Four years ago, the annual gathering started on a whim as a way for neighbors in the High-Country Trailer Park to get to know one another better.

Last year, the gathering grew to around 200 people, so this year it was moved to St. Regis Community Park. The move proved to be a good one. 

Last Saturday, every picnic table was occupied as adults and gobs of kids filled the park, playing games and enjoying an early evening together. The “bobbing for apples” horse trough was a popular attraction, with plenty of soaking-wet faces needing a towel afterward. 

On the other side of the pavilion, the horseshoe pit, using plastic stakes, offered a little shade for those trying their luck. And boys being boys, some supervised wrestling took place for the older kids. Prizes were awarded for several competitive games, with the awards ceremony held toward the end of the early evening.

Food was another big part of the gathering. The carnivore line offered pulled pork, grilled hot dogs and steak chili, while another table was filled with assorted salads, desserts and watermelon. Coolers held nonalcoholic beverages. 

Tasha McClelland made it clear that the event was for families, with no drinking allowed. 

“It started just as a little barbecue to get the trailer park together to get to know the neighbors better. And each year it’s grown into a bigger and bigger party,” said Tasha McClelland, whose husband, JT, was the originator of the annual event. 

“The second year it was a little bigger and then last year we started giving out prizes, more like party favors, and this year it’s turned into several games, with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and a potluck dinner. We have 2 different piñatas, one for 13 years and younger and then 1 for 14 and older so we want to include everybody.”

JT and Tasha provided the pulled pork, hot dogs and other food and beverages. 

“We asked people to bring something to share for dinner but having them come is what we really just want. We don’t ask for donations as it’s just for everybody to get together and have a great time enjoying themselves with their families and making new friends.” 

JT, a disabled Army veteran, hopes the little gathering continues for years to come. It all started with a simple idea: 

“To bring the community closer together. So, neighbors could get out and hang with neighbors to get to know each other better. It’s the way I remember growing up and areas had barbeques and squirt gun fights while our parents got to talk with people from up and down the street,” he said. 

As a former musician, JT also provided classic rock under the pavilion, music that proved to be a crowd-pleaser for all generations. His former drummer, Jeremy Triplett, was on hand enjoying the food and watching the Jacksonville Jaguars-New Orleans Saints football game on his iPhone. It was Jeremy’s first time attending the annual event. Jody and Paula Watts, who have lived in St. Regis for four years, were also attending for the first time. 

“We know JT but this is the first time we’ve come,” Paula said. Between their children and grandchildren, there were 10 Watts family members at the park, eating, playing games and visiting with other residents. “It’s a nice family event. We definitely appreciate it being here as it’s good for the community,” she said.

When asked about the event getting bigger and more expensive each year, JT simply laughed. “I don’t care. I’m not rich by no means, but we’re better off than many. I like sharing with the community,” he said. 

JT has lived in St. Regis for 45 years, and his annual neighborhood gathering has become a way to give something back to the community he calls home. The annual party is held about a week before St. Regis students head back to school, giving families one more opportunity to enjoy a summer evening together before the school year begins.

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