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The beginning and end of any TBOX is a sober and solemn occasion... OK, that's a
stretch... it is a MOMENTOUS occasion that we feel deserves pageantry and ritual
that gives props to the history and origin of the event, and sets the tone for
the day of merriment. To be honest, there wasn't much formality to the
first few TBOX's... but it was around TBOX8 in 2003 that we got the idea to have
a Torch Procession -- using Kerosene Tiki Torches -- and have whoever desired to
do so march from my house in Wrigleyville to Bar #1, while humming the Olympic
Theme. This tradition carried through TBOX9 and TBOX10, until we finally
felt that standing under the El Tracks, and marching down the street with open
flames, was something we were outgrowing. There were no ceremonies at
TBOX11, but at TBOX12 in 2007, and then TBOX2008, they entered their full glory,
with the presentation of the Royal Court and the Number One for the year onstage
at Bar #1 at the Cubby Bear. With all the excitement... and all the cereal... it
is something not to be missed!! Enjoy below some of the highlights of the
OC's throughout the years.
And what of the Closing Ceremonies?? Yes, they are held... and if you
look thru, there ARE pictures from 2007 and 2008... and we are going to make
them awesome for 2009... but let's just say that there is a tad less energy,
things are a wee smidge less organized, and there are a number of "casualties"
who just don't make it all the way to the closing bell. But never fear!
And enjoy these highlights!
TBOX2008 Opening Ceremonies
We were pleased to introduce Sarah K, the TBOX2008 "Number One" -- she wore
an elegant red evening gown and sash that read "Miss TBOX 2008"...
The Crowd Prepares in Anticipation!!
Sarah #1 Being Fitted with the Cereal Funnel
The Cereal Being Poured into the Funnel Around Sarah's Neck
And BOOM -- it was game on and TBOX2008 hade begun! After we filled the
dog-collar funnel with cereal, we ripped the Velcro apart as cereal flew
everywhere, and Sarah made an elegant and glamorus Numero Uno!
TBOX12 / 2007 Opening Ceremonies
This was the first year the Opening Ceremonies moved INDOORS and
ONSTAGE at the Cubby Bear! It was very exciting as the 3 Interns prepared
to pour Cereal into the mouths of Biggins, Goze, and Bill, #1A, #1B, and #1C...
Getting Ready for
The Opening Cereal Shot
And There It Is!!!
Don't Choke On It!!!
And Another Great TBOX was Off and Running!
TBOX10 - Last Year of The Tiki Torch March
TBOX10 was the last year I had a bunch of people come to my
house at 937 West Newport to march to Bar #1 -- and this was the last year
Sheffield's was Bar #1. Tony Y was #1, and he was presented to a crowd of
about 50 die-hards outside my front steps, under the El Tracks...
The Presentation of "Number
Two", Fred...
King Tony Emerges to His
Adoring Minions
The March to Sheffield's
The Initial Crowd Outside Bar #1, TBOX2005,
Concluding the Opening Ceremonies
TBOX9, 2004 - Under The El Tracks
In 2004, I made a short speech to about 30 folks, with Tiki Torches, as the
El Trains rumbled overhead at 937 Newport, and we made our way to Bar #1.
It was grand and glorious!
TBOX8 - The
First Opening Ceremonies
TBOX8, the first year of the
OC's, after meeting at my house, we started and lit the torches at the Harry
Caray statue by Wrigley Field. Pictured below, that year's #1, JD, with
Peckham, Fuji, and unidentified gentleman.
And arriving, finally, at Bar #1 in 2003,
extinguishing the flames, and beginning the party!
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