After getting enough wondering looks as to why I was up so early, I decided to go on over to one of the tents that I got fed at yesterday to see if there was anything left over for breakfast (people really should learn to read the “Don’t Feed The Passow” sign that was posted in the front of the fields). Sure enough, they were up making coffee for everyone.

More and more people stopped by for a cup and some breakfast burritos as well all ate and shared stories of our reckless youths. We all ended up going over to the fire pit to warm ourselves up for it was still quite cold. The flame thrower was brought back out to heat up a home made chile pepper brand and many chunks of wood and cabinet doors were branded.

I was really tempted to get one of these on my arm…

Since the flame thrower was out anyways, people took this opportunity to use it for what it was originally brought for, roasting peppers in the home made roaster! So, in addition to still digesting last night’s meal, this morning’s meal, I also had to throw some roasted peppers down the gullet. I think I had eating my fill for the week.

Homemade roaster hard at work.

But wait! There’s even more food to had! A few camp sites down, Butch Taylor was fixing up some deep fried meals for everyone. Including some breaded catfish and oysters! I’ve never had breaded oysters so this was a treat. I’m always up to trying new things. Ever had monkey brains? I don’t suggest you do, they’re not all that tasty.

Butch Taylor of Zydeco Hot Sauces hard at work frying up catfish.

Everybody started packing their stuff up after that. I was going to stay until Monday but since everyone else was leaving and it was going to rain again that night, I decided to take the only dry time I had and pack up camp too and take one last shot of there two:

Sandi and Betty showing off their awards.

I said my goodbyes and left somewhere around noon. This event was truly amazing. The generosity of every person in attendance warmed my heart (and tongue). Jim Campbell’s ability to be so giving still astounds me to this day. The man grows this field on his own time and dime just for us, allows us to pick for free, houses us in the fields, gives all the money earned from the raffle and auction to charity, and does this year after year?!?!? He truly is a modern marvel and we should all be so lucky if we even learn one thing about the act of generosity from this great man. Thanks Jim, and thanks to everyone who attended.

That’s a huge pile of peppers. Thanks Jim!!!