Compton Tent Disaster

Ron LaClair · June 24, 2009, 06:26:00 PM

Here's some pictures the morning after the tent went down in the big storm early Friday morning.

People jumped right in to help the vendors get their products out from under the canvas that was weighted down with a ton of water.

By Friday afternoon the Big Top was back up and it was business as usual (well almost) on Saturday.

Toklat1 · June 24, 2009, 06:56:00 PM

Looks like a pretty wet mess!

2treks · June 24, 2009, 06:56:00 PM

It was sure a mess for awile eh Ron? I am happy to be of a group that always seems to pull together and get the job done. people helping people. I would also like to thank all of the fine folks that helped get things back in action.
It was a great time.Chuck

T.J. · June 24, 2009, 06:56:00 PM

Wow......that's about all you can say. It's great to hear all of the stories how so many people chipped in to get things back up and running. I'm glad everyone got through it ok. This all will make for great stories and there will be many memories for sure.

By the way, beautiful gear Ron!

the ASSASSIN · June 24, 2009, 08:17:00 PM

what a mess

KY..Rob · June 24, 2009, 08:37:00 PM

I'm glad everyone made it through the storms unscathed. Looks like a great effort by all to get things back up and running. "A Tip of the Hat to you all"

Now how about some scratch and dent Bow specials

Just teasing, Great job all.

Rob..

Arwin · June 24, 2009, 08:43:00 PM

I feel the same, glad no one was hurt.

One eye · June 24, 2009, 08:45:00 PM

Yes, it was quite the mess down there. We were there Friday afternoon. I sure wish I could have gotten back on Saturday.
Dan

wasapt · June 24, 2009, 10:36:00 PM

I can't wait to go again next year, despite the storms, it was a great event. Come join us.

Ron LaClair · June 25, 2009, 11:14:00 AM

On Friday morning when I saw the damage that was done by the storm with the big tent down, campers tents damaged, RV awnings ripped away, not to mention the flooding, I thought the shoot/show was pretty much done for.

I didn't take into account the determination and tenacity of the traditional archery community who pulled together and turned a disaster into something positive. My hat's off to all involved, they're a tough bunch.

Here's some of my crew and friends crowded under the awning of my trailer to keep dry. You can tell by the smiles that they're having fun regardless of the weather.

Tim Fishell · June 25, 2009, 11:16:00 AM

That's quite the bunch there Ron!

smokin joe · June 25, 2009, 11:27:00 AM

Glad nobody was hurt. Things can be replaced -- people can't be replaced.
Thanks for posting the photos, Ron. They remind us all of the power of Mother Nature.
Joe

IB · June 25, 2009, 11:57:00 AM

Who's BABY HOG is that in the first photo ?? Still nursing looks like

Glad all turned out well

Ron LaClair · June 25, 2009, 12:16:00 PM

QuoteWho's BABY HOG is that in the first photo ?? Still nursing looks like

Hey Vance, that's my new Honda "Ruckus", 49cc scooter that I call the "Shrewter" :D

I took a lot of ribbing over the weekend..."Hey Ron, that don't look like a Harley", but that little thing with it's fat tires took me through the mud and water like you wouldn't believe. :eek:

Of coarse you've heard Hondas advertising slogan, You meet the nicest people on a Honda....

Tim Fishell · June 25, 2009, 12:29:00 PM

Yeah I did get quite the chuckle watching you ride around on that all weekend Ron. As much as I hate to say it I dont think the Harleys would have made it through all of that mud!!

Kevin Winkler · June 25, 2009, 12:57:00 PM

It was my first time at the Compton gathering and despite the conditions I had a great time. I have met some of the nicest people since I have switched back to traditional.
It was a pleasure meeting you Ron. Hope that nip of brandy on Sat. night made you sleep good!
Only 360 more days till I get that bow I ordered

Whip · June 25, 2009, 02:07:00 PM

Vance, that was quite the indoctrination into the world of being a vendor at outdoor shoots, I'll tell you that! :eek:

When I walked toward that big tent on Friday morning and saw it laying on the ground I didn't know what to think. I was afraid to even go look.

But when I did get over there I found what seemed like hundreds of people scurring around like worker bees pulling merchandise from out underneath. The generousity and kindness was overwhelming, and I am in their debt for helping like they did.

After taking stock I found very little real damamge to any of my things other than a little mud and water. We had "storm specials" on hats and packs, and did a pretty good business on Saturday. In the end, it was the spirit of the people their that turned it into a very positive weekend!

Steve O · June 25, 2009, 03:12:00 PM

Kustom King was hardest hit. We had a bucket brigade bringing everything out in the open and drying it off. There are a lot of GOOD people in traditional archery!

We were over chatting with Ron; looking at the destruction. He went to take off on his "Shrewter"...one of my buddies grabbed the rear or the luggage rack without him knowing. After a couple tries and going nowhere, the reality of the situation set in, and Ron, without looking and very calmly started to unbuckle his big ol' sheath knife...