By God of Fire

As the events of Lawn Olympics 2002 were finishing and athletes prepared for the evening’s festivities, a plan was unfolding -- a plan that, although untested, was sure to set the night off with a bang. It was the start of LOADed, and the Gods were up to something.
As the crowd was gathered around Chod for his almost passable version of our National Anthem, the stage was being set for a daring attempt that was worthy of the L.O venue. The Gods had done their jobs and had taken their places, and as a silence broke out at the completion of Chod’s performance, a solitary voice was heard: “Do you smell gas?” It was heard by everyone, and a gasp of the unknown blanketed the crowd. That was it for me. That was the moment. The pinnacle of our planning and preparation, summed up in an instant of realization.
Forgive me for this selfish tangent, but I wish to convey the excitement of that moment. To do this, we need to rewind a little. Not as far back as 4 months prior when I can home with a trunk full of fireworks, or when Brett first mentioned the word gas, just to about 20 minutes before Chod took the stage. The plan was already in motion, 3 of the Gods had already loaded up the fire with wood and paper. The day’s rain had made the fire ritual an even more difficult task, but the God’s don’t plan, they improvise. The God of Merriment was about to douse the sacrificial trees with gas when he questioned the God of Spirit “How much should I put on?”… “All of it” was the reply he got, and true to form, he proceeded to empty the 2-gallon container on the would-be fire. From my position atop the stairs, I took it all in.
We had attempted a ‘dry run’ before without the gas and had limited success. We knew the chances of this working were slim, but it was Lawn Olympics and we had to try. Besides, the idea of adding gas was sure to work, right?
Well, for those of you who were there, you know the answer to that question. For those of you who weren’t, I’ll return to the story.
I stood atop the stairs with a big-ass grin and a bigger-ass Roman Candle. 20 yards away were the most flammable substances we could find: dried wood, pine tree branches, 15 pounds of shredded paper, oh, and 2 gallons of gas. My first thought was I hoped nobody would wander down too close before it went up. My second thought was who cares, this is gonna be awesome. Before I could finish laughing at myself, I heard it. The phrase that caught everyone’s attention. The words were almost sweet to hear. Not because of the inherent danger, mind you, but it was that instant that I knew it was going to work. That’s what made it the moment I remember most. Followed closely by what happened next.
Holy Shit! Some people said it, more were thinking it, and everyone felt it. The burst from the Roman Candle ignited the fire from 4 feet above it. The gas ball that followed was in a word awesome. It felt like I had opened the door to hell (not for the first time, I might add). It went off without a hitch, just like we had planned. What else did you expect?
The ensuing fire lasted well into the night. It provided a warm escape from the damp air, and a place to reflect on the day’s highlights. A place where friendships were made and legends started. The L.O.A.D.ed bonfire seems to bring out the spirit of Lawn Olympics, and 2002 was no different. But, just like in Croquet, you’re only as good as your next shot. This is also true of the fire. 2003 looks to be a record-breaking year. Last year’s attendance record will be in jeopardy, and the ever-growing World’s Largest game of Pass the Trash will no doubt be bigger than ever. With that in mind, the opening ceremonies to L.O.A.D.ed have a reputation to keep.

So get there early and plan to stay late.
Fly solo or bring a date.
Bring your friends, and let them know
Of good times had at L.O.
Remember to trash talk, mock and goad
The man who goes by the name of Chod.
But prepare yourself, and watch your ass
When someone asks
Do you smell gas?