Last month, I celebrated my 24th birthday. To commemorate the occasion, I threw a Field Day-themed birthday party. With roughly 25 guests, we were able to relive our greatest childhood moments.

You name it, we did it: tug-of-war, water balloon toss, kickball, three-legged race, wheelbarrow race and, of course 20 authentic burlap sacks (thanks to Kahwa Coffee) to accommodate full-grown adult participants in the sack hop race.

It felt like third grade all over again, but instead of juice boxes, we had beer cans. Instead of adult chaperones, we had ourselves (dangerous, I know). Instead of medals or trophies, we had neon wayfarer shades for every guest. But for the winning participants, we had an assortment of prizes that included an I LOVE ST.PETE t-shirt and a vintage koozie that reads: The Dude Abides.

Needless to say, Field Day was one of my favorite childhood pastimes. If I’m not mistaken I believe I was in kindergarten when I won the spoon-and-egg run. Little did I realize that this event would spark a lifetime of Field Day competition.

As a second grader, I was learning the importance of goal-setting for the big day.

“Win at least three blue ribbons,” I’d say to myself.

As a fourth grader, I began training months in advance to win the 50-yard dash. I’d practice sprinting in my backyard. I’d study the way my older brothers, who were high school track and swimming stars, would stretch their bodies before a race. And then, I’d bring my newly-acquired high school knowledge to the playground to intimidate my fellow classmates.

The funny thing about those memories is that I have absolutely no recollection of winning the 50-yard dash or even acquiring three blue ribbons. What I do remember is laughing a lot, doing my best and ending the day with dirt on my knees and a sunburned face.

The child within all of us will remain there forever, because it was our childhood memories that help create the people we are today. Field Day though, is a perfect outlet to combine the joys of adult- and childhood. At my party, we all laughed for hours, we drank for hours, but most importantly we created bonds and memories.

Everyone embraced the essence of Field Day; that unspoken guarantee that exists. That no matter what happens, you will have a great time. And that is exactly what I wanted for my birthday. Mission: accomplished.

This article appears in Mar 17-23, 2010.