BBQ Update – Great Food, Great Friends, and a Small Change in Plans

This year’s Veterans Club BBQ was originally planned to feature an authentic chuck wagon experience by our very own Steve Hauser of Long Trail Chuck Wagon—the only registered chuck wagon in the state of Idaho.

As you can imagine, bringing a chuck wagon to life is no small undertaking. It requires days of shopping, preparation, transportation, and setup, so Steve needed a firm attendance count well in advance.

At yesterday’s Board of Directors meeting, we reached the deadline to provide our final numbers so Steve could begin purchasing food and preparing the wagon. At that point, only 27 tickets had been sold.

Rather than ask Steve to shoulder the expense and workload without enough confirmed attendees, the board made the decision to change the menu while making sure everyone still receives exceptional value for their $25 ticket.

Here’s What’s on the Menu

Your Board of Directors will be doing the cooking!

• Smoked Brisket by Ed Bejarana
• BBQ Chicken by Karen and Erik
• Hotdogs BBQ’d by Mike & Dillon
• Steve Hauser’s famous Chili Beans
• Potato Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• Coleslaw
• Snacks and Drinks

We think you’ll agree—it is still going to be an incredible meal.  An All-You-Can-Eat affair…ok, maybe not an All-Ed-Can-Eat affair!

Of course, the food is only part of what makes this event special. You’ll also enjoy live music, lawn games, plenty of laughter, and some of the best conversations you’ll have all year.

The BBQ is open to all veterans and first responders and their friends and families.

Tickets are just $25 per person.

You can purchase tickets online today at:

The Veterans Club 2nd Annual BBQ

Or simply pay at the door on Saturday, July 25.

The event is once again being hosted at Dan Blanchard’s home. To respect Dan’s privacy, we are not publishing his address online. Everyone who purchases tickets online will receive an email with directions. If you plan to pay at the door and need the address, simply email info@theveteransclub.org, and we’ll be happy to send you the directions.

Looking Ahead

This year’s BBQ highlighted something the board has been discussing for quite some time.

The Veterans Club has developed a wonderful reputation for people simply showing up—and we love that. The challenge comes when an event requires advance planning (food and staff).

At our June Dinner Gathering, for example, only 21 people RSVP’d, but 49 attended. While we were thrilled with the turnout, it placed an enormous burden on the restaurant staff. Food orders, service, and payment all took much longer than anyone expected.

Events like our annual BBQ require even more advance planning. Food must be purchased, seating arranged, volunteers assigned, and in some cases, catering or specialty cooking coordinated days in advance.

Ironically, we fully expect 50 to 60 people to attend the BBQ. We simply need to know they’re coming early enough to prepare for them.

The Board of Directors is currently evaluating ways to improve RSVP and ticket planning for future dinners and special events while still keeping The Veterans Club welcoming and easy to participate in.

If you have ideas, suggestions, or would like to volunteer to help with event planning, we’d love to hear from you. Please speak with any board member or email info@theveteransclub.org.

Most importantly, we hope you’ll join us on July 25. Come hungry, bring your stories, reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, and enjoy another great day with The Veterans Club.