This will be the 4th year of these beach potlucks and I'm really excited to get started again!
I have decided to write up a FAQ. The post following this one will contain the proposed schedule and themes will be updated as we decide on them. Feel free to comment with theme ideas!
FAQ:Q: Is there a bathroom nearby? A:
EDIT: At least for now there is a porta potty right by our location, and it didn't really stink all that bad.Previous answer: We moved locations to be nearer better parking, and a more private secluded location. The closest bathrooms are a 10-15 minute walk or a 2 minute car drive. The ones north of us at the Foster beach are the cleaner bathrooms. For the adventurous there are many trees nearby.
Q: Will I be able to find a place to park?A: Parking along Simonds Drive is free and just steps from our location. During previous years, my success rate at parking right at our location has been 100%. Typically the parking area is empty when I arrive, usually at or before 11a.m.
Q: What if a BBQ happens to coincide with a special event at the beach? What about parking then? A: I have made it an attempt to look up the Montrose Beach schedule of events to avoid the busier days. In the past, on busier days some people who arrive later in the afternoon end up parking the the pay lot, which is only 0.3 miles away. If you wish to avoid parking hassles I would recommend you arrive earlier in the day. The lawrence and montrose busses also run into the park.
Q: What food should I bring?A: Each week will have a theme posted on the event pages. I encourage everyone to post what they would like to make as soon as possible so that others may bring dishes to fill in the holes. This technique works really well as long as everyone posts what they plan to bring, so please do!
Q: How much food/drink should I bring? A: Last year there were between 10 to 30 people each week. We will have a facebook event page and and LTH event page with a head count, use your best judgement, and the golden rule.
Q: What other non-food items should I bring? A: Bring anything you may need for your own personal comfort such as: chairs, table, blanket, drinking water. If you are feeling especially generous you can offer to bring a case of water or bag of charcoal. Please announce ahead of time on the LTH thread and/or the facebook page.
Q: Will there be a grill there that I can throw food on? A: In previous years I brought the smoker and large grill, but unfortunately this year I have no car so I will only be able to bring a very small portable grill. My sister will be there most of the days and will be able to bring a medium size grill with her. If need be, we can coordinate on the thread to make available whatever grilling equipment is needed.
Q: What time should I show up? A: I like to try to get there around 11am. Don’t feel as if you need me there if you want to get a smoker or grill started ahead of time. Sometimes I may be late. Don’t panic. I will notify the facebook event and LTH event page with any cancellations.
Q: Where is the location? A: Our idyllic setting is just north of the north tip of the dog beach. Come into the park on Lawrence Ave. Turn north on Simonds Drive (the road closest to the lake). When you see a blue playground to your left (West) park your car. We will be to the right (East) of Simonds near the lake. This link works for most people,
http://goo.gl/maps/2isQ8. Also here is a handy dandy map to help you find us.
Q: What if the weather sucks? A: If the weather forecast doesn’t look good, keep an eye on both event pages. I will let LTH and Facebook know about cancellations as soon as possible.
Q: What about babies and dogs? A: Both are more than welcome. This is a family friendly location and event. The dog beach is right nearby.
Q: Can I invite other friends? A: Please do! I don’t feel any sort of ownership over these events, I would like everyone to feel as much part of these events as me. The more the merrier!
Q: Can we bring alcohol? A: Technically speaking, it is not supposed to be allowed in the park. On the other hand, there has been beer or mixed drinks at every one of these events so far, and nobody has experienced any trouble. It is my thought that as long as nobody is acting like an idiot, the cops will not bother us. Many times the police ride by on bikes while we have beer cans or bottles in plain view, they have always kept on riding by. Even though drinking seems to be overlooked so far, it is technically a ticketable offense. Drink at your own risk. If you are worried, keep your drinking discreet.
Last edited by
laikom on May 18th, 2015, 10:22 pm, edited 8 times in total.
Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.
-Mark Twain