If it is of any encouragement, preparations for Bonfire 2012 are already being made.
I have personally seen Bonfire's resurgence from its very beginnings as a trash pile in 2002 (and before) and have since served the fire in various official and unofficial capacities as a current and former student. I can honestly say that in all these years of growth and progress, I have never experienced as much interest in "next year" as I have this year. And I'm not talking about curiousity, but where do I join, will this help, tell me what I can do.
Furthermore, while the burn bans have been disappointing, I'm finding that they have set up the perfect case in support of Bonfire. Over these last two Bonfires, we have all finally experienced that burning to "clear the field" is no cliche. And there has been a tremendous INCREASE in support after these two burn bans.
The next step that Bonfire will take will be to stand on its own without t.u. Again, already the level of support for the Tradition's continuation has been impressive even (and maybe especially) in t.u.'s absence.
It is the Aggie way to persist in achievement, to optimize with alarming efficacy the less-than optimal, to self-motivate for the benefit of others, and to Build the Hell Outta Bonfire.
I hope we'll see you in 2012.
