I will post my thoughts on this.
Timing-I believe the event should take place sometime in July or early August. Alot of people with children wont have to worry about school, and alot of people work in school systems and its usually a bit easier to get off the summer months. Late august not good, too many kids go back to college.
I also believe the event should be on a saturday, not spread out over a few days. Make it easier for anyone who might offer to host, one day, say 1pm-9pm, wont tie anyone down too long.
Place-this is the tough one. Larrys was a pretty good location, just a bit too far west for alot of east coasters. Maybe 2 events the same day, one out west, one on the right coast.
Something like central PA, might work out decent for alot of people who attended larrys gathering, and perhaps alot more from NY state, jersey, maryland, virginia, west virginia, and parts of new england, can make it in a days ride without needed hotel rooms.
And if rooms are needed, central pa is reasonably priced.
I do not have a problem hosting this event, but I have a 40x100 piece of property with a small house.
My backyard would not handle more than 25-30 people tops, and if it rained, would be very, very crowded in my small home. But, if noone steps up and enough are interested, Id be more than happy to host.
I believe getting the ball rolling now, will give alot of people time to make arrangements, and come meet alot of fellow woodworkers, spend a day, eat and drink, relax.
there are lots of things that can be planned.
heres a few going through my head.
The event will not be cheap. If someone with a piece of land offers to host, I feel everyone who intends to go, mail someone designated on this site lets say 10 dollars, then that one person can foward the money to the host, to help offset the cost of staging this event on their property.
(understand, Im not asking for money if people are willing to travel to Long Island it would be my pleasure to host and invite fellow FWW members, but I cant speak for anyone else, so to me, whats fair is fair.)
Maybe if people attending vote on things, we can have a sort of grab bag, everyone brings a 5 or 10 dollar item, wraps it, and everyone picks one so everyone gets something. maybe a bit childish, but I know I like little dooodads, and Im sure it would be fun.
If members attending want, we can have thread devoted to just items that people want to swap, sell, show off, whatever, list the items, and let the games begin.
maybe some members could offer up some of their wares as giveaways, like when mack gave away a pen, maybe a board maker could offer up a board, if I attend Id be happy to offer up a set of chairs as a giveawy.
this is touchy, but perhaps someone here with some PR experience can speak with some companies, and although we dont advertise any company, we will make mention of any company's generosity if they offer up a few freebies for the members that attend, and wed be more than happy to post pictures.
there are 1000s of hard core woodworkers on this site, wed appreciate any freebies.
(this all has to be cleared with management, this is only my ideas)
food-this is way up in the air. The host will make those decisions, but with plenty of time in advance, anyone can email the host and mention if they have any special dietary needs. Not a big deal, but maybe more people would feel a bit more comfortable in attending.
It would be nice to have some of the younger members here attend, bring the kiddies, maybe the host has a pool, or a park nearby.
there are alot of things that can make this another great event like the one at larrys, so members have to chime in and most of all, start posting you like the idea and will attend so we get some kind of idea.
Maybe someone can post a poll thread, leave it up for a month or so to see if wed get enough interest.
I know its the holiday season, and alot of people have alot of other things on their minds, but to plan and plan it right, now is the time to start tossing ideas out here.
think it over, please respond here and come up with ideas.
anyone who is interested in hosting an event like this on either coast, or even middle of the country, please speak up.
2 more things-
I would have no problem hosting. None at all. I live in south nassau county Long Island NY, Im 45 minutes from George Washington bridge, and 40 minutes from Verrazano bridge so you have an idea.
I already have a menu planned out if I host, nothing fancy at all, if you expect steak, you will be dissapointed. Some 6 foot heros, some baked ziti, NY pizza, salads, trimmings, chips, dips, fruit, (if kids attend, I will have a popcorn machine, maybe a slushy machine, candy to keep them wired all day, Id kick up the grill to make them hot dogs and burgers, and Id make sure my son would hook up one of the new TV systems with dozens of games so they can keep busy if they dont want to go to the park.
Like I said, would be nice to see some of the younger members attend also. (Id also have no problem with anyone wanted to stay a bit later and Id offer up an outdoor movie night, after 9pm, on a 12 foot screen, just has to be a family oriented movie)
I own a tiny house, but I have one bedroom free, can put air mattresses in there(Only a twin bed), and I can clean out the other spare bedroom and get a mattress in there, and I have a small den that can hold a mattress or two.
There are plenty of hotels near me, but Im sure july august on a saturday night the prices are ridiculous.
ok, Ive put whats on my mind out there, if there is enough interest over the next month, we can start planning something.
my wife is on board with this, so I have enough help with her and my children getting things set up over here.
please remember, these are my ideas, and no way represent the owners of this site. this all has to be cleared with management, something i brought up with other moderators an administrators.
Source: http://familywoodworking.org/forums/showthread.php?28950-2013-tour-de-wood-gathering
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