Quite possibly the most popular and looked forward to event has to be the Campfire, organized each year by Harold and Cathy Simpson of Hoopeston, IL.
This year's event was no different, as we all watched the reports from Colorado about the wildfires that rampaged throughout the summer. Whether the fire was lit in the ring or not was of no consequence, as the fire in our hearts was what truly mattered. We were happy to receive the news though, that the bans had been lifted. Yet, the obstacles kept coming along. The weather reports changed from day to day, promising rain, then snow, then clear weather, albeit with cold temps. The lack of rain made getting hay from the T-Lazy-7 a no go. But, in the spirit of the events, Harold never did give up on anything. The T-Lazy did have some chairs from Hickory House in storage, and the Hickory House was happy to allow us their use for the night. Then, Scott Smith arrived with the good news that the lady who boards his horse was happy to loan us 25 bales of hay! We had PLENTY of seating for all who showed up! Whattya think? Could it be? The special WAS taped there.... Anyway, the weather was gorgeous!
This is the truck the T-Lazy-7 loaned us to haul the chairs and firewood they donated. Harold remarked how it seemed to be the SAME truck John used in Rocky Mountain Holiday, as he drove up and sang "Hey Old Pal".
work began on getting everything set up. Here, Harold and Griz, (Rik Burgoyne), work on getting the frame for Kermie to sit in at the road ready.
Seems as though Mike Padget had other ideas tho, as he turned it into
A RIK-SHAW!!!!
Once they finished with the rides, (giggle), they took the frame up to the road to set Kermie up, so that he could point the way to the campfire.
Down below at the site, Dreux, without his cameras in hand, began to place wood in the fire ring, in preparation for the lighting ceremonies.
People began to arrive, and Cathy had plenty of hot chocolate and snacks ready for them. A small fire was lit across the bridge to cook the first hot dogs on.
As people came in and settled, the anticipation of the event grew. At 6:00, Harold introduced Mary Ledford, who read a special proclomation making the week of October 6th thru the 12th, officially, John Denver week in Aspen. Then Mary Ellen O'Brien and I sang a tribute to John, "And Now". Harold then presented taped versions of letters from the Australian and California Gatherings, who were, at the same time, presenting a letter from Harold representing our gathering.
The most emotional part of the evening came as Harold's letter began on the tape. He called all of the people who attended the very first campfire to the firering, giving each person a fireplace matchstick. A candle in the center represented John, and each person lit their match. The candle was removed, and they all lit the campfire with their matches. A moment of silence followed, and we all joined in singing "Rocky Mountain High", with Mark Cormican leading us on the guitar.
The evening was now in full swing.
Music started to be played and everyone sang along, full of joy. There was no wind, so even though the temps dipped to the low 20's, it was a comfotable, brisk fall night.
Once the stars appeared, Dreux DeMack and Keith gave a short presentation on the stars and outr roles in the universe. Then Harold introduced two stars of his own...Kermit and Miss Piggy! A small skit was presented with Kermit singing, Chickenman rampaging, and finally, John reading Alfie and singing "It's In Every One of Us". Very moving.
The music started again, and went on until the last, which was about 10:30.
The clean up crew was there until 11:00, which is when the 2002 Campfire was extinguished. But the warmth from the flames infused our souls, and stays with us even now, and on into the future.
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