Article © Carol Ewald. Photos © Carrie Dan Post
Redneck Night at Phins to the West
Phins to the West (PTTW) 2015 is in the books and what an amazing event it was! After losing it’s venue abruptly, the PTTW Board went into action and secured the Aquarius Casino Resort proving that change can be a good thing. An excellent location and we were welcomed with open arms.
A pub crawl started it all off for the early birds that arrived on Wednesday, followed with an outing down to Pirate’s Cove on Thursday. The bus was loaded at noon and the party continued with great food, drinks and the music of Jerry Gontang.
Thursday night found us indoors because of the weather but the “Tiki Bar was Open” in the Pavilion with the awesome music of The Hula Girls, a terrific surf-style band from Southern California complete with beautiful dancing Hula girls!
Friday’s weather again, forced us inside but that didn’t stop the fun! Starting at 11AM with a Bloody Mary party and continuing throughout the day, the attendees rocked out to Mark Mulligan, Bob Karwin, Don Middlebrook and the Calypso Nuts. There was also music in the SPLASH Lounge in the afternoon with Mike Nash, Jerry Gontang and Mark Mulligan. So many options.
Calypso Nuts always bring the fun!
Friday Night had to be one of the most fun themes with “Redneck on the River”! There was a lot of creativity going on there and the costumes were awesome!
Thom Shepherd opened the show followed by the Southern Drawl Band, the Trop Rock Music Association (TRMA) #1 band of the year and they certainly proved that! The dance floor was still full at 1:00AM and what an incredible, talented group they are. Wow, just WOW!
Southern Drawl Band
With the weather Gods on our side, Saturday’s activities kicked off at the rooftop pool. The Cornhole Tournament was in full swing, vendor tables set up and music started again both by the pool and in the Splash Lounge.
Saturday night thar be pirates and parrots and music provided by a PTTW favorite, The Boat Drunks! Again the packed dance floor rocked until the wee hours.
There were LIVE auctions, 50-50’s and one of the best silent auctions you’ll find anywhere. Some fun games and many ”room crawls” as well. The door decorating contest was also a favorite, with the winning door sporting an actual TV playing Jimmy Buffett concerts and interviews!
Sunday was a relaxed music “Jam” around the pool for those that were lucky enough to have the extra day.
These events don’t just happen by themselves and it took the dedication of the Board of Directors, the amazing talent of the musicians and the many volunteers that decorate, haul equipment, sell raffles tickets, etc. to make something this enjoyable and successful. Plus, of course, all the fabulous attendees! The real winners are the charities and Phins to the West continues to Party with a Purpose!
Special thanks to the Aquarius Casino Resort staff, Perfection Entertainment Pro Audio, Robbie and Lynley (Calypso Nuts) for small stage sound and EVERYONE that participated and supported this “Party that Never Ends”.
See you in 2016!