We had a customer appreciation day at the shop in 2019. Private party. We ended up serving 2.7 times what was expected. I was designated grill boss, so I couldn't break away. But JG was quietly working the crowd and told me later that most of the uninvited were clued in by people invited to come along for lunch. There were also 3 people who stopped in, having no relationship to our business, or interest in the trades. Two of my guys found out they were just people who smelled the food and "heard" there was free food. They just mixed into the crowd to get what they wanted.
After the event, one of the party crashers came back and had the nerve to ask what we were doing with leftovers. He had plastic grocery bags and want us to give him all the leftovers. We sent him packing. (Leftovers went to the homeless shelter).
But this episode highlighed what can happen when people run their mouths, and when people see others eating. Now imagine this scenario if those inviting themselves had weapons.
I can't top that story. That's beyond rude. If I were in charge of that company, I would seriously consider quietly ditching this event.
Similar situation this weekend:
An old buddy stayed with us for the weekend and asked to bring two more friends. Only one showed. He brought nothing. He did nothing. He is so sedentary that anything remotely physical (like walking 1/4 mile, wading in the creek or playing a round of horseshoes) had him limping back to the recliner.
He made a lot of lame and perverted one-liner jokes. Great stuff in the high school locker room, but not at age 53 in front of my wife.
I got sick about halfway through the visit, tested positive for Covid but continued to be the gracious host. They stayed. They ate. They drank. On the day of departure, they decided to wake up early to make another engagement. They woke both of us up and stood around like "hey... Where's breakfast?" My wife was highly pissed and told them they were both a couple of "rude jerks".
I stumbled out of bed, bid them polite goodbyes and off they went. I kinda doubt they'll ask to visit again. And I'm OK with that.
My brother, on the other hand visits regularly. He keeps his space immaculate, helps where needed, always lends a hand, is 100% respectful toward my wife and is generally fun to be around.
Weekend house guests are an excellent training grounds for SHTF visitors.