2024!

Whether you're the Son of a Son of a Sailor, or a Pirate Looking at 40, 60 or 80 Plan to join us here for a 4th of July in Margaritaville and we may slide over and get a little education at the University of Bourbon Street.

Join us for Day 0 on July 3, 2024 at our new location in Key West - West. It may appear to be a swimming hole on the Trinity River but actually it's One Particular Harbor where you can meet The 12 Volt Man and watch for Fins to the Left or Fins to the Right. Plan to celebrate our country's birthday and the life and songs of Jimmy Buffet with our friends and very extended family. You all should know the routine by now.

Wreck Directors and HBIC

We hope that there will be the aggregate of 40 years of Wreck Directors on site. Please refer all questions, problems and complaints directly to one or more of them for immediate resolution - or figure it out. Also feel free to enlist the help of Lauren, our Head Bitch in Charge, or any past HBIC in charge. Clearly once you are a HBIC it is part of your persona forever.

Grifter Crews

Get on board to avoid the last-minute odds and sign up early for a work crew detail. Cooking, Kitchen Fairies, Trash Wranglers, and Security Studs are needed. Any laggers who do not sign up voluntarily will be assigned to a crew by the old Wreck Directors and their minions. Handicapped or injured? - snivel denied. Go see The Woman in the Blue Headdress.

Inside the Bubble

This year we will continue to ban politics from this bubble of friends and family. Anyone engaging in discussions, heated or otherwise, about the current or past President, Congress or Judicial system, health care or immigration will be provided with shots of Jose Cuervo or other suitable cheap tequila by a mean camp director. You are requested to take your new camping gear out of the boxes and leave that packaging behind to minimize our trash pile.

Food

There will be community breakfasts and dinners down at the Main House. We will have a Main Course or two for everyone to share. Please realize that we need many contributions to fill out the meals for a group of unknown size. Bring along your special appetizers, salads, dogs, desserts or whatever can help to hold the hungry hordes at bay. If you want to feel organized, talk to the Woman in the Blue Headdress about what food you have and figure out where it might fit in the meal plan.

Water

Our water comes from a spring in the ground that runs at a rate adequate to serve us 360 days of the year. On these few days of the 4th we ask that you use the Port-o-Potties, minimize any toilet flushes and shower with a couple of other characters—or at least your friends. Never leave a hose running. We will pump water from the river at random times for non-drinking uses.

The Pool

We have fenced the pool area to avoid any horrible accidents with non-swimming children and adults. There is one hard and fast rule - No Children Under 18 Are Allowed in the Pool Area Without Specific Adult Accompaniment.

Animals

We know you love your pooch. But our experience has taught us that 27 pooches leave a lot of pooch poop behind. We expect lots of kids this year and we don't want to chance an accident. Unless your dog is a certified service dog and you are legally blind, please don't bring Fido to the 4th.

Fire Safety

The fire risk during this time of year is significant. The upper half of the road is National Forest property and there is still a lot of fuel there. Please be careful with fire. There are hoses and fire extinguishers around. Take the time to learn where they are.

General Safety

The river is nearby. We have had several drownings this year. Although some of the property is fenced it is possible to get to the river or to cliffs looking over the river. Keep on your kids and watch out for other little ones too. We will keep the road around the orchard open and free of parked cars in case an emergency vehicles need access and a quick way out. Do not block the roads around the orchard.

Ever wondered about where the Fourth came from? Who started it? Why? We decided to add this section for all of you that are curious (or just bored).

The inaugural Fourth in 1975 was an impromptu traveling party meandering from Santa Barbara to Long Beach and points between. Though not acknowledged as the first official Fourth until much later, it was during this event that family and friends gathered for a spirited Fourth of July celebration, an occasion that has endured for generations.

The first 20 years of Fourth celebrations were held in Camarillo and was held annually until the 80s. It was around then that we realized it was more fun when held every other year. The party would continue from that point forward as a bi-annual event. In the mid 90s, we moved to Willow Creek and brought the tradition here with us. Remember the Beverly Hillbillies Fourth?

Many original party goers are still attending. The torch has begun to pass to the next generation although it has been a slow passing. The party has continued since then due to the tireless efforts of our extended family and friends. When asked 'How do you make this happen?', our consistant answer is: 'We have no idea!'.

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