Live, at the Goodman Community Center:
Karen Faster is holding her annual potluck in person on Saturday, January 29 (by invitation only; email Karen for Zoom link).
Statistics: Of Dane County residents: 45 confirmed attendees, 136 regrets (thanks for helping Karen plan!), another seven people Karen thinks of as possible yeses, and 17 she thinks of as likely noes. (As of Hoedown Day, Jan. 29, 1:54 p.m.) Some confirmed guests plan to remain masked and not eat and/or drink.
If 45+7 = 52 people attend, the diner density would be 3.71 people at each of the 14 round tables, which are, if memory serves, 4 feet across. Seats will not be assigned, despite the hostess’ control issues. Of those 52 people, 37 percent live on Talmadge Street (13) or Ohio Avenue (six). Another 44 percent (23) live within walking distance of the community center.
All guests older than 5 years MUST be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 (as allowed; protocols for in-person party).
Hostess has simplified preparations by limiting nonalcoholic drinks to just fizzy water and one cooler; not bringing the public address system (no singing); bringing flatware, plates, napkins, etc. for only 60 people; assuming no children and thus not bringing children’s activities.
RSVP: If you did not attend and realized later you should have RSVPed, contact the hostess to remain on the guest list for January 28, 2023. If you will not attend a Hoedown in the middle of a pandemic, please tell the hostess: Fewer guests means more space between the hotdishes in the food line, fewer chairs means more space for social distancing.
If the technology allows, Saturday night will be livestreamed on Zoom. Watch your email and hotdishhoedown.com, but keep in mind the camerawork and sound may be limited.
Jell-O Contest
Hoedown guests who are not comfortable attending the party can still Jell-O Contest compete in the Jell-O Contest. Voice-call Karen for details, and plan on finishing the entry by noon on January 29.
The Wisconsin Legislature has banned voting over Zoom.
Trophies will be awarded at the Hoedown or available later for pickup.
Categories
- Silver Lining: Goal or Achievement Accomplished during the Pandemic
- Best Risk Assessment Method
- Best Special Effects
- Most Revolutionary Jell-O
- Most Seaworthy Jell-O
- Most Mysterious and/or Haunted Jell-O
- Zap that Virus!
- Best Part of the Build Back Jell-O Bill
Certainties
- We have new masks.
- Guests will bring dishes to pass.
- Guests will not sing.
- The pandemic will end.
- The food will be fabulous.
- Guests will do their best to follow the COVID-19 protocols.
- In addition to wine and nonalcoholic beverages, guests will enjoy Capital Brewery Winter Skål (the quarter barrel of Karben4 Brewing Fantasy Factory has been canceled).
- Hoedown Day’s weather will be chilly but not snowy.
- No child care or room will be provided.
- No gathering on Sunday at Karen’s house.
- We will laugh and sustain one another.