On behalf of the entire CDP! committee, we would like to give everyone some history regarding this great party of yours. This year will be the fourteenth annual party and will be held on Saturday October 10, 2009. We know we'll have great attendance this year, new entries to our chili cookoff and of course, a great Music Festival! Rain or Shine.

Party History

My name is Ron S. White, and I am committe chairperson. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the party, I would like to tell you how it got started. A friend of mine, Stewart, in Dallas has a Ground Hog Day Party every February. It started as a small party in his backyard 5 to 10 years ago. I was introduced to the party when he asked our band to come and play for a few hours. He took up a collection at the door to cover cost and provided all his guest with plenty of beer and liquor and great entertainment (if I must say so myself). The first year we played for the party, 1994, there was a turn out of about 300+ people. It was a great party and everyone had a great time. The next year Stewart asked us back to play again. This time he collected $10 at the door. This allowed him to pay the band, buy 20 kegs of beer, lots of wine, and lots of liquor. In 1995 the party was housed in a large garage in down town Dallas, and about 700 people were there. In 1996, the party had out grown my band and was reported to have over 1000 in attendance. Stewart rented part of the Dallas Farmers' Market. Just by word of mouth and inviting friends who invited friends, Stewart has himself a big 'ole party every year. The party is funded at the door and everyone leaves satisfied!

In 1996 I decided that it would be cool to start my own party. I ran the idea by some friends (Kent, Paul, Chris, Tim, and John) they all agreed it sounded like a good idea, and that they would like to be a part of such an event. The first year, I had about 30 people at my house in Austin. We had a great time, drank lots of beer and Coon-Dog Punch, and smoked a few cigars. Three of us, the first year, thought we would cook some chili to help feed the masses. As happens often with men, a little competition sprouted. The next year, 1997, we had about 45 people that battled through the rain and mud out at the SaddleRidge Clubhouse in Wimberley, where the event was held. We had 6 chili cookers and selected a group from the party to judge. Chris Tammen's chili was selected as the best, and everyone enjoyed finishing off the left-overs. Again, we had lots of beer, Coon-Dog Punch, and lots of snacks. The weather really hampered our attendence, but we still managed to draw people from Louisiana to New York. All had a great time.

This Year's Party

This year we have a committee of people who are dedicated to seeing this party grow. We have dedicated sponsors and also friends of the CDP! that donate generously every year. We will be offering PR to donators on our flyers, mail-outs, and etc. We have our own web page again this year, we hope you like it. We have lots of great ideas for the party and expect a big turn out. We will be asking for $10 at the door Come One, Come All.