I recognized them, but one previous winner, Knick Pyles, is gone now. This contest was dedicated to him. Knick always brought his energy and love of laughter to this event. One year he had a two-man joke, but at the last minute the other guy backed out. I suggested Knick tell it himself, and to everyone’s joy and delight, he did. The joke was about a man and woman meeting each other at a nudist colony. It brought down the house! Knick’s wife, Lyn, came and talked about all the times he won and how much he enjoyed the contest. 

Winning first prize this year was newcomer Robert Dietric, who surprised no one as he chose the $70 dinner certificate from South Beach House restaurant. What a great prize! Following on his heels were: Arthur Reber (The Reef/$25 certificate), Jim Linde (Dennis Auto/free oil change), Matt Yedlin (bottle of red wine), Lyn Pyles ($40 card/Safeway), Vance Alexander ($25 certificate/International Marketplace), Judy Kern (bottle of white wine), Gail Ann McLellan ($68 “Lights out” basket from Bloomers), Don Falk ($25 certificate/International Marketplace), Tom Griffin (stuffed Zebra), Michele Dietric (magnetic quilt board) and Anja (patio candle with glass shield).

Congratulations to all the joke tellers and thank you to the generous people who donated prizes. Remember, soon the prestigious Ha-Ha cup will proudly display a new brass name plate, First Prize, Robert Dietric, 2012. Yet another reason to go to our wonderful Point Roberts library.