5 Steps For Old School Field Day [Adults Encouraged]

Once upon a career, I helped organize huge events to raise money for cancer research.  I loved my job, even when it meant teetering on heels directing caterers while seven months pregnant, and the even less illustrious job of helping seal 3,000 envelopes full of donor appeals. I truly loved the cause, and the late nights doing un-glamorous work sifting through databases, and the feel of turning the lights out on a party when it had ended, and made people smile, an made money for a cause.

It also made for soiled linens, and champagne glasses, and thank you notes, and ...

Now I relish my role as a volunteer.

These days I help organize events like my friend Amy's birthday party, held Sunday at Birmingham's Railroad Park. A dozen adults, all laughing without abandon, giggling during old school games. What does it take for you to organize the same thing? Here's the recipe:

1. The Right People

Here is our guest of honor Amy, and her son, Jacob. The great thing about field day is that it's fun for all ages, incuding teenage boys. And that's saying a lot.

2. Tasty Comfort Eats

Think: easy to make or pick up. Like these deviled eggs, prepared by party organzer Stephanie Gibson (though extra props to her for making these -- her first deviled eggs ever -- and they were good.)

3. Old School Field Games

We playd two games between two teams: egg race (a relay) and  "empty the sponge in a bucket" race, with the finale a three-legged race. Prizes were given for *athletic* feats and sportsmanship.

 4. Insanely Cute Little Kids [add sparingly]

OK, I am biased on this one. But what's a good picnic/field day without some young hipsters to liven things up?

5. Abandon

Extraordinary abandon, particularly in front of park goers who might laugh at your antics. Oh, and a 90210 board game doesn't hurt to have along for the ride. Never does.

 

 Think field day is for kids? Video proof it's not: