Paul Eno, New River Press
Greg Fiske of Anchor Insulation & Co., Inc. makes the first "insulation toss" during the RIBA outing and clambake.
"Insulation tossers" hurled wrapped and taped bales of insulation, weighing more than 25 lbs. each, down a grassy "court" defined by orange cones. The insulation was donated by Anchor Insulation & Co., Inc., which also conceived of the event.
The sport of "plywood throwing" also originated at an early RIBA clambake and is now being enjoyed by home builders associations throughout the country at their own outdoor events.
These were among a bevy of athletic events and contests that have helped make the summer outing and clambake a top social event for RIBA members for the past 58 years. Many companies have made this their annual outing. Especially well represented this year were Jutras Woodworking Co., New England Drywall Inc., and J&A Electric Inc.
Other competitive events included horseshoes, volleyball, the football toss, golf chipping, the tug-of-war, and nail driving. Groups also started impromptu games of basketball and bocce on the spacious grounds at Francis Farm, or took advantage of the air conditioned indoor dining area for games of cards or just renewing old friendships.
As much as everyone enjoyed the sporting events and networking, food is always center stage at the clambake! Early in the day, participants eagerly dove into clam cakes and chowder, hot dogs and little necks. At dinner time, the expert bake staff at Francis Farm served up a full menu, including steamers by the bucketful, fish, chicken, brown bread and all the trimmings. There was lobster or steak for those who ordered them.
At the end of the day, many participants walked away with door prizes generously donated by member companies. Our thanks to all the sponsors and donors who made this year's summer outing and clambake such a success!
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.