How did the swap meet go over?

[Keith Ratliff]

I would like to know how it went and who all went. Post your stories. I was on my way when the transfer case in my truck took a early break just across the W.Va-Va. line.....Best weekend ever....Yeah Right.

[Ray Bersch]

Keith
My wife and I left our home in NJ at about 11:00 am on Friday - at 11:00 pm we checked into a hotel about 30 miles north of the swap meet site! Never in my life have I expereinced so much traffic - I had planned a seven hour trip - all the way.

On Saturday morning we slept a little late, went to a local grocery store for lunch stuff and soda and headed south towards Keith Outten's home - When we arrived all of the prior day's agony was forgotten. There was a small goup of SMC'ers milling around (no pun intended), Dino was giving a demonstration of his tool (the name of which I hesitate to mention), the wives were sheltering themselves from the sun and all were having a good time.

I think the turn out was smaller that what it could have been, and there was not a whole lot of "swappin'" going on (but there was some), which is too bad because I had a wad of cash in my pocket ready to grab anything I liked. But I do not regret one minute of the time it took to travel back and forth (the return trip was not great either) - I met some great folks, watched some great demonstrations, picke up some useful tips and techniques and generally had a good time. For those that did not attend, especially those that live close, you missed a great event.

I was surprised at the support given by woodworking vendors - the door prizes were abundant and several were expensive tools - which speaks well of those vendors who contributed to the success of this day. Thanks to all of you.

I am confident that future events will be much better attended because of the experience all of us had on this day - I predict this event will grow over the next few years to a point where Keith and his group will want to take it "off site" - although there is plenty of room for growth at Keith's home (a warning to his family.)

I have read about your troubles and I am sorry you missed the meet - I hope to see you at the next one.
Ray

[Bill Turpin]

My wife, Nettie and I had a lot of fun at the swap meet. We have been very busy building and finishing her turning studio. My shop is too full of junk for her. We got to see a part of this great country that we had never visited before. Ken's pen turning demo was much appreciated, and we have purchased several finishing materials he demonstrated. We will finially get to use them when 12 year old grandson visits for a turning weekend in five days. We are planning to go to the next swap, even though it's almost 500 miles. Hopefully more will attend.

Bill in WNC mountains

[Tom Kelley]

Keith,
Sorry for your troubles. I don't want to make it worse but you missed a lot of fun. My wife and I had visited Williamsburg before attending the meet. We hadn't been there for 30 years. We had a great time at the meet. I thank Keith and Jackie for their hospitality. And the best part was being there for Keith and Ken doing their comedy routine. That was the whip cream on the sundae! Anyway I hope we can all get together again.

Tom Kelley

[Bill Arnold]

How 'bout holding the next one in Tampa, FL???

[Ray Bersch]

How 'bout holding the next one in Tampa, FL???
In February, and I won't drive. Keith, if you are listening, you gotta volunteer here!;)

[Keith Outten]

Bill, Tampa in Febuary is an excellent idea!

Ray, we need to find another host for Tampa. Having visited my home you know I am a man of modest means. Maybe Bill will volunteer to organize the SwapMeet and Ken Salisbury will bankroll the event :)

Seriously, my family and I enjoyed having everyone in May. The SwapMeet had a few rough edges but we muddled through and learned how to make a few improvements for the next event. We will try to be better planners and have a schedule of events posted before the SwapMeet. I have already started inviting a select group of companies to join us next time so the planning is already under way. I hope the companies who donate door prizes will all have booths and provide demonstrations of their equipment as well. I hope our SwapMeet events will eventually grow into huge events and that we will be able to utilize large commercial facillities to host events.

Dreaming big doesn't cost any money :)

[Bill Arnold]

Bill, Tampa in Febuary is an excellent idea!

Ray, we need to find another host for Tampa. Having visited my home you know I am a man of modest means. Maybe Bill will volunteer to organize the SwapMeet and Ken Salisbury will bankroll the event :) ...One option for an SMC gathering down in these parts could be the 'WoodWorks Events' show slated for Tampa November 18-20. They provide booth space to local woodworking clubs free of charge. Perhaps SMC can contact them and see what happens. I'm already working with our local club, Florida West Coast Woodworkers to generate interest in setting up a booth to demonstrate what we do for the community.

Regards,

[Keith Ratliff]

Thanks,

I am not glad I broke down...mainly the $1300 tow bill. But I would think a FL trip would be a good one to make...But I think Naples or Orlando would draw more people.

[Bill Arnold]

... But I would think a FL trip would be a good one to make...But I think Naples or Orlando would draw more people.Naples is too far from most everything for most folks in Florida to make the trip. Orlando or Tampa are better choices. I know there are some members along the west Coast of Florida, so Tampa is a good choice.

[Bill Lewis]

Keith O. Rough edges!?, What rough edges? I kinda liked it being low-key. Overly scheduled isn't relaxing. That will come with time as the event grows.

I do have to say that there was one disappointment, and that was that some guy was supposed to bring some lumber to sell.;) ;) ;)

[Ray Bersch]

Keith O. - Trust me, these things grow - Once, a very long time ago, I chaired a "Table Top" show for our local builder's association - Our suppliers such as lumber yards, roofing materials, bath fixtures, etc. - rented the table tops and exhibited their wares - within a few years we had a full scale professional trade show that provided almost half our association's income. The key was a good committee and lots of enthusiasm.

Now, what we had in May was perfectly fine with me - get too big and it puts lots of stress on everyone involved - I know - after five or six years of running our trade show it became too much of a burden and interfered with my business. Planning took a year and everything from bad weather to a poor economy could cause a disaster (How about the Blizzard of '83?) It is great to enjoy the plaques on my wall given me by an appreciative association - but just writing about it starts my stomach rolling - keep up the good work but keep it fun.
Ray

[Keith Outten]

Thanks Ray,

Yours is good advice and I will take heed. Keeping it enjoyable and informative should be the main focus and that is what we will make every effort to accomplish. Certainly we don't want to copy what others do especially since our group and our goals are based on a community of woodworkers and not commercial sales.

[Ray Bersch]

Glad you agree, Keith. Do I get free tickets for the next one??

[Richard Gillespie]

Glad you agree, Keith. Do I get free tickets for the next one??

Ray;

After staying two nights for free on Keith's property for the last one, I don't think you'll have any problems. Keith and Jackie made my wife and I feel quite comfortable.

[Keith Outten]

Ray,

Sure! Your Free tickets are in the mail :)

At the next Virginia SwapMeet anyone who wants to bring their camper or tent is welcome to join Richard and I for an old-fashioned campfire. I am hoping to make the next SwapMeet a two day event so we need to find ways to enjoy the evening hours.