Highlights of 1979 Pamper Camper

These came from an old Monthly Chapter Bulletin from November 1979

     The Florissant Valley Barbershoppers Annual Pamper-Camper on Sept. 21-23, 1979 was considered the best yet! A total of 23 men were in attendance resulting in plenty of bodies to make our contests very competitive and really enjoyable. The weather was absolutely beautiful, cool nights and sunny warm days. Could not have been better!

     The real highlights of the campout was, of course, the quartet contest and the expertly prepared food. We've got to give credit to the "Out Door Four" especially Larry Forristal for the "eats" and Honorable mention to both Bill Burns and Bob Blake for lending a hand on the cooking. The camp fire gatherings on both Friday and Saturday night was enjoyed by everyone.

     We ere very fortunate to have in our midst a couple of visitors, Lee Young and his grandson. Lee performed expertly as an unbiased judge for our quartet contest. There were many attempts to sway him, however, he stood firm and provided good judgment and a very fine critique that in some ways was better than we receive from our own certified judges.

     After the contest, Lee displayed his own ability by accompanying himself with a guitar and singing several songs with the guys joining in on the chorus. We also had guitar playing and singing by Terry Fair, Jack Martin, Larry Forristal, Troy Burns, Phil Briggman and Lou Waite. "Wow" the hidden talent started coming "out of the wood work."

     The fellowship was at an all time high, however, this has always been the character of the Florissant Valley Chapter.

     The "Out Door Four" and the "Lunch Room Four" were the only bonified quartets in full attendance both of which displayed great singing, however, they didn't win the quartet contest. This didn't dampen their spirits at all. What can you expect with Dick Olson, who was in the winning quartet turned out to be a cousin to the judge, Lee Young! This wasn't known until after the contest. Of course Lee and Dick say that are not related. It just seems funny that Dick was in the winning quartet and also he sang in the two runner-up quartets. I leave it to your "judgment", gentlemen!!!

     In total, it was a great weekend and everyone is looking forward to next years Pamper-Camper, contests results are as follows. Prizes were awarded.

  1. Quartet Contest Winners: Dick Olson, John Spatafora, Paul Fair, Joe Hale

  2. Skeet Shooting Contest: Larry Forristal

  3. Horse Shoe Contest: Bob Blake, Wally Ochsner

  4. Fishing Contest: Jim Pritchard

  5. Bottle Cap Game Contest: Tenors

  6. Egg Throwing Contest: Troy Burns, Phil Briggman