Before Facebook there was Myspace which developed from a little forgot internet social media platform called Yahoo Groups, a social media platform that allowed users to connect with friends and communities. Conversations and dreaming started in mid 2002 about hosting a gathering for Dutch Oven cookers, while it took some time the first National Dutch Oven Gathering was hosted in September 2004 in Madisonville, Texas by Sam Miller, Gail Merriweather, Jim Lewis and Ken Brown. These individuals set the start of individuals volunteering to host an event that has been held every year since, with the only exception being 2020 due to COVID restrictions.
Ever NDOG has been different, from the first one, to the smallest in 2008 and the largest in 2012. Each host has provided an event that was enjoyed by those that attended because at the end of the day, it’s about Food, Fun and Followship.
The NDOG only is possible by folks standing up and hosting. At one time, these individuals agreed several years out to host. The biggest issue and concern are people doing just that, agreeing to host a NDOG. Dan and his crew are going to put on a great event for 2025. We have secured a host for 2026; we are in need of future locations and host. Do you hear your pots calling? Be a host, Be a host!
Thank you to the following that has kept the dream alive for a National Dutch Oven Gathering.
2005 North Carolina/Moved to Capon Bridge West Virgina–host unknown
2006 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsion–Cindy Overton
2007 Farmerville, Louisiana – Biscuit Sims
2008 Congress, Arizona – Mark Wilkens
2009 Ponca City, Oklahoma – Rhonda Cobb
2010 Doyline, Louisiana – Bill Ryan
2011 Wooster, Ohio – Fran and Ray Geochaop
2012 Canton, Texas – Leslie Lovett
2013 Bismark, Arkansas – Eric McAllister
2014 Monticello, Iowa – Ron Groenendyk
2015 Bryce Canyon – Debbie Hair
2016 Loudonville, Ohio – Jan Hardin
2017 Riverside, California – Sami Dahdal
2018 Hutchinson, Kansas – Matthew and Sandi Brandes
2019 Hillsdale, Illinois – Leslie Tennessean and Chuck Frost
2020 Postponed
2021 Mineola, Texas – Robin and Dennis Clute
2022 Hanover, Pennsylvania – Mike Long
2023 Rayne, Louisiana – Carlene and Danny Meaux
2024 Spring Mills, Indiana – Mike Hirsch
Hope to see you in Shelby, NC this October, until then keep on cookin’ in your black pots.
Bill Ryan