titanic Award (most spectacular sinking). As Reverend Jones has advised, trophies from this epic event will look great with any décor, and will bring great honor to your family/parish for generations to come! Visit www.graycenter.org to read all of the rules and regulations regarding the race, and start planning your winning vessel now. Boat inspection and design judging will take place at high noon on Saturday, May 29 with the race commencing at 12:30 pm.
Be there for ALL of the fun, ALL weekend...
For those wanting to make a Memorial Day Weekend vacation out of it, lodging is available at Gray Center from Friday through Sunday, with events scheduled on all three days. Saturday's main event is of course the Bishop's BBQ, with delicious pulled pork and all the fixin's. Tickets are on sale now at your church. Bring your whole family, your EYC, your men's or womens' group, your neighborhood gang, your running pals, your boating buddies, your foodie friends...bring them all to Gray Center this Memorial Day Weekend as we gather to become “one church” at the Bishop's Barbeque 2010. For more information on the weekend, including lodging, Silent Auction, Vendor, Kids' Activities, Live Music schedule and more, please visit www.graycenter.org or email thebishopsbarbeque@gmail.com. See you at Gray Center!
