RCM Bash 2009: Pre-Bash BBQ Planning

[Finnster]

I am planning to have a BBQ Sat night before the Bash at my parents in law's house. I'd like to begin some planning to figure out a few things so everything is set.

Needs:

• Food:

What would we like to have? Easy thing is some burgers and dogs on the grill. Doing a large tray of pulled pork is also a good possiblity and would be easy to make before the BBQ. Remember that I live around Philly and have to take this stuff upto an empty house 2hrs north.

Anyone want to make something? Time to show off your skills!

• Sides:

Again, what are some ideas? I can cook something like the pulled pork or other meat beforehand, but sides are not really a forte. I can make them just fine, but I don't want to spend all we cooking and not getting trucks ready. I know some are coming from way out of town, but anyone what can bring anything would help immensely. Chips are obvious, but what else?

• Drinks:

Sodas and beer. Easy enough. Any requests? Who would like bring, or should we make it a BYO? Again, PITA for out of towners (Jeff H, James (well maybe not for James ;) ) , etc) Personally I like microbrews and such, so I'm thinking some Yingling, maybe some Magic Hat, a number of others, as well as some Coors or something if people want. Coke/Dr Pepper/ whatever for soda. It may be easiest to get a couple decent brands en masse, and then people can BYO for something more special. Thoughts?

*No underage (or anyage) guys getting drunk and crashing into a ditch afterwards* Obvious, but needs to be said. We need you bitches to marshall on Sunday.

• Time:

Chris is planning a Pre-Bash crawl or other event, maybe at DR. Its about 1-1.5hrs south. LMK know about this. I prolly won't be able to come, but that's ok. We can either plan a time after, or just start ~6-7pm and you all roll in when you get up there.

• Cost

Always the bitch, but we gotta shell out some cash. Should be way cheaper than going out to a rest., but will all depend on how the above is decided. More people that can bring things will lower the cost I think (at least for them haha) but I know some of you are broke (Ben & friends ;) )
Some of this stuff I have no problem going and getting, such as burgers, dogs and drinks. 5# of sabretts (dogs) is like $16. A reasonable cover charge would prob be the easiest once we figure out the budgets. Esp if more people or friends decide to come at the last minute.

• Attendance:

Please please try to RSVP. Will make the planning so much easier. If we plan for 10 and 30 shows up and and we have no food (or plan for 30 and 10 show up and we have way too much food) its going to screw things up. Maybe will make a small cost discount for RSVPs...

I would like to plan for a bit extra even, possibly to bring for the Bash the next day. Save poor Luciano from running out to McD's again...

• Other ideas?

Any other thoughts and ideas pleas share. If anyone has some thoughts on activities, post em up.