Looking for some post shooting event "social" activity suggestions

[Molly]

Have a traditional black powder shooting group in the early stages of development.  Two successful group shoots so far.  I know shooting alone is as good as it gets but I would like some social activity following the event that will keep interest up and encourage participation.  Last month we concluded with some light 18th century style refreshments and some good shooting conversation.

Just wondering if there might be some who would offer some sort of activity following such an event.  Needs to be simple, appropriate to the period and affordable (aka CHEAP).  Any thoughts?  THANKS!!

[longcruise]

Beer is always a winner.

[Molly]

Not allowed on our range under any circumstances.  Too bad!!

[Molly]

Guess it's not clear what I'm looking for.  I call it a "social activity" in that it is planned to be an activity following shooting that gives members time to get together other than on the firing line.  But I would like it to relate to the period and times of the longrifle.  Something like a "craft" of the period.  It's not something that would involve a lot of time or money to put on.  Something that is reflective of 18th century life.  Last time we had a member in period costume make a light snack cooked over an open fire pit.  Just about everyone stayed around and "socialized" for almost 2 hours after the shooting stopped.  Another thought would be one of two musicians who might give us a 30 to 45 minute demonstration of music of the day.  But beyond the idea is finding those who will do it ? 

One person said to give a demonstration of how to skin a ground hog.  Another how to use a tinder box and fire starter....get the idea??

[WKevinD]

What about a casting and conversation session? Running lead is about as boring as it gets, doing it as a group activity gives everyone a chance to chat, tutor and re-up their supply of ball.

Kevin

[Molly]

Now, that's the kind of activity I'm thinking of!  Thanks.  It's on "the list".  Let's see if there are some others.  Was also thinking about ax throwing.

[SCLoyalist]

Show and tells for rendezvous skills like  primitive archery, making moccasins,  fire with flint/steel, trap setting,  labor and time saving ways to clean a rifle, making cowboy coffee come to mind.   After a shooting event, my experience has been most folks are tired and ready to go home and clean rifle and self, so to keep them around some shade to sit in and something to eat or drink might be necessary.

  There are non-alcoholic beverages (e.g. coffee and switchel) plus plenty of 18th/19th century recipes to draw on, although some of them might require a cooking fire to be going during the shooting events so as to be ready to consume when the shooting is over.

[Daryl]

I vote for hotdogs over an open fire and beer. If not at the range club-house, then a meeting place where it is allowed.

[gunmaker]

Period correct pot-luck, venison(groundhog?) stew, Succotash, Corn dodger's or whatever.  Cake/pie, iced tea...?? any weavers/spinners finger loom folks about ?

[smokinbuck]

Pot lucks dinners are good especially with a show and tell of current projects. Also seminars related to some aspect of building rifle, smooth bore or pistol.
Mark

[One Eye]

We have had a primitive archery guy do a demonstration and afterward he had fancy arrows to sell. He did not bring enough.
Also, after one shoot a falconer came and did a talk.
Your local Boy Scout council can put you in contact with folks like these.
A good ale is a period correct beverage
One Eye

[ehoff]

Sometimes after a shoot some of the members will bring ring baloney, and other goodies. Everyone partakes while the results are calculated and the shoot prizes given out.  You could have a show and tell, let everyone bring in there current project or something they have and tell about it, pass it around.

[nosrettap1958]

We had people bring their grills with hotdogs and hamburgers were cooked up and an open fire was made in the fire pit so the kids could make their 'smores'. The best was a few would bring their guitars and banjoes and were they good. No alcohol was ever present.  

[jamesthomas]

 Molly, how about bringing some raw horns and having a discussion on making some powder horns and doing scrimshaw? If you have them bring a couple finished ones and talk about how they were made. Maybe break out the clay pipes and talk about the various tobacco's they used back then.

[Molly]

Boy, this is ALL GOOD stuff!  Had a hard time thinking of anything before.  Now, I'll have a hard time making a decision on what to do.  Really appreciate all the suggestions and I'm sure more to come!!

[Virginiarifleman]

Have Everyone that Participates bring an item that pertains to the sport with them to donate. then when shooting is over hold an auction of those items with proceeds going to the club.

[jamesthomas]

Have Everyone that Participates bring an item that pertains to the sport with them to donate. then when shooting is over hold an auction of those items with proceeds going to the club.

 Or you could hand them out as prizes, Winner gets first choice Etc.

[Gun_Nut_73]

Lead casting, gunflint knapping, knife and tomahawk sharpening and throwing, fire making, just for starters.  Don't forget the Great Best Lube discussion, too.