Many new faces joined us on August 12th as the RIBA held its 61st Annual Outing and Clambake. The pleasant venue was Francis Farm, Reboboth, Mass., where the first RIBA clambake took place in 1950.
Comments focused on the good food, congenial company and ideal weather.
"This is the first time I've been to the outing in many years," said past RIBA president Stephen Hopkins (1990-1992) as he watched the Francis Farm crew fire up the woodpile for the bake. "It's great to see so many new faces."
Among the companies represented in force were Anchor Insulation & Co., Butera Building and Design, Consolidated Concrete Corp., Davitt Design/Build Inc., J&A Electric Inc., Jutras Woodworking Co., National Building Products, Riverhead Building Supply and Spaulding Brick Co., Inc.
Festivities began with registration at noon. Friends old and new gathered in groups, and they didn't have to wait long for the chowder and clam cakes, then hot dogs, all followed by littlenecks early in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, those of the sporting persuasion took to the extensive Francis Farm grounds to enjoy horseshoes, the basketball court, the bocce court and more. Others enjoyed their food and drink over a deck of cards and good conversation in the pavilion.
Among the more competitive, there were organized sports and contests. Mike Thurber of J&A Electric nabbed first place during the football toss, with Mark Souza of Jutras Woodworking getting as close to the pin as anyone could get during golf chipping competition. Evan Kerte of National Building Products made the plywood throw look easy with a toss of 35 feet, not far off the all-time record of 36 feet, 11 inches achieved by Luis Mateos of Norbury Construction in 2005.
Outdoing himself, Evan went on to win the insulation toss with a throw of just over 36 feet, not matching the record of 44 feet, 3 inches set by Justin Hall of New England Drywall Inc. in 2009.
Barrington building official Bob Speaker captured the honors in the nail-driving competition.
At 5:30 p.m., programs and events committee chairman Steve Gianlorenzo moved through the central pavilion literally ringing the dinner bell.
The classic bake staff at Francis Farm served up the full menu, including steamers by the bucketful, fish, chicken, sausage, potatoes, onions, brown bread and watermelon. There was lobster or steak for those who ordered them.
As always, many lucky members and guests went home with prizes from the final event of the day: the raffle drawings.
Our thanks to all the sponsors and donors who helped make our 61st Annual Outing and Clambake such a success!
This is just one of many social and networking events that RIBA organizes throughout the year. These events also create sponsorship opportunities. Contact RIBA to find out how you can showcase your products or services at RIBA events.
Next event: The Annual RIBA Golf Classic at the R.I. Country Club in Barrington on Sept. 19.

Paul Eno is the owner and editor-in-chief of New River Press, Woonsocket and is the editor of the monthly RIBA newsletter, The Rhode Island Builder Report.