The New York Yee Fong Toy Association held its annual picnic on July 14, 2007 at Blackbeard’s Cave – Family Recreation Center in Bayville, N.J. On this day, a winning combination for an amazing outing was in play. Essentials were a coordinator with a great team, an enthusiastic group of participants, the best weather one can get for a day in July and, most importantly, a great place to have fun. Although Blackbeard’s Cave was a smaller amusement park, I felt it provided a more family-oriented atmosphere. As coordinator, I was leery about going to another amusement park year after year. Nevertheless to our surprise, almost all of the 200 tickets were sold out within the first two weeks of sale. We even had a few families willing to drive there just to be where the action was.

The day began with the same enthusiasm with everyone arriving earlier than expected to board the four-chartered buses. I was grateful that more than half actually decided to take the offer of four hours of unlimited use of the activities at reduced group rates. For us, this was a record breaker. The group was ready for a day of fun even though we arrived late due to all the traffic. After everyone got their wristbands and box lunches, we took some group pictures. Then many decided to forego lunch and head straight for the activities.

What impressed me most about Blackbeard’s Cave were the activities that required some level of skills of the participant as well as others. I enjoyed the time spent with Vice President Gong, Janet our youth league VP, John and others as we waited on line to use the ¼-mile Go-Carts track. One had to maneuver up bridges, tunnels and turns at the same time trying to out run your fellow Go-Cart drivers. I was also glad that some groups were not afraid of getting wet as they waited to use the water bumper boats equipped with water guns to shoot water at one another. Young and older kids/adults appear to have a great time. Likewise, some groups went to play the 20-hole mini golf, jousting, and catapulting water balloons at each other in water wars. Individual skills were needed for the wall climbing, Euro-Bungee trampoline, archery range, 350-yard driving range, batting cage and many other activities at the video arcades. For others, it was just a time to relax, enjoy the weather, sit and chat with one another. What counted most was at the end of the day we all had fun.

This year, I want to thank President Kenneth for helping me take pictures and seeing to it that everyone was in good hands. In addition, everyone should pat himself or herself on the back for making this event so enjoyable. Everyone was so understanding, courteous to each other and on time when needed. Hope to see you all next year and to continue making my job so easy.

Frank Yee, NY