Many a fun and entertaining memory were created and experienced during Ronald “Bud” Montgomery and his wife Eileen Montgomery’s “OCTOPALOOZA” celebration to honor both of their 80th birthdays. The Octopalooza was held June 16-19, 2022 and attended by their first born Jodi and husband Bill, second born Scott and lovely wife Kelly, and third born Jill and husband Mark. All of Bud and Eileen’s grandchildren were there too – Rory, Kaitlin, Riker, Sarah, and Natalie, along with Lily, their current favorite grandchild in-law.

Festivities kicked off by sampling some local craft beer at Rockwell brewery and artisanal pizzas in downtown Frederick, Maryland.

The following day, Kelly and Scott graciously hosted a “family day of fun” at their pool and estate in the lush countryside of Monrovia, MD. Bud, a Hughesville High School academic hall of fame member and a former lifeguard at the Beaver Lake pool, demonstrated the proper way to enter a swimming pool to assist someone in distress – both informative and fun for the captive audience. Poolside cocktails of Orange Crush and Super Happy Summertime Fun Rum Punch were featured throughout the day, much to the delight of Kaitlin and Sarah. Jodi and Bill held a cannonball diving clinic for all to see.

The entire family enjoyed “picking crabs” as is tradition when Bud and Eileen visit their former residence, the Old-Line State. When finished, the family came away with nary a cut on their fingers except for the matron of the family, Eileen. But that did not stop her from playing the backyard game cornhole for the first time!

The next day the family had a delicious brunch at a favorite local restaurant, Roy Rogers. Afterwards the family enjoyed playing their favorite card game SNERTS while Bud, Mark, Scott, and Kelly squared off in an intense game of billiards for high stakes. Bud showed some of his cue stick techniques picked up on the streets of Hughesville during his youth.

That evening, everyone hopped aboard a party bus until there was no further boarding and enjoyed cocktails and lounge music as they traveled the countryside to their destination for dinner. Little Natalie, the youngest grandchild, was engrossed listening to old family stories as told by the elder family members. Rory, Lily, and Riker were fascinated by the “laser” light show on the bus.

A very special gourmet meal was held at the Antrim 1844 Inn in Taneytown, MD as a culmination of the celebration. The old home and inn were a delightful setting for a luxurious 6 course dining experience which was something Bud and Eileen might only ever see on the television.

During the party bus ride back home, the family serenaded Bud & Eileen with their favorite country & western song, “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother” – the joy on everyone’s faces was not to be missed.

The celebration ended the next day with a brunch of eggs benedict casserole before attendees departed for Pennsylvania or North Carolina. The weekend was full of laughter, food, and good times but most of all, love for each other.

The family relished in the joy and familial bonding over their time together and declared it “the best birthday celebration ever!”