Mega events (and now Gigas) are designed with the intention as getting as many geocachers from around the world to gather in one particular location over an extended period of time. Fine and good – and lots of fun to attend such an event.
After attending a mega-event a few years ago, Sonny and Sandy, founders of the PodCacher podcast, had the bright idea to coordinate lots of local events so that cachers all over the globe would have the opportunity to attend a local gathering. In order to not conflict with other caching activities, the events would last for only fifteen minutes AND… they would all happen at the same time -- simultaneously. Hence, World Wide Flash Mobs (WWFM) were created. The first was held in May 2007.
While living in San Diego, I happened to attend two of the early WWFM events there. After moving back to Alabama, I have hosted a few WWFM events – patterned after how the originators did it. The theme for their WWFM XI event is San Diego Flash Cruise, so mine simply must be organized along those lines. Granted, you can’t expect much of a cruise that is limited to 15 minutes, but swimming gear, floaties, inflatable things around the your waist, noodles, and life jackets are encouraged – or at least tropical attire (flip flops, shorts, Hawaiian shirts, big sunglasses, big straw hats, beach towels…).
Keeping with the “FLASH” part of the event, do not approach Ground Zero until 11:59 AM. You are welcome to arrive early, stay in your vehicle or wander around the area behaving as a non-suspicious tourist or sightseer. With the appearance of the traditional orange bucket, converge quickly (and safely) to the main spot. Fill out your log sheet and place it in the bucket. Swap stories of caching adventures and past WWFM events, favorite cache finds, frustrating DNFs, infuriating STFs, run-ins with police and rangers, and share some nifty caching skills and techniques. Presumably, there will some fantastic door prizes awarded. Naturally, all of us will pose for the picture that will be submitted for the official WWFM headcount and historical records.
At the end of the fifteen minute time limit, the crowd will quickly disperse. There is a restaurant right over there… and there are a slew of geocaches in the area, including several in Tims Ford State Park (speaking of which, this event is not at the marina inside the state park!). There are rumors that some cachers will be camping at the park for the weekend… and there might be other activities and plans in the works. If interested in finding out more, email the event host via his geocaching profile.
For WWFM X in May 2013, there are 558 events scheduled in 42 countries, with 25,125 attendees.
As of May 11, 2014, there are 401 events scheduled in 32 countries!
As of May 18, 2014, there are 562 events scheduled in 37 countries!
As of June 1, 2014, there are over 790 events scheduled in 52 countries!
Source: www.gcwwfm.com
If you would like to volunteer to be a helper, your support would be greatly appreciated! Donations for nifty door prizes will also be warmly received.
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Just so you know, for logistical and safety reasons, the traditional “three locations” will be skipped at this event; but, as always, there will be a “feeding of the masses”.
Official headcount: 24