Bowling winners: Laine Skonberg (third place), Liz Laupa (second place), Tooni Männik (second place), Christiina Vinkman (first place), Derek Kuusalu (first place).  Photo: Carl Skonberg

That was the general feel I got from talking to people and it's the feel I still have looking back.

Here's what may have been behind it:

* Excellent entertainment - the band on Friday rocked the house, the EUS'i koor was spectacular and drew a different crowd, and Kiino kept the Eesti maja "bumpin" until 4 in the morning

* High involvement - this year we offered events that hadn't been offered in the past. It looked like the 5k was a BIG success, master's track got a little traction (hopefully that means more faces next year), and breaking up volleyball so there were 5 to 6 competitive teams made for a much better tournament (it keeps things interesting when you don't really know who's gonna be in the championship)

* Great people - I don't know what drew the crowd that showed up but it felt like a big, rowdy family reunion with tons of familiar faces, laughs, goofy dancing, etc. With that said, there was a nice showing from the younger crowd (15 - 20) and it seemed like they all had a good time which hopefully means they all come back next year.

If it were to be measured on a 10 scale, this year could've very well been a 9. Looking for suggestions to make it a 10.

Magnus Skonberg