Start A New Tradition

Sunday fun-day was taken to a whole new level last August 31st. Kegs of beer (plural), margaritas, backyard grilling, a slip-n-slide, and funky hats. All were key ingredients to the first annual Labor Day Luau. What started as an excuse for a group of guys to drink outside all day, turned into one hell of a Sunday bash. And just like that, a new tradition was created. Nothing unites friends and stimulates good times like creating a new tradition. Another great example is the 9-9-9 challenge.

I was recently invited to the 6th Annual 9-9-9 Challenge via a Facebook request. A buddy of mine started this event in college with a small group of friends and has grown to over 30 participants. The object of the 9-9-9 challenge is to eat 9 hot dogs, drink 9 beers, during a 9-inning baseball game. The game of choice is usually part of the first Cubs/Cardinals series of the season.

Although there are over 30 participants, only a select few actually complete the challenge. Beer bongs and shotgunning beers is against the rules. You can eat hot dogs and drink beers at your own pace. The only other rule is you can't throw up. If you throw up, you must start again if you want to successfully complete the challenge.

Each year, participants have the chance to earn awards. Some awards are good, others can bring shame to your name. Good awards are:

• Champion
  
• Drunkest
• Rookie of the Year
• Most Improved

And then there are the awards that you try to avoid:

• First to Puke
  
• Worst Competitor
  
• Disappointment Award

The 9-9-9 Challenge is just one example of a tradition that came from nowhere and has continually grown each year. It's a great way for friends to get together and more than anything, have a good time while trying to avoid embarrassment.

Now it's time to start your own tradition. It could be a theme party, some sort of competition, or just a weekly karaoke night. Whatever it is, make it your own and have fun with it, but no Naked Thursdays because it's already taken.