August 17, 2012

Several years ago I officiated a wedding ceremony inside a gazebo which was located in a community park.  About an hour before the ceremony began, the Bride's sixteen year old brother walked around the back of the gazebo where an electrical receptacle was located to set up the audio system for the microphone and music.  Well, surprise, surprise he discovered a wasp nest right near the outlet.  I will never forget the hollering and screaming from this young man as he ran from the back of the gazebo.  Yes, he had been stung several times by the wasps.  Thank goodness I had two bottles of frozen water with me that could be used as a cold compress on some of the stings immediately.  And even though this young man was not allergic to wasp stings he was taken to the Emergency Department at a near-by hospital for medical treatment.  The wedding was delayed until he and his Father returned from the hospital.

So, for those of you who are staging an outdoor bridal shower . . engagement party . . rehearsal . . rehearsal dinner or party . . ceremony and/or reception . . day-after brunch . .  or renewal of vows event, I strongly suggest purchasing at least two packages of AfterBite or SKEETER STIK as a precautionary measure. These items are small enough to fit into a handbag or a jacket pocket or pants pocket.

Both of these items can be used for insect bites, stings, and skin irrations.  They can be found in just about any store that carries "first aid" items.  I also found these items in Walmart's camping supplies department.