The annual OGWA campout took place at Pelton Park on August 7-9. It was a rough start to the event when the campground was evacuated due to wildfires two weeks before our arrival. We anxiously awaited reopening and got the great news that the park had been completely spared of damage and park staff was awaiting our arrival.

A weekend of fun was kicked off on Friday night with a competitive potluck event that brought some of our member’s best dishes to the table. Kathy McMullen was the winner of the main dish category and Sarah Rogers was the winner of the side dish category. In a fierce battle for kid’s deserts, Lucy Wallace was the first place winner with Eli and Noah Osborne in second place. Thanks to all of you for sharing your culinary talents. We were honored to host a group of wildland firefighters for dinner, and they were very impressed by the delicious spread that our members shared.

Saturday started with a delicious breakfast that was sponsored by Bruce Eberle and prepared by the Memorial Fund Committee. After breakfast was the children’s games and crafts, including a pinata and sno-cones. The kids had a great time! Meanwhile, the annual horseshoe tournament was taking place. After several hours of play, Randy Garner and Alex Shenk emerged victorious. Well done!

Free time was on the schedule after that. Many chose to spend some time in or on the lake. Others enjoyed golf, hiking, or just some quiet time in this beautiful location. Despite the wildfires around the area, the air quality was remarkably good during our stay and we were able to enjoy all of the outdoor activities.

Evening activities started with Jim Mack and Dave Paysinger grilling oysters on the barbecue. Lines were forming by 5:30 to enjoy these delicious fresh oysters. The picnic committee served a Beach Party themed dinner of hamburgers, brauts, and hot dogs. Dinner was a fun and festive affair, with lots of visiting and enjoying the company of our fellow members.

After dinner, the Memorial Fund had the pleasure of presenting the Family in Business Scholarship to Nolan St. Denis. Congratulations Nolan!

Speed Bingo and ice cream rounded out the evening. Many great prizes were donated by members and sponsors. All who participated in Bingo walked away with a prize. It is always a fun event!

Sunday morning brought breakfast and finished up the scheduled events for the campout. After clean up and group site breakdown, the picnic committee finally got some time to rest and enjoy the park. This event could not happen without the hard work and dedication that this group brings. A huge thank you to this amazing committee: Angela and Randy Garner, Alex and Patti Shenk, Alice Laffey, Greg Kupillas, Ashley Garner and Larry Jones. Welcome to new participant Nicole Lisenby. If you would like to participate with this great group, please contact the OGWA or any of the committee members. They would love to have you! Planning will begin shortly for the 2027 campout, scheduled for Augus 6-8. Please plan to join us!

Many sponsors helped to make this campout a success. Sponsorships help the committee fund the events, meals, crafts and all picnic related expenses. The OGWA and picnic committee would like to give a hearty thanks to the following sponsors: Terra Sonic International, Preferred Pump, Mitchell Lewis & Staver, Teague Minerals, Pacific Hydro-Geology, Mountain View Well Drilling, Court Street Consulting, Waterlab Corporation, Custom Pipe and Fabrication, Drillers Depot, Franklin Electric, Ernst Irrigation, RJB Wholesale, Bruce Eberle, 2M Company, and Hole Products. Our sincere appreciation to all of these sponsors for making our campout extra special.

Please plan to join the OGWA and your colleagues in the ground water industry next year at the campout.