Rocky's ST Picnic dates announcement

[Rocky Rascovich]

The temperatures and dewpoints are rising, the grass is greening up.. the storm clouds are billowing... ahh! spring time! Some folks have had some successful chases already, and the promise of many more to come. What better way to top off the season than with the annual stormtrack picnic at my farm.

This years projected dates are as follows:

May 10th, May 17th, May 24th or June 7th. All these dates fall on a Saturday and is contingent on if a slight risk for severe weather AND a 2% or more chance for tornadoes falls within the parameters from anywhere north of I-20 in Texas west of DFW, east of the New Mexico/Colorado borders and along and south of I-70 in Kansas and west of the Kansas/Arkansas border. A potential date of May 31rst is not included at this time because of the possibility of me being out of town, that may change so don't write off that date yet if we haven't had the picnic by then.

This year, my wife and I will supply all the food and drink. In return, a minimum of 5.00 per person donation would be appreciated. We'll have the usual burgers and chicken, but I may catch a few salmon for the grill as well. In addition, I might have a few other culinary goodies so come starved. Now, If the picnic should land on the 24th; Memorial Day weekend, Dee and the kids will possibly be out of town, I'll need someone to help in the cooking prep. If your interested in helping out, let me know.

The picnic will start at 1pm and in past years, we've actually had folks stay the whole night watching video's and stuffing ourselves with ridiculous amounts of food. I can put up a few overnight guests if you don't mind spending the night on a cot or a couch.

Bring an edited video 20 minutes or less. I do have both a VHS and a dvd player. I have an HD TV now, so bring those kinds of video's as well. The pool may not be open this year in time for the picnic unless we have it on May 24th or later.

It is important you let me know if you'll make a whole hearted attempt to show up so I'll know how much food and drink to buy. If Dee and the kids or other underaged kids are present, no alcohol will be permitted. This will be a family affair so please bring the whole family if you wish.

Tour groups are especially welcome but let me know as a projected date approaches as that can make a big difference in how much stuff to buy.

I'll be posting directions when the first possible date arrives. It's not hard to find though, plug in 5504 Hall Road NW Piedmont, OK. 73078 into your Google or Mapquest and you should have no problem finding the place.
If you haven't been here before, I have a 22 acre spread that overlooks hundreds of acres of wide open farm land. Lately, it's been a storm lovers paradise around these parts. Just last March 2nd, we had to replace a large part of our barn roof that was lofted across the property from what I suspect was either a gustnado or a microburst, and more recently a couple of hailstorms and meso's have gone over the farm as well. Let's hope that will be the extent of what happens around the immediate vicinity of my farm.

Its been an honour and a pleasure to give back to the ST community that has given to me over the many years the sharing of knowledge, the data, everyone who puts out so much effort in keeping this forum up, and most of all your valued friendship... it means more than you know. And just to put to rest all the talk about us eventually moving back north.. it won't happen for at least another year or two and may very well not be until my son Leif graduates school which is still 4 years off.. so as far as I'm concerned, this is home for the forseeable future.

So, l'll keep you abreast of any developments on our get together as the dates approach. I do see an active period coming as we get into the first week of May, so perhaps we'll have some fresh tales to tell.

Stay safe and keep a good attitude.
As always

Rocky&family

[Jerry Prsha]

Although I've never attended one of your picnic, I'd like to thank you for your hospitality. It's awfully nice of you to invite people to your home like this each year.

A friend and I will be out that way in Late May and may swing by if you don't mind.. I'd love to meet some more people with similar interests...

[Shane Adams]

Well I've never missed one, so of course I'll be there. If it works out that the party falls on May 24 and you end up needing help for food prep, let me know and I'll be there early.

[Tony Laubach]

I am going to finally put myself out and say I'll make every reasonable effort to be there for that. I have missed them every year for one reason or another. Because of finals on that Monday, my only day of concern would be May 10. Other than that, I will try my best.

[Jason Boggs]

I have never made it to one before, but I will try my very best to be there this year! Rocky, this is a wonderful thing that you do each spring. We really do appreciate it.

[John Cameron]

I'm less than 2 1/2 hours away so I will give it strong consideration!

[Jay McCoy]

Rocky always throws a great party with good food and even better video. I will once again do all I can to make it. Last year was a blast even though I and the guys had to bail earky due to one of them having to catch a flight.

Like the convention it is one of the big highlights of each year and one of the best ways to meet new chasers and swap war stories with old buddies.

[Tom Dulong]

I am planning to make it this year, since I am now "in the neighborhood." I've got an extra room or two at the house in NW OKC. So, if anyone needs a place to crash for the weekend, send a PM to me.

[M Potter]

Rocky,
Myself and Ray will be there it sound like a great time. If you need help in Prep let mr know. Im only an hour away. Thank you for doing this

[Michael Ratliff]

Steph and I will be attending, also have a room available for a couple or a person we live about 15 mins away from the farm so let me know.

[John A. Sellers]

We've been to several of the ST Picnics and always have a GREAT time. Enjoyed meeting chasers and made some new friends. I hope I can make it this year.I will know later if our plans work out for this years trip and keep you informed. Thanks!

[Paul Knightley]

If it's May 24th, then my chase team and I can attend.

[Ian Miller]

Same here if its the 17th or 24th I sould be there...

[JF Massicotte]

I'll be there for sure. May 10th will also see my girlfriend and if May 17th or 24th is the date then my whole team should be there.

Can't wait to meet you guys.

[Jerry Prsha]

For those if you have attended in the past, any suggestions on nearby inexpensive hotels in his area that you can suggest?

[Rocky Rascovich]

I need some advice about this upcoming Saturday May 10th as it's looking more like this day will be a down day for chase weather and the possibility of the picnic becoming a reality... or will it?

Some circumstances have arisen that may preclude a number of chasers from coming due to family commitments, scheduled holiday vacations for chasing... and OU graduations, which personally I would love to attend.

So, how do you feel about having the first available picnic day being on May 17th? At least there will be a better chance of seeing a few more folks here and there is a chance that based on the last few runs of the GFS.. it too could be a down period for chase activities. Probably the biggest reason for postponing this to the following Saturday is the OU graduations, I would really like to see some fresh faces show up from school. I need your input on this.

If I still get a strong response to move forward with the picnic (at least 10 replies or more), then it will be a go. Feel free to PM me if you like OR call.
cell# 405-226-2996.

I'll announce by Thursday evening if the picnic is on or not and the final call based on the first outlook for Saturday May 10th from SPC.

Meanwhile, stay safe and enjoy your chases in the land of friendly faces and open spaces!!!:D

[M Potter]

The 17th is great for us. But we will be there when ever you have it.

[Dennis Sherrod]

Just a small amount of food for thought. Sunday, the 11th is Mother's Day. Possibly anyone traveling much distance may not make it Saturday, the 10th, so they could be with Mom on Sunday.
Sounds like it would be fun, but any day would be dependant upon weather conditions for me to be in the area a day or so before or after.

[Eric Flescher]

Never been to Rocky's . Would like to. I already have plans for the 10th.

Is anyone going down from around Kansas City other then the 10th if it is moved to 17th?

I would be interested in the party, and sharing expenses and more going down and back to to the KC area.

How far is it from Kansas City? I need to look on Mapquest or Yahoo Maps (which I know prefer).

[Ian Miller]

Cant make the 10th sorry, i guess the 24th would be the only date i could make it//

[Tim Purington]

17th is in our chase vaca window. If down that way, then we will plan to come.

Thanks!

[Tony Laubach]

Count me in for the 17th!!!

[Bill Hark]

I've always enjoyed Rocky's chase picnics. It will be difficult to find a date good for everyone and also in a period of down days. That being said, my chase vacation doesn't start until a week from this Friday thus I will miss the party this weekend if it held. For those who haven't been, here are some pics from previous years:
http://www.harkphoto.com/05182007.html

http://www.harkphoto.com/05152004.html

I highly recommend dropping by if you are in the area.

Bill Hark

[John Cameron]

10th is my son's B-day
17th is a definite possibility for me to get up there

[Chris Sokol]

I know that the 10th will not work for me either. It really sounds like the 17th is the optimal date. Rocky?

[Rocky Rascovich]

Between the private messages and what I've read on here so far... The picnic date has officially been changed to Saturday May 17th, 1pm. There were just too many folks that were just not able to make it due to other commitments including OU graduation and several folks who I would love to see here who's vacations don't start until the following week. The new date is contingent to severe weather chances in the southern plains. A 2% chance of tornadoes or more AND an accompanying slight risk or higher, bordering on I-70 in Kansas to the Colorado line or to Missouri on south to the I-20 corridor in Texas and west to the New Mexico border and north to I-70.

Other available dates if severe weather is possible is Saturday May 24th or the following Saturday May 31rst.. I've decided to include that date after all as it's unlikely I'll be out of town that weekend. The final possible date is the first Saturday in June but I'm concerned many folks will have left for home by then so I'm not sure if that would work as of now. We'll see.

So, thanks for the replys and the suggestions. Dee and I are looking forward in hosting the picnic so stay tuned for more details.

Rocky&family

[Jerry Prsha]

Between the private messages and what I've read on here so far... The picnic date has officially been changed to Saturday May 17th, 1pm. There were just too many folks that were just not able to make it due to other commitments including OU graduation and several folks who I would love to see here who's vacations don't start until the following week. The new date is contingent to severe weather chances in the southern plains. A 2% chance of tornadoes or more AND an accompanying slight risk or higher, bordering on I-70 in Kansas to the Colorado line or to Missouri on south to the I-20 corridor in Texas and west to the New Mexico border and north to I-70.

Other available dates if severe weather is possible is Saturday May 24th or the following Saturday May 31rst.. I've decided to include that date after all as it's unlikely I'll be out of town that weekend. The final possible date is the first Saturday in June but I'm concerned many folks will have left for home by then so I'm not sure if that would work as of now. We'll see.

So, thanks for the replys and the suggestions. Dee and I are looking forward in hosting the picnic so stay tuned for more details.

Rocky&family

I'd LOVE to see the 24th as the date. It was part of our "plan" in taking off work (sigh). If not, maybe next year!

Thank You, regardless, for doing this!

[Rocky Rascovich]

Unless there is a BIG reversal in the model data for weeks end. I'm quite certain that the picnic will go on this Saturday May 17th 1pm here at my farm near Piedmont, OK. I'll post more info on Thursday as to directions.

Based on the emails so far, I'm expecting roughly 30-40 to show up. I'm encouraging tour groups to drop by and say hi, meet a few fellow chasers and watch some video's of highlights from this year and years past.

If you haven't emailed me yet to RSVP, let me know... tour groups especially. Dee and I will be shopping Fri. evening/Sat AM to get food so I'll need to know how many to expect. as of now, the traditional hamburgers/hot dogs and chicken will be served along with plenty of snacks and appetizers. I hope I can throw on a slab of salmon too. Infact, I may have a suprise or two food wise up the sleeve so come extra starved!!!

I am asking that if you can donate a few bucks per person, that would be awesome. So... more info to come on Thursday...

Rocky in the clouds

[Chris Sokol]

Alright!! Looks like we are on for this weekend. Looking forward to a fun day of food and vid.

We need to have somebody stream the party on Severe Studios. :)

[Rocky Rascovich]

You can't ask for a better day than this for a picnic. Nary a storm in sight virtually border to border with the exception of Florida... where a severe event MAY occur. Even Roger Hill and the SLT crew won't mess with that!!:D

The party starts at 1pm and ends, well... last year we still had folks here the next day:p We will be supplying most of the food and drink (non alcoholic). We'll have Chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, AND .. Ribs! I may have a few other delectables including lots of appetizers.. so come famished! A minimum of 5 dollars per person would be appreciated to cover food costs. Bring an edited DVD or VHS video. In case you weren't here last year, we have a big screen HD TV now, so those 'naders will look more life like.

Please RSVP if you haven't done so yet. Dee has already bought a bunch of stuff on faith you'll show up. Tour groups are especially welcome. AND this is all family inclusive.

I will hopefully post directions on here tomorrow evening or first thing Saturday morning. You can also plug in my address to your favourite mapping software programme. The address is: 5504 Hall Rd. NW Piedmont, Okla. 73078.

Phone numbers: Home: 405.373.5097
Cell: 405.226.2996

Call for directions if you need to or to RSVP.
Look forward in seeing you this Saturday!!!

Rocky&family

[Paul Knightley]

We fly out Monday, so unfortunately will miss this - hope you all have a great time, and have a burger for me! :)

Given the ECMWF charts I think that if it had been arranged for the 24th, it would not be able to go ahead!

[Jason Boggs]

Well, I was hoping to get out there this year. I'm off work every day in May except the 14th through the 17th so unfortunately I will miss this event again this year. I hope everyone has a great time. I just wish I could be there too.

[cdcollura]

Good afternoon,

I will be on my chase trip from May 19 through June 1. Me being there STRONGLY depends on the risks that occur that weekend ... With models currently showing the expected troughing, I highly doubt a picnic will be on the minds of most chasers (if the models verify) ;-)

If not, yes, I'll most likely be there!

[Marc Rémillard]

I will be there on may 17th. It'll be a pleasure to meet you guys.

[JF Massicotte]

I confirm my girlfriend and I will be there but she hardly speaks english...

[Shane Adams]

Good afternoon,

I will be on my chase trip from May 19 through June 1. Me being there STRONGLY depends on the risks that occur that weekend ... With models currently showing the expected troughing, I highly doubt a picnic will be on the minds of most chasers (if the models verify) ;-)

If not, yes, I'll most likely be there!

The picnic will have come and gone by then, so looks like you're all good :-)

[cdcollura]

Thanks,

The picnic will have come and gone by then, so looks like you're all good :-)

My bad ... I thought it was the 24th.

[Rocky Rascovich]

Sorry I did'nt do this last night. A new job with long hours had me pretty spent last night.

From OKC/Norman: I-35 to I-40 west bound to the Kilpatrick Tpk exit. North on the Kilpatrick to the Hwy 3/Northwest Expressway exit. West from there to Hwy 4 (Piedmont Road). Make a right, go north through Piedmont (mind the speed limits!!!) and proceed out of town to Apache/NW 206th. Make a LEFT, you'll be heading WEST. Proceed over a small hill. Once you crest the hill, I'm the THIRD road on the RIGHT which is Hall Road. Turn on Hall Rd. and proceed to the end into my driveway. Our east pasture gate will be open, you can park in there. Please don't park up Hall Road in front of the other houses.

Just a reminder, food and drink will be provided, you may bring your own if you like but trust me, there will be lot's of stuff to eat! A 5 dollar donation per person to cover food costs would be appreciated.

Picnic starts at 1pm.. if you show up a little early, be ready to help! Look forward in seeing you as it won't be complete without YOU being here!

Rocky&family

[K Johnson]

Hi Ya'll

Im currently holed up in the Wingate Motel in OKC - would love to go to the picnic for a few hours but I don't have any transport - or the guts to drive in this city - the roads here are crazy! If any of you lovely people could give me a lift to the picnic and back again I would be eternally grateful and will chip in with some gas $$$. My schedule today is pretty flexible and I can fit in with whatever - but I do need to get back to the motel tonight!

Kirstie

[Rocky Rascovich]

I hope someone will give Kirstie a lift. The more Brits, the better! Nothing like an international feel to the gathering!!

[Chris Sokol]

I sent her a PM, but she didn't respond. I also tried the Hotel, but they said that she checked out on the 12th. :confused: I am leaving the house in about 10 minutes.

[K Johnson]

Damn!!! I lost my connection to the hotel's wireless network for about an hour - I guess Ive missed Chris now :( Im actually booked in with another chaser - so the room is booked in another name! I've been sat here the whole time! GAH! Thanks for trying Chris - its appreciated!

[JF Massicotte]

Thanks to Rocky and his family for their great hospitality! Was great to meet you all!

[Marc Rémillard]

Yeah thanks Rocky! Btw, your family is very nice ;-)

Thank you again, and if you need a place to stay in Canada, just email me!

[Dave Ewoldt]

Hey there Rocky....had a great time!
Thanks for everything that you and YOUR FAMILY do....!
It was great hearing stories about.......oh, i can't mention those....
well.... all of those..... how bout atlanta? ......never mind.....i'm just
kidding........ how bout.......oh never mind......
all in all.....it was a great time..... if we could only get rob satkus
and shane adams to zip up and focus on darts........
yep, i said it.........
but i digress.......thanks again for another wonderful get together!!!!!!!!!
look forward to the next one.............!
thanks,
Dave and Tom

[Shane Adams]

As always, Dee and Rocky put on a great show. Dee, thanks for working your butt off (once again) on all the food prep and keeping the kitchen running throughout the day.....you really do deserve some kind of reward for not only putting up with all of us, but for the thankless effort you put into everything, including all the clean-up when everyone goes home....your hard work is certainly understood and appreciated and we're all very thankful. Also, thanks for the potato salad and chips...the PS rocks!!! Rocky, thanks for being such a great and talented host, running around from group to group, making sure everyone's happy, fed, and overall having a fun time. You are the busiest man in chasing when you're floating around the picnic taking care of over 50 people at once. Thanks to Amber and Leif for always being friendly even though their Saturday is being invaded by numerous weather & chasing geeks...Leif, jumping on those horses bareback is waaay more brave than I could ever be.

Though I never went inside to watch videos, I had the best time hanging out in the backyard all day, watching our stray thundershower pop up, and listening to so many awesome, behind-the-scenes tales from Vince Miller....gut-busting laughter from all of that. Vince, next time you have to tell more!!! Was great seeing some old familiar faces, and meeting new ones. Tom, we youtubed some "Only Fools & Horses" last night and it was a riot...thanks for the recommendation LOL.

[Angie Norris]

Amen to what Shane said..., Rocky and Dee, thank you for a wonderfull afternoon!! The food was awesome, and the company was great. Twas good seeing old friends and making more new ones!!

[Rocky Rascovich]

It was truly an international feel to the picnic yesterday so it is only fitting that I thank everyone in their respected languages who showed. Folks from France, Sweden, the U.K, Australia, and OH CANADA!!! came by.

We had around 45 or so show up, 20 of which from Cloud 9 tours. A huge thanks to my wonderful wife Dee who is sleeping in today from all the exhaustive work she, my in laws Dana and Mark, Amber and Leif and Mark McGowen put into to make it all a success.

I've always had a desire to make a positive difference in everyones life that comes around me and this is just one way I can do that so thanks so much for making it all happen.

Now... it's back to our regularly scheduled programming, I think a live presentation of Tour De Plains complete with all the atmospheric mayhem is on for later this week.. stay tuned!

Rocky&family

[John Cameron]

well done, Rock, well done! Special thanks to your support team as well. What are the odds that a bunch of weather weenies would gather in May in Oklahoma and the weather cooperates?
Great food, vids, company...oh and lovely pets that got lots of love that day.

A recommendation I would have is that once the gathering meets an apparent maximum...get everyone together and allow guests to introduce themselves individually. When I arrived I didn't know a soul. Fortunately, a came to know quite a few folks, but it wasn't until they left did I realize we had quite a few guests from Europe.
I would love to have known where people were from, what they did for gas money and maybe a brief summary of their most cherished moment as a spotter/chaser.

maybe by next year I will have found the video I was so anxious to bring this year

[Jay McCoy]

A recommendation I would have is that once the gathering meets an apparent maximum...get everyone together and allow guests to introduce themselves individually.


Maybe sticky name tags would help like at conventions. I know last year when I was at Rockys picnic I only knew a few by name even though I knew many more by face. Always nice to combine the two. As people show up they just slap one on.