Several factors led to the "free for all"; heat, beer, rain and more heat were the primary culprits. We kind of had most of the giveaway stuff in one place until the rains hit, After that it was anyone's guess. I brought the cookbooks, warming rack, rubs and a couple other things I can't remember from my personal stash, and when we had more than a few members in one place started asking random members if they had whatever I was holding. If not, they ended up with it. If handles were there to give away I was not aware of that.
Anyone who has hosted a meetup of this magnitude at their own home knows how chaotic it can get. People coming and going at different times, food everywhere, kids, dogs and old men to keep track of, not to mention 40 or 50 priceless kettles to arrange. It's a miracle they work as well as they do. We also missed the chance to do a group shot this time around. Just too much going on at once to pull everyone together in one place. That's usually the best time to do whatever give-away may happen. I don't think members go to meetups to score free stuff anyway, so anything that happens is a bonus. Weber was kind enough to support Chicago Meetup #1 with some cool swag. Since then it's been the generosity of members. I save stuff up when I find it on sale or come across a good deal. This year's stash was intended for the Mid-Atlantic meetup that didn't happen. I have a few things squirreled away for the next one - I'm thinking a Nebraska meetup is overdue. Right
@Craig ?
