A group of five dozen, made up of SEA/SEIU Local 1984 members and their friends and family, came to the Pemi River Campground on August 5 thru 7 for the third Play and Stay Weekend.
In addition to the big Saturday night barbecue, there was plenty going on for kids and adults, including games and a movie. Participants included SEA/SEIU Local 1984 members from a wide array of worksites.
“We had folks representing from DHHS, DOT, CCSNH, Glencliff Home, SYSC, Environmental Services, and the Veterans Home,” Second Vice President Tammy Clark said. “Overall, we had a great turnout.”
Becky Ladd, who works at the Veterans Home in Tilton, said interest seems to be growing in the event.
“I think it was bigger than it’s been in the past,” she said, noting that two years ago, she was the only one there from the Veterans Home, but by this year three of her colleagues joined her.
Ladd, who helped plan the Play and Stay, again brought her whole family along.
“My girls think it’s absolutely wonderful, and my son was in charge of showing the movie,” Ladd said. “It was good he had responsibility and he did well. Overall, everyone had a good time.”
The drought that’s hit our region this summer unfortunately reduced the Pemigewasset River to little more than a trickle in parts, which made for a rough tubing ride for some.
“I got beat up by the river pretty bad, and I ended up giving my tube away,” Clark said. “No more tubing for me, unless the river is high!”
Ladd said the raffles of donated items, which were a new addition this year, were a hit.
“Someone brought a bottle of cinnamon whiskey, and there were camping survival kids, adult coloring books, and breakfast bags, which were basically pancake mix and syrup,” she said. “The money raised from the tickets went to help offset some of the cost of renting the field.”
Ladd said she already has some ideas for next year and is looking forward to getting started with planning. She encouraged her fellow union members to take advantage of these social opportunities.
“I think it’s important to understand that while it’s a union sponsored event, we’re not out here talking politics or talking shop,” she said. “It’s fun and it’s social.”
Thank you to everyone who took part in our third Play and Stay Weekend, especially the members who helped with planning and on site with setup and registration.