Cottonwood Tennis Club picnic

Spencer Roberts, winner of the microphone-eating contest. Photo taken by John Langan

Spencer Roberts, winner of the microphone-eating contest. Photo taken by John Langan

Kim Schmuck, winner of the bean-eating competition. Photo taken by John Langan

Kim Schmuck, winner of the bean-eating competition. Photo taken by John Langan

Rod Hayward

With months of tournaments, league play and socials behind them, members of the Cottonwood Tennis Club gathered at Sisk Park March 21 to close another successful season and to bid Bon Voyage to their northerner friends, poised for the annual spring migration to cooler climates. The afternoon was filled with entertainment and skill contests. Enthusiastic contestants vied to win tickets for prize drawings while Ron Petersen filled the air with his keyboard and vocal artistry. Armed with putters, contestants demonstrated why they play tennis rather than golf. Nearby, their friends confirmed the rumor that bocce should never have been imported to America from Italian villages. A delicious lunch was served by Helene Mein and her band of volunteers before the drawing for prizes – the perfect end to a perfect day. Of particular note were Kim Schmuck, who won the bean-eating competition and, not to be outdone, Spencer Roberts, winner of this year’s microphone-eating contest. The afternoon was capped off by Dave Butler who dazzled the crowd with his gravity-defying tennis feats.