I am happy to report I am feeling much better than this time yesterday. I am not sure if that’s a good thing party wise, or if yesterday I was just too busy to get into too much trouble!

Friday was a busy day, starting with the first ever State Of The League address for the fans. This was an outstanding and ground breaking initiative by the league that had Commissioner Mark Cohon address fans on the state of the CFL in 2009 and field questions from them as well. The one hour event was emceed by Dave Randorf of TSN. Two hundred fans, invited by the league attended and posed some great questions for the commissioner. There were two great video presentations as well. One featuring the best highlights of 2009 and one celebrating the great history of the CFL and Grey Cup week in Canada, that choked a few people up in the crowd. If the event had a fault, it was two short at one hour, but I am sure Mark Cohon is a busy man, and the chance to hear him speak and to ask questions of him was a much appreciated one and from the sounds of it, this will be annual event at Grey Cups going forward. I just have to say, that as far as I am concerned, Mark Cohon is the best commissioner this league has ever had, and his innovative thinking is very refreshing.

Following the event, and a bit to eat it was off to the first ever Grey Cup Tweetup, hosted by Jaime Stein (@jaimestein)of the CFL. Twitter folks like my self gathered at the Unicorn Pub and were treated to appetizers by the league as we put faces to the names of the people we follow, and that follow us on Twitter, which has become one of the most valuable social media tools on the internet. It was great to meet people such as @inthetunnel, @argobeth, @cfl_fan, @ridleyscouting and others. Tad Kornegay (@T2Dak) and Nik Lewis (@nikel18) who had a little “feud” on Twitter also stopped by and had some fun with all the Tweeps. Mark Cohon also attended and you can follow the commissioner on Twitter @canadiancommish.

After the tweetup, it was off to the Palomino Smokehouse, and the Lions Den party. When we arrived the place was packed. Lots of Lions fans were in attendance, as well as fans from all teams. Owner David Braley, coach Wally Buono, Lui Passaglia and Jamie Taras were there, and downstairs the popular Grey Cup band Two For The Show were keeping the dance floor full. This event is getting more popular year after year, and for that reason the team has decided to hold it over two nights this year. Admission is a reasonable $10.00, and you get a lanyard and a nice pin as well. I would like to see this party grow to the point where it could be hosted in a hotel ball room, as it was in Winnipeg in 2006. It’s always a fun time to get together with so many other Lions fans who come to Grey Cups. It’s like partying with your family! Special thanks to the Lions, and to Jacqueline Blackwell for granting me access to this event!

I ended the night at the Spirit of Edmonton as usual. The room was packed, and at one point the they had to stop letting people in. Legendary Canadian rockers Chilliwack took the stage and belted out hit after hit much to the delight of those in the crowd. I highly recommend that if you’re planning to attend the Spirit party Saturday night, you get there early.

My dogs were barking pretty loudly at me by the end of the night, so I retired for the evening. Today is another busy day, with much to see and do, starting with the Grey Cup parade.

Until the next blog, enjoy some of the sights from yesterday in today’s photo galleries! Adios CFL fans!

State Of The League Address

Lions Den Party