I believe that the fellow with the barbeque mounted on his mountainn bike was from Colorado. I'll be darned if I can remember his teams name, but I have heard that his group actually ride thier bikes from Colorado to Iowa for RAGBRAI!
I would think the panniers would be a good idea. Besides the extra wieght, a trailer you also add more rolling resistance, plus and extra set of tires/tubes to think about. Personally, I just have the stuff I always carry in my seat bag, and then I wear a hydrapack, in whick I haul my spare tube, and a fanny pack for my money and cell phone. I know that travelling with children would make me re-think my needs!
I'm sure you will hear about your wrist bands soon, as far as I know, all who have applied are getting one!