The “official” start of the annual Fann Cup lacrosse tournament starts Friday night , but for some, including myself it has started. I will post a daily blog trying to keep you informed of some of the fun and activities that make this tournament fun.
Thursday July 11, 2013… Road Trip to Rochester.
After working for three hours at my job (longest 3 hours ever), I stop home to pick up my daughter and start a five hour drive to see my lacrosse family. But before we head up the Pennsylvania Turnpike I make a stop at my wife’s work for a special delivery of two dozen red/pink roses. This is the first tournament she is missing since 2008.
We finally leave the King of Prussia area at 1:30, and after driving through a couple construction areas, my daughter Samantha and I arrive at 6:40pm. Clear blue sky the entire drive, music playing and some fun father/daughter conversation. We check into our hotel room at the Rochester Radisson Riverside and unpack knowing the fun has yet to begin.
I receive a text from Melanie, letting me know some of our friends from Minnesota have arrived and to meet them at the local pun called The Old Toad which is about a mile from the hotel. It’s a British Pub with British employees. The food and drink was fantastic, but not as fantastic as seeing old friends. The Old Toad has a “Beer Bible” with over 15 pages of lagers, micro-brews, and stouts, no Miller or Budweiser here folks.
I even went ahead and called my wife Jackie and used the face time option on the phone so all our friends there can say hello.
We leave the pub and head back to the hotel were we meet up with some of our friends from Boston, Arizona, Canada. We gather in a designated room, have a few drinks and catch up on the past year, and do some reminiscing about past times together. It’s a laid back type of night but a lot of fun in five hours since arrival.
A text from my wife at midnight saying goodnight and I Love You makes it feel as if she is here with me.
My daughter Samantha and I call it a night about 12:30am, knowing Friday will be more jammed packed
Good Night Rochester! Hope you ready for this weekend!
Friday Preview… As people start to arrive throughout the day, those here will be heading to a Wine tour at 10am. My daughter and I will probably go poolside, and a special event will take place prior to the registration party at the Stock Exchange restaurant. Just know when it’s 6pm, Rochester will be Rockin!
Rocco Granato
Philadelphia Rage & Spirit Lacrosse #10
