I’m excited to announce the location of the 2009 Harwich Headhunt party will be Jake Rooney’s restaurant, on rte 28 in Harwichport, MA. This is right down the street from where we’ve held it the past 5 years, and a great place for the party.
I’m hoping that they’re as excited as we are, and hope that this can be the new party location for years to come. Our parties over the past years have been a blast, and even though folks are tired from a long day on the water, we had over 200 people come to the party last year to celebrate and receive the various awards (including the ones donated by our generous partners like Ron-Z lures, On the Water and others).
At the end of day, it was time for a change.
A few years back, Timmy McGinnis hooked us up at the 400 Club (West) for the after party. Timmy was unbelievable - he set us up with some free food, and we brought in over 100 people who had a blast. We tipped the great bartenders (and gave them free shirts), and I personally walked into the kitchen to tip the cooks for the terrific food they had provided us. It was a great scene, and the perfect location since it was next to the weigh in at Sunrise Bait & Tackle.
Unfortunately, in subsequent years, Timmy was no longer there and things went downhill. One year, after being promised free food, they tried to charge us $15 a head for the 100 people that were there – for a couple trays of appetizers – basically $1500, after the deal had already been made, even with the crowd of people we brought in who were drinking/eating in an otherwise empty restaurant.
This year the 400 Club doesn’t want to be involved. I was told it was because it is not a fan of the ‘locals’ who get involved in this tourney. I’m honestly speechless. For some reason, management wants to make a point to the locals. Stay out.
Well, we will – and I’m glad.
This tournament has always been about these locals, the community, and just having a good time. This is not for making money, or starting a cut throat tournament. We have increasing support every year from sponsors, the town of Harwich, and an increasing number of families involved so this year should be the best tourney yet. I’m still astonished by the decision of the 400 Club, especially in this economy, but whatever floats your boat.
Sorry for the quick rant, but the upside of all of this is that we get to trade up.
I used to go to Jake Rooney’s with my dad after his high school games, and the place is great. It has a nice set up inside, the food is awesome, and we’ve had nothing but positive experiences there. I’m hoping that we can make this a long term relationship, and really appreciate their support. In exchange, we will provide as much exposure as possible for them.
From everyone I've talked to, the word on the street from the locals is that people are excited about the new location as well. I can’t wait. The party should be fun, and we will have more awards than ever to give away this year, including free tshirts and big tips to the staff of our new party location.
Overall, a big thank you to Jake Rooneys – this is what the Headhunt is all about.