Alumni BBQ & Swag Swap

On Saturday afternoon (August 8^th, 2026) we will have our annual Alumni BBQ and Swag Swap. Those who wish to stay for the night can join our Whiskey In The Woods event around the campfire.

MDFI Co-Owner Derek Schaap’s Railside Ranch LLC in West Olive, MI will be open to all MDFI Alumni and Family for the weekend. Feel free to arrive Friday afternoon if you’d like to camp out on site and stay till Sunday morning. Lake Michigan is a short 5 miles away. There are plenty of great family activities and restaurants in the Grand Haven and Holland areas as well!

EVENT COST:

Free.99!

THE BBQ / Pool Party / Gel Blaster Mayhem:

Saturday – August 8^th, 2026
12:00 Noon – 7:00pm
THIS IS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT

MDFI provides the meats and condiments, guests bring a dish to pass.
Although we hope some guests bring some soda or juice beverages to pass, please be prepared to bring a beverage of your choice. Water is available on site to fill water bottles. Alcoholic beverages are permitted IAW law and responsible drinking practices. Anyone drinking alcoholic beverages and carrying/handling firearms in any way, shape, or form will be asked to leave at a minimum. (One of those things that should not need to be said, but we need to say it.)

Pool Rules:

• Shower before entering. There’s an outdoor shower adjacent to the pool.
• Anyone using the pool must know how to swim or have proper flotation devices.
• For young children still potty training: Swim diapers will be required. Please help us not close the pool for emergency sanitation 😊
• Use common sense: don’t dive in any section of the water, please walk around the pool deck, don’t chicken fight on the concrete, don’t leave electronics in your pocket when you get in, etc.
• Users of the pool assume all risks associated with its use. Derek and Amy Schaap / Railside Ranch LLC. will not be liable for any damages or injuries to property or people in or around the pool.

Gel Blaster Battles:

There are 40 acres to roam, walk, run, hike, etc. If individuals would like to organize and participate in gel blaster activities, please bring proper PPE and equipment. We will do our best to designate specific “battlefields” so those not participating can still enjoy nature. No gel blasters are to be used around the main buildings.

THE SWAG SWAP:

Saturday – August 8^th, 2026
12:00 Noon – 7:00pm
THIS IS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT

Bring all gear and guns you want to sell and make some $$$ Please bring a table or blanket/tarp for the ground if you can. THERE IS NO SHOOTING AT THIS EVENT. Yes, we have a range on site, but it is not to be used as that will be one of the designated campsites. Aside from lawfully carried firearms (handguns only please) no firearm you bring to sell will be loaded in any way. ALL FIREARMS BROUGHT TO SELL WILL HAVE A ZIP TIE THROUGH THE ACTION OF THE FIREARM. (It’s a small/cheap task for a quick and visual way to make sure we are being as safe as possible.) All things* (As allowed by law) are allowed at the swag swap. The MDFI Swag Store will be open here as well – new t-shirts and sun shirts should available!

WHISKEY IN THE WOODS / Night Vision Walks:

Saturday – August 8^th, 2026
7:00pm – ????
GROWN UP TIME

Bring a sweatshirt, camping chair, a stogie if you wish and your favorite drink to enjoy as we relax and tell stories around the fire. This is grown up time. Nuff’ said. As above, you drink – you don’t carry a firearm. The stargazing out here is pretty great so bring your nods! Derek does have one of the most exquisite whiskey collections in West Michigan and may allow you to sample for a small fee 😉

CAMPING:

You are more than welcome to camp on the 40 acre property Friday and Saturday night at no charge – tents, vehicle camp or a SMALL camper. There is no electricity / running water outside of the main house and accessory buildings, but we do have toilets and hot showers available. Please plan accordingly and make sure that you can survive without running a generator for a night so not to disturb neighbors and other campers. (Power for cell phones, etc. is available at the buildings) There is a campfire ring for all to use. If you plan to arrive Friday night, please arrive between 5pm – 10pm. Notify Derek in advance if you’re planning to camp.

FOR THOSE THAT DON’T LIKE CAMPING:

No worries! There are numerous hotels / Airbnb’s in the area, albeit this is prime summer months. Look ahead and book where you’re able to find a spot!

PETS / ANIMALS:

No animals allowed. We certainly understand this may be a selling / not selling point for some, and for that we cannot budge but do so with our apologies.

GUESTS:

We ask that Alumni only bring their immediate families as guests. Please know that you will be responsible for your guests that attend.

Railside Ranch LLC WAIVER:

All attendees engaged in outdoor activities on the property will be asked to fill out a Railside Ranch LLC Waiver. Link will be attached in your confirmation email after registering.

LOCATION / DIRECTIONS:

 Exact location and directions will be sent via email upon registration.

QUESTIONS:

For those that have questions after reading all of this, all good! Shoot me an email at mdfi.schaap@gmail.com and we will get you squared away!