An Always Exciting April on Useppa Island

Easter was soooo late, this year!

Which gave us all that much more time to play!!  And, April has been BUSY!!

It started with the party sponsored by the Useppa Historical Society to celebrate the Barbara Sumwalt Museum's 20th Birthday.

It was very festive!!  Live music!  Dogs, Brats and Beer! 

 Dancing! Decorations!  Hats!  Speeches! 

And lots of recognition for those that played a key role in making the Museum what it is today.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

SPRING CROQUET

Spring Croquet...this year's tournament was planned to bring out the novices as well as dedicated players.  Golf Croquet on day one, then 9-Wicket Croquet...the backyard croquet that everyone has played in their youth.

SUCCESS!!  A great turnout with well-matched teams ...experienced players partnered with new players to balance the competition, to allow everyone a chance at a win and to create a fun learning situation for the inexperienced.

Our favorite Croquet Pro, Bob Kroeger came to help with the

Tournament and to give lessons on both shot making and strategy.  

See you on the court???

Then....Easter Weekend!

It all started with Egg Coloring at the Tarpon

Followed by the Annual Easter Fishing Tournament for Kids.  And, what a day!  Lots of Fish!!  Lots of Smiles!  Lots of Fun!  And, Lots of Trophies!!

The Wee Ones Had a Great Time!!

Krissie Gear

Lilly Gear

Gabby Gear

The Gear Girls walked away with the big wins!!

EASTER MORNING!!

Useppa residents, once again, came together to create another Sunrise Service on the Beach...this year, featuring the children of Useppa.

That morning, for the first time in decades, it rained...a cool misting rain that dampened us all, but did not dampen the spirit of the occasion or the attendance.

We sang hymns, offered Communion and Passed the Peace.

As Useppa's youth gathered at the front of the assembled group to lead The Lord's Prayer, the sun rose and broke through the clouds...and the rain stopped.

 A wonderfully special Easter Service!

TIME FOR THE EASTER EGG HUNT!

As with the Fishing Tournament, Lots of Eggs, Lots of Smiles, Lots of Squeals of Delight!

It was "Finders-Keepers" and not one child was disappointed.

Families went home to have their own Easter Egg Hunts...to celebrate Easter with other families and/or went to the Collier Inn for an unbelievably great Easter Brunch!

One thing is guaranteed....none of us will escape April without carrying some of it on our hips, thighs or tummy!!

Holidays are something very special on Useppa.  Many families have been celebrating this time, together, for decades.  Friendships that last for an eternity are made and renewed over Easter and Christmas.  Children grow up together....families evolve together and lifetime bonds are made.  

"Useppa Time" is always a memorable time.