Intro (1974)
The 1st UnX Partyat Bilbo's
1976 Party by Fire
1977 Year that it rained
1978First arrival of Speidi's
1979 Year of the beached whale
1981 1st Pageant
1982 the Unknown Comic
1983 10th Anniversary (maybe)
1984 Roast the Host
1985 Jerry's Glade Debut
1986 Irish Visitors

Then on April 24th, 1900 and 75, unbeknownst to John Sikorski better known by now as Bilbo Baggins, a party was in the works.

For that Friday night a dozen Dwarfs led by a Wizard came to Bilbo's home expecting drinks, smokes and cakes. Dozens more were to follow, a keg was rolled in, the music was cranked up and thus the event was named a truly "UNEXPECTED PARTY".

Saturday morning the party rolled up to Parkers, dozens of cars, 4 kegs of beer, Burgers by Kings, a bottle of Tequila or 2, Hobbits, Dwarfs, Wizards and men all created a caravan that embarked on a "short" adventure. A short adventure that would live longer and last well after the corners of our Kid's College Diplomas would turn yellow.

It was a bright sunny day with an April nip in the air. The Party would last till the wee hours of morning. The Kids finally slept, however, only to awaken under a slight covering of snow. The party could never be duplicated.

Graduation soon followed and the kids were told by many that the Fellowship would not last. In fact many said that in a year or two there would be no Fellowship. It lingered in our minds during the final weeks of school. And bleary eyed, we asked ourselves "WAS THE SONG OVER?". Bilbo, Gandalf, Frodo and Bombadil and all the young Hobbits refused to believe it would ever end and swore to each other that we would not let it. And finally it was clear to all that the song was not over - in fact the song had just begun.

In April of 1900 and 76, a reenactment occurred.
Gandalf's little brother Jerry would come for the first time. Many years later he would make a very important contribution to the fellowship.
Don Bergin would make his first eventful showing. The party in 76 was so great! - Frodo suggested we have another so before we all went home we scheduled another for June.
This time a generator, the Mobile Unit and Cheech's Quadeo all accompanied the Fellowship. The party was kicked off with the traditional rendition of "Baba O'Rielly". "Out Here in the Fields" could be heard for "Miles and Miles and Miles". That year Bilbo taught all the young Hobbits how to build a fire with one match. A feat that would only take an hour or so. But, the fire was well worth the wait as we listened to Bilbo's guitar and sang. Yes we ate and we drank and we sang in high style. Yes the reenactment was a smashing success and it was decided that from now on we would schedule our adventure during the summer months instead of April. No more waking up covered with snow for these Hobbits.
Yes, the Party would now be held in the summer.

But, in 1900 and 77 the plan would backfire. June 26th was a cold day that was accompanied with an all day downpour. With plastic over our heads (provided by Fitzy) the decision was made to seek cover in town. 1900 and 77 would be hailed as the "Year that it rained" so to Tim Caffrey's apartment we went for warmth and comfort.

In 1900 and 78 we would enjoy much better weather. That year also saw the first arrival of Speidi's and the flying Kooarchi Cliff Diving brothers. Paul would release a new hit single called "Welcome to the Unexpected Party" that would eventually make it to the top of the charts. Of course Tommy was played in its entirety and Parkers Pavilion barely remained standing.

In 1900 and 79 we drew a record crowd (you can tell by the group picture) but Gandalf drank so much Tequila, he had no idea what went on. You might say he was a beached "whale". We are positive however that a great time was had by all. Vandy introduced his new bride Penny to the fellowship. Marie Chinnici and Debbie Gold also joined the Fellowship that year as Jim Gallagher (better known as Gollum) left it.

Penny suggested the Fellowship show off their talents with a talent show and Paul began his yearly breakfast ritual adding omelets to his old menu of chocolate covered donuts. Thus, new traditions were being born within older traditions and predictions of a lost fellowship were proved absolutely wrong.
On the contrary, the Fellowship had flourished and grown over the years with wonderful additions like Cathy, Noreen, Mary Lou, Donna, Debbie and Duane's tattoo.

In 1900 and 81 the Kids took Penny's advise and kicked off our first show, called Gandalf's Pageant. Ironically, Penny wasn't there, but we saw the first showing of Karnac the Magnificent who insisted that Noreen had three tits. Titman donned his famously tight Tuxedo for the first time and Cheech and John gave their first (and we wished last performance) of the Hosers. Of course, Paul opened the show with his hit "Welcome to the Unexpected Party".

Yes '81 was a very good year. Oh yes, we had our first live "real" band and Hotel Gosney had no vacancies, Paul cooked steaks for all and the weather was perfect. The party was gibber and better than ever. I had a feeling '81 was gonna be a good year!

In July of 82, three weeks before the party, a small group of the Fellowship met at Parkers to repair the damage to the Pavilion from last year's playing of "Tommy". However, nary a nail was pounded, for that weekend we could only think of the loss of a member of the Fellowship. Fitzy, the Fellowship's Scout, Gandalf's Advisor, affectionately referred to as Theodin was claimed by Dark Forces. What caused evil to enlist such a tragic event will never be known and the Fellowship was devastated. But as Fitzy would have proudly insisted: The Unexpected Party would go on.

Although several weeks later than usual, the party was held. Fitzy was not with us, but his spirit partied in the hearts of us all. The party was further dampened by an all day drizzle proceeded buy Gandalf's proclamation" "It ain't gonna rain". Parker's smoke bombs gave the misty haze a colorful glaze that year. Newcomers Mary Cocco and George Kermidas joined us as the party continued on while the Fellowship grew. Cheech showed the world how an Eskimo Pee's as the Unknown Comic who everyone knew. (the paper bag on his head was the best part of his act). Paul released his second big hit - "Gos the stud" so in spite of the rain the Party was great.

1900 and 83 was proclaimed by Bilbo as the 10th Anniversary of the Unexpected Party and he provided hats and tee shirts. Everyone knew it was only the 9th, but no one admitted it. Besides in '76, we had two parties so Bilbo did have a point. Anniversary hats and shirts were worn by all. (Let's try and settle this bone of contention....

The first official Party called "The Unexpected Party" was in 1975, however the year prior to that was the first Unofficial party. And in '76, we had two, so I will declare once and for all that this year 1900 and 90 will be the 17th Anniversary of The Unexpected Party.....dated 7-19-90 Gandalf-------- Back to the 10th anniversary.... Of course it rained but another newcomer, Peter Kermidas, Provided a covering over the run-down pavilion

In 1900 and 84, we began a series called "Roast the Host" and Cheech conveniently was the host. He was affectionately ripped to shreds. As host, Cheech wrote the letter that year and it made absolutely no sense whatsoever. But at least he did write one.

Donna, Mary Lou, Noreen and Mary were all with child as the previous years Zambuca was more powerful than we realized. Donna and Mary Lou did not make it that year and Noreen and Mary stayed in the comfort of a local motel. For some reason Zambuca was never again brought to the party! But Henry came to his first Unexpected Party in '84 and has been a mainstay ever since.

In 1984, The Unexpected Party had it's first major crime as John Sikorski made a feeble attempt to push Maddog over the falls. Maddog could have brought up charges as big Joe Burns caught the act on film. This was the official beginning of Joe Burns film making career. Several years later, the party would mark the end of his drinking career.

Bolt made a grand entrance in '84 with a tee shirt proclaiming himself as 'Randola Asshola' and it was this year when a small faction of the Fellowship began to doubt the need for The Unexpected Party . The faction was picking up gradual support and thus the party would face a major hurdle.

Then, in 1900 and 85, an even larger hurdle was presented before the Fellowship. Less then one month before the Party, we found we had no place
to have the Party!!
For darkness had descended upon Parker's Glen and rendered it unavailable. Many felt that the Party was doomed. The Song may be over!!

But Behold! Jerry the Younger, brother of Gandalf knew of a place with a character very similar to that of Parker's just 100 miles north of the darkened land in a small village known to the Hobbits and Wizards alike. Maps were drawn and letters were sent and the Fellowship embarked on an even longer Adventure.

Gandalf knew that Hobbits can be very difficult to adventure forth, especially when their comfort is affected. But, Gandalf was hopeful that the Fellowship would survive. Ironically, Bilbo was the host and Gandalf and Tit Bombadil were determined -- all of which gave the adventure a hopeful outlook. Bilbo sent the letter and Gandalf followed it up with another as Tit spent hours on the phone calling everyone.

It worked! The Fellowship showed up in great numbers. New faces came with Jake, Wizards called Gino & Vollio joined. Wizards like Arnsvile-Arnie and Donny Bergin. Pat Dougherty joined the Fellowship and Danny tasted Speidi's for the first time. Curt Hart with his wife Mart hart and dog Bart Hart made his first appearance in 10 years. The weather was beautiful and the show went on. Bilbo was roasted and thrown in the pond, Curt sang high hopes (Mcderrmots's Vintage) and Scott thought the crowd called "Encore", when in fact they cried "No more".

The Party was great and the Fellowship was very pleased,
for The Unexpected Party was right at home in it's new location.

In 1900 and 86, Tit was scheduled to be roasted, but he sold everyone the idea it was Gos's turn. Gos gracefully accepted undue criticism of his greatly exaggerated sloppiness by publicly airing a fart over the sound system. The brief tradition of throwing the Roastee into the pond ended that year.

In 1986, we had the Unexpected pleasure of welcoming 2 visitors from Ireland invited by Cathy and Pat. They felt right at home among the beer drinkers and Baba O'Rielly and Gos sang an Irish folk song in their honor. Tit shot a very full moon and even showed his little dipper.

In 1987, everyone got a chance to get back at Tit for 6 years of sick jokes about their heritage. Even a Tit from the future appeared and proved that he will never change. That year Spiedi King George Kermidas, using years of experience would determine The Unexpected Party's best Spiedies would be called Spedis and Cathy Sikorski and Pat Dougherty were donned by King George as Spedi Champs. They celebrated by passing out slammers galore.

It was in '87 when John felt Cheech used poor judgment in selecting speakers for the party so he promptly threw them in the pond. The action brought a roar of approval from the crowd. It rained of course, and the show was moved off the dock to the cabin. Debbie (the driest one at the party) stated she was fed up with this "shit" and declared she would never return. So far she has kept her word.

In 1988, the party drew a rather small gathering as Unexpected Party's go and it rained again. But by then, everyone was well accustomed to rain and was well prepared, the show went on and Paul was painfully roasted. Debbie and Marie stole the show with their well-rehearsed act and the Party was a great success.

1989 was in some ways a monumental year for the Unexpected Party. The verdict is still out on what that year did for the Party's history. It was the sweet 16th Birthday of the tradition and the weather was beautiful. The turnout was very small, but the Fellowship was very much alive and well. Fellowship had never been so evident as the gathering thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. It seems the Fellowship had grown some and maybe shrunk some, I'm still not sure. An unbelievable display of fireworks, Rock and Roll and dancing indicated that no one is bigger than the Party itself or more important than the Fellowship itself. For it’s the Fellowship that will last!

In 1990, Harvey showed up for the first time since '83, Bilbo was better late than never and things were rocking. 1990 was declared by Noreen the "Disrespectful Unexpected Party" as her brother John returned to the Fellowship by proudly dropping his pants and soon clothes were flying everywhere. John showed us that things must seem bigger in his eyes that the rest of ours.
Regrettably, Pat's perfect slammer glass was stomped on by someone and shall never be used again. The picnic table got stressed out, the new rented toilet was filled to the brim and signs of Hobbits could be found everywhere, Scott was roasted and Tit declared he would write next year's letter if he had time. 1990 would be the last year Fred the famed Four Legged Fetcher would pull sticks from the pond and clean up wayward Speidies from the grounds, for a few months after the Party, Fred would be buried a few hundred feet North of the pond by Jerry. (He was a good Dog).

The weather again was beautiful in '91. Debbie Gold flew in from Boston and Dennis returned to the Party after a 12-year hangover from too many Tequilas in '78. Paul required only a little prodding, but finally agreed to sing his former hit "Welcome to the Unexpected Party " and received a rousing standing ovation.

Peter Davis, a newcomer to the party, showed he can't sing, but received the highest praise as even John thought Peter won the Mick Jagger look-alike contest. John vowed that the prize would rightly be returned to himself next year, as he will practice all year. John also declared that he would also be the sole judge in '92.

1991 will not be remembered because of Frank's act, but it had something to do with large cantaloupes.

We all missed Duane, Donna, Marie, Henry, Scott, Harvey, Jake, George and Pete. Pat brought two new slammer glasses, which were well used on Friday and Saturday.

Cathy Sikorski invited two state troopers down to try a slammer and was luck she didn't end up in one herself. Instead she convinced the two troopers to give her a ride to town where she slept for the next 18 hours. 1991 will also be remembered as the year the generator never stopped running and Butts never stopped drinking.

Tit was not himself at all and could be seen eating very Humble Pie all day long on Saturday. In 1991, the Unexpected Party, still upset with Noreen for calling last year's Party "Disrespectful", took a bite from her lip on Friday night. Noreen, however, was not deterred as Saturday she sipped slammers thru the seven stitches on her upper lip all night long.
By ten O’clock, you could hear her singing. "So if you slip and slice your lip on a door or in a war just sip a slammer or three or four and the scar will be never more." This was the most serious injury ever at the Unexpected Party and even surpassed Gos's scorched eyebrows after Duane started the fire for John in 1976 using only one match and a gallon of Gas or the smoke bomb inhalation that everyone had in 1982 and yes, even the writers cramp that Cheech endured in '89 from writing the Annual Letter. Tequila was the medicine that cured them all.

1992 was proclaimed the Year of "We" by Gandalf in the Annual Letter:
"it's a feeling i have
and maybe it's me
that TOGETHER is a word
that would not be
the word that describes
a group called WE
if not for
the UNEXPECTED PARTY.........."

and we were met by a sign stating "WE ->" at the entrance of Jerry's land.

Even a couple of "new WE Gents" showed up to join some "Old WE Gents" and formed a new band called "Tit and the Knockers". Layne Ball and Jack Neff made a return trip 10 years later to the Unexpected Party and joined Tit, Cheech, and John in providing some great music Saturday night.

We all Missed Scott, Peggy, Vandy, Penny, Harvey, Theresa, Duane, Donna, Bolt, Paul, Mary Lou, Jake, Dennis, Jamie, Mary Lou, and of course Debbie, but we expect to see them in 1993.

"WE" included Tit, Noreen, John, Cathy, Cheech, Pat, Mary, Gos, Marie, Henry, Danny (first one there), Debbie, Barry, Mike, Eileen, Jerry, Butts, Smitty, Kelly, Craig, George, Dave, Kozel, Joe, Martha, Peter, Layne, Jack, Eileen's brother and his girlfriend ( I only assume it not is wife cause I kept seeing them holding hands).

Mcgraw maintenance was slim in '92 as the Party tent, the Grill, the Food test, the Kegs, and the generator were set up under the watchful eyes of Gos--- by Jerry, Smitty, Kelly and Danny.

Boots were very much in style in '92 as it rained for 26 days in July including Friday night. Mud was ankle deep, but this group would show that mud is no deterrent to togetherness...

The Friday night was similar to all Friday night Unexpected Partys. The rain was no pain as slammers were being slammed, songs were being sung, mud was being slung, poles were being swung, the tent was getting bent, shirts were covered with dirt, hats were losing their heads, the deck was docked or the dock was decked (I'm not sure), in the end Noreen and her pet slugs went to Dennys to sow the country folk how the city folk spend their nights out.

All in all, a good time was had by we-all.

With Saturday morning came a welcome visitor called the sun and the day would turn out beautiful!!! Gos was close to another beached whale day but the water in the pond gave him new life and he rebounded well. Brother Joe was not so fortunate as he spent Saturday yakking into a paper bag at the local motel. Resourceful John would visit Farmer John and came back with a load of hay and of course a Farmer John story. The hay was scattered over the muddy dance floor and the stage was being set for a Saturday night show that would be the best ever. Tons of equipment was being carried down the muddy trail and Speidies and chili (Maries) was being munched continually.

Not a chocolate donut, however, was found in the food tent (thanks to Paul). Mudded cars were being pushed and a Saturday shuttle was being run from the party to the motel, a record number of showers were taken at the Econo-Lodge in '92. Mike and Eileen were welcome newcomers and many felt Mike should be given a Hobbit badge of courage for many things, especially for filling the generator at 3 a.m when we all discovered that Butts actually went to bed for the first time ever at the unexpected party. George regained his rightful spot as commander of the grill after missing two Saturday unexpected parties in a row. Mary's spiedies tasted just like her fathers so the party was right on track. Dave came Saturday and got his convertible stuck in the several feet of mud. When he left on Sunday, he took a bit of the party with him as the car was a new color of muddy polka dot design.

Saturday afternoon brought back fond memories of old - as guitars sang out as the generator rested for its Saturday finale. On Saturday night the show would be kicked off with a new rendition on "Welcome to the Unexpected party sung by everybody’s favorite "Tit". Tit would then pass on several insults to Cathy Sikorski before introducing the amazing Karnac's final appearance, Cheech told jokes that eve included punch lines and had only 2 or 3 "never minds"!

Some bitches in boxes came out to insult the men folk in the crowd and then we saw a very unique skit that starred Barry, Henry, and Craig (in drag) and Marie, Debbie and Eileen as Danny hosted the Howard Stern "Dating Game". Barry was the clear winner as Debbie picked her date. Debbie later changed her mind when she took one look at the precious award given to Cathy by the roasting committee. Debbie and the award disappeared periodically throughout the rest of the evening and Debbie wore a smile all night!

John Sikorski kept his vow of regaining the Mick Jaggar award as he sang "Brown Sugar" with "Tit and the Knockers". The band played on and the music was unexpectedly excellent. Cheech was once again lit as he and his drums were surrounded by lights and the band then honored the party's request for an encore with "been a long time since I rock and Rolled". The state troopers came back for their second annual Unexpected Party, and vowed to read the "Hobbit" and return to the 1993 Party.

The last 19 years and now coming up on 20 have meant an awful lot to all of us. And, although it's been 20 years since the night we knocked on Bilbo's door, here we are still enjoying another party. 20 years after the skeptics made their predictions. This year we're in a new decade, the 90s. can it match the 70s or the 80s? I think not but it can and will be a unique decade full of the same laughter and voices. Full of the same friendship that has made our fellowship so very unique. A fellowship which not only survived the test of time but grew and expanded it's horizons.
Each memorable event could not have been mentioned in this letter but I'm sure that for each one I mentioned we all have hundreds more to think about and my hope is that we have thousands more yet to come. And that is what makes ours the Fellowship that will never be over.
And so although every Unexpected Party will be called the latest, no Unexpected Party will ever be called the last. And to those skeptics and any unfaithful it seems appropriate to declare----