Boot Scootin’ Boogie: Cracker Box summer hoedown and bonfire Saturday, July 18
By MELISSA SCHNEIDER
mschneider@breezenewspapers.com
For the first year of its 35 years in business, the Cracker Box (16910 McGregor Blvd.) is kicking off the summer right with a Florida Cracker’s Summer Bash Saturday, July 18, starting at 2 p.m. Look forward to plenty of redneck fun for all, right down to the bonfire and pig roasting on a spit (not roasting over the bonfire).
“And if it rains, we’re thinking of having mud wrestling,” said Judy Welker, mom of the operation.
See? Fun for all!
Judy also said there will be lots of redneck games during the summer bash and fund-raiser, like horseshoes, tire rolling, beer guzzling, watermelon rolling and seed spitting (as well as possibly mud wrestling, if the weather plays fair).
Plenty of raffles will be held throughout the party, offering gift certificates to some of your favorite local hot spots, as well as steaks and ribs, a redneck’s dream dinner.
“People really love winning those steaks,” Judy said.
Live music from the Cracker Box Band will rock from the stage and on the back porch throughout the event, and all musicians attending are encouraged to bring along their own instruments, whether it’s a banjo or a triangle, to join in on a true jam session.
“I’m also thinking of playing Jeff Foxworthy’s ‘You Might Be a Redneck’ CDs during the party,” Judy said.
And what’s a redneck summer bash without a bonfire, right?
Judy and the Cracker Box are working with the local fire department, ready to light a safe and illuminating fire during the party.
And along with the roast pig, Judy said she’ll have a whole spread of homemade goodness to chow down on during the party, including fresh-cut pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, hot dogs for the kids, and her famous whiskey baked beans.
“It’s all homemade. That’s all I do,” she said.
A party fund-raiser
All of this fun and excitement is to raise funds for Judy’s 20-year-old granddaughter, who, after recovering from T-cell leukemia, in remission for 7.5 years, needs an echocardiogram every two years for the rest of her life.
She is a full-time student at Edison College and is on the dean’s list.
“That’s why we’re holding this fund-raiser,” Judy said. “To pay for the testing.”
Attending the event
There is no entry fee to attend the summer bash hoedown. Games will be $1 to play. Raffles will be $1 per ticket or six for $5.
Cracker Box folks ask you come to the hoedown in redneck gear (teeth optional). For more info or to donate a gift or item for the raffles, call the Cracker Box, 466-4344.
Head on down to the Cracker Box. It’s sure to be a boot-scootin’ good time.
“We hope to see everyone come and join us,” Judy concluded.
“I’m gon’ be on TV, ma!”
Make sure you wear your nicest plaid, courderoy and cowyboy boots to the hoedown. Jody, daughter of the Cracker Box operation, said a local PBS TV crew will be there Saturday to film the wild redneck soire, from the bonfire and the hog roast right down to the live music and the slough of hillbilly games for all.
“It’s going to be so much fun,” she said. “Come on out!”