So, the Sam Bell Invitational just wrapped up, and boy, am I glad to finally sit down and share how it all went. It’s always a bit of a whirlwind, but this year felt particularly… eventful. I’ve been involved with this thing for a few years now, and every time, it’s a learning experience.
Getting the Ball Rolling
This year, I took on a bit more responsibility. It all started months ago, really. First thing, we got together, a small group of us, just brainstorming. We talked about what worked last year, what didn’t. We wanted to make it bigger, but not too big, you know? Keep that community feel.
Then came the nitty-gritty. I spent weeks just making calls. Contacting local businesses for sponsorships – that’s always a tough nut to crack. Some folks are super supportive, others, well, you gotta be persistent. I drafted so many emails, I think my keyboard’s still recovering. We also had to secure the venue. Old Man Hemlock’s park is great, but you gotta book it way in advance.
Then there was the volunteer coordination. I put out the call, and thankfully, a good bunch of people stepped up. We held a couple of meetings, just to get everyone on the same page. I made sure everyone knew their roles, from setting up tables to managing the sign-in sheets. You’d be surprised how easily things can go sideways if people aren’t clear on what they’re doing.
The Day Itself
The morning of the Invitational, I was up before the sun. Got to the park, and it was already buzzing a bit. Volunteers were trickling in. First thing, we started unloading all the gear. Tables, chairs, the sound system – which, by the way, we nearly forgot to test! Quick scramble, but we got it working just in time.
Participants started arriving around 9 AM. I was mostly at the registration desk for the first couple of hours. Greeting people, handing out the welcome packs we’d put together. It’s always nice to see familiar faces, and a lot of new ones this year too, which was great.
The actual events, whatever they might be – could be a bake-off, a talent show, or a friendly sports match, the “Sam Bell” part is about community – kicked off smoothly. I walked around, just checking in on different spots, making sure everything was running as planned. There’s always a small fire to put out somewhere, you know? Like when the snack station nearly ran out of water. Good thing Sarah had a backup stash in her car. She really saved the day there.
What I Reckon We Learned
Every year, there’s something. This year, I think the biggest takeaway for me was communication. Even with all the meetings, there were still a few moments where one hand didn’t know what the other was doing. Next year, I’m thinking we need a better system for real-time updates among the core team on the day. Maybe a dedicated chat group or something simple like that.
Also, delegation. I tried to do a lot myself early on, and I probably should have trusted the team more from the get-go. They’re capable folks. Letting go of the reins a bit more would have saved me some stress, I think.
- More pre-event checklists: We had some, but more detailed ones for each station would be good.
- Volunteer breaks: Need to be stricter about making sure everyone gets a proper break. People were real troopers.
- Signage: Could have been clearer. A few people got lost trying to find the restrooms. Simple fix for next time.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, though, it was a success. We got a lot of positive feedback. People seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves, and that’s what it’s all about, right? The “Sam Bell” spirit was definitely alive and well. We raised a bit of money for the community fund too, which is always a bonus.
Now, it’s time for a bit of a rest, and then, before you know it, we’ll be starting to think about next year’s Invitational. And I’ll probably be right back in the thick of it, because, well, someone’s gotta do it, and I actually kind of enjoy the chaos. It’s rewarding to see it all come together in the end.
