William (Bill) Alexander of Willis, TX (45 miles north of Houston) said this was his 4th year in a row entering the Grave Digger Block Party sweepstakes on www.GraveDigger.com. For him, the 4th time was a charm and he won one of the coolest prizes that a Grave Digger and Monster Jam fan could win. After calling him up to give him the good news, the next 3 weeks before the party were spent checking on schedules, making plans and arrangements, and ordering all the party goods for the big day, September 15.

As winner of the Grave Digger Block Party, Bill won a party with 50 of his closest friends and family, catering, DJ, prizes, Grave Digger merchandise and best of all a Grave Digger display featuring special guest, Dennis Anderson, the legendary Grave Digger creator.

Plans were made to host the party in Bill's backyard in Willis which is located near Lake Conroe. Because this year's location was only about 1 hour away from Pablo Huffaker's Tomball, TX home, it would be his Grave Digger 16 truck that would make the appearance. Not only would everyone be treated to a day with Dennis Anderson, but they would also be lucky enough to spend the day with Pablo as well!

On Friday morning, a 20x20 ft. tent and tables and chairs for 60 people were delivered and assembled in the backyard of the Alexander home. Pablo and Tina Huffaker made the trip out later that day to make sure that the location had enough room to park the 80 ft. long hauler. While there was plenty of room to park it, there was no way to get it onto his property! It was too big! The road coming in was only 2 lanes and there was no way to turn into his driveway. This posed a huge problem and the entire party planning team needed to think fast and come up with a solution. While driving, Pablo came across the Stow-A-Way Marina just up the street. We made some quick phone calls and they had a covered pavilion area with tables and chairs that could be rented for our needs. After securing the Pavilion at Stow-A-Way Marina, the party was back on again.

The team headed out to the party location first thing on Saturday. There was a lot to do and a little time. Bill had posted a sign directing all of his guests to the Marina. We decorated, cleaned, covered tables, set up the DJ area, and the food was delivered. Tina Huffaker was a huge help in decorating and set-up since she seemed to have a solution for any missing supplies or ideas we needed for setting up in this new location. She truly is a jack-of-all trades! She even had her camera on hand to take pictures of the day as well.

The truck was unloaded and displayed proudly out in front of the party. The entire marina was buzzing and people were wondering what was going. Then the guest of honor, Bill Alexander and his family arrived. They were excited for all the fun to begin and were slightly shocked at the magnitude of the event.

Guests started trickling in at noon for the 3 hour party. Soon after, Dennis Anderson was introduced to the tune of 'Bad to the Bone'. Dennis took some time to welcome the guests and congratulate Bill on winning the party. Most of the attendees couldn't believe that this was actually a contest prize. One guest even asked him, "This is all yours?"

Party guests spent the afternoon by the water relaxing and feasting on barbeque ribs, beef brisket, sausage and all the fixing's from McKenzie's BBQ in Conroe. The menu and restaurant were selected by Bill because they are the most famous barbeque place in the area. Musical tunes were being spun by Music Sensations DJ, Jaye Curtis. Kids colored, ran around, and played with each other. Dennis and Pablo signed autographs and mingled with the guests. Dennis even took some time out to give everyone a brief history lesson in the creation of the Grave Digger truck from the very beginning. He even asked trivia questions for prizes with no one leaving the party empty handed.

As everyone said their goodbyes and party came to a close, a member of Bill Alexander's family walked up to him and said, "Uncle Bill, you throw the best party on the block!"

When it was over, Dennis headed to the airport to catch a flight back to his home in North Carolina and Pablo resumed his duties as grandfather to 6 month old, Michael Ryan. It was an unforgettable day of fun for everyone that attended, especially William Alexander!

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THIS DAY: http://www.gravedigger.com/photoGallery/Photo_Album.2007-09-17.3213/photoalbum_view

To find out about how you can sign up for the 2008 Grave Digger Block Party, check back to www.gravedigger.com for information.

Click to enlarge photos