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#Post#: 3052--------------------------------------------------
Review of 2016 Fan Fest
By: wstagner Date: November 30, 2016, 4:46 pm
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I was looking on TheVentures.com site when I first heard about
the Ventures 2016 International Fan Fest. I have been a fan for
many years, but had just recently got back into them heavily
when I started getting back to my guitar playing. So, the Fan
Fest sounded like fun. Well, one thing led to another, and the
Fan Fest soon became the center point of a two-week driving
vacation from Texas for my wife, DeeAine, and me.
I won’t bore anyone with the ho-hum details of Branson, Mo., The
Ark Encounter in Kentucky, the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in
Ohio, or Niagara Falls in the US and Canada. Instead, I’ll get
right to the best part - the Fan Fest.
We arrived in Chester, NJ Friday afternoon and went straight to
the hotel. Upon walking in the lobby, we were greeted by
several Fan Fest attendees. All were so friendly and promptly
introduced themselves. What a great group of people!
We checked into our room and relaxed for a bit, but were really
too excited to get any real rest. Soon we met up with Fiona
Taylor. I had asked her to bring a few Ventures items from the
web site store. We had spoken on the phone prior, but it was
nice to meet her in person. Such a kind woman!
Later that evening, we met Fiona in the lobby and we all went to
dinner with the gang at a nice oriental buffet restaurant. On
the way, I learned something new about Google Maps. (You know,
they say you learn something new every day…well, this was it!)
Sometimes, you have to zoom in really close on the maps. What
happened was this. I looked up the route from the hotel to the
restaurant. I drew a little map and wrote down the street
names. Well, as it turns out, one of the streets we had to turn
down had not one, not two, but three names depending where you
were on the street! I kept looking for the street name and was
sure I hadn’t missed it, but we drove, and drove, and drove.
Finally, Fiona saved the day and used her GPS to get us there.
When we returned to the hotel, I checked Google Maps to see
where I went wrong. It turns out, the street had a different
name where we were supposed to make a left turn and even a third
name further down to the right. Lesson learned!
Again, we met so many awesome people and had a wonderful dinner.
Did we eat too much? You bet we did! Then it was back to the
hotel for a good night’s sleep. I set the alarm clock for the
next morning. I think it was for 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. The alarm
went off, I got in the shower, then got dressed. DeeAine was up
and getting ready when she said, “My watch says 3:20.” I
checked the alarm clock and it seemed right. I then checked my
watch and even my laptop. What?!?! They both also said 3:20!!!
To make a long story short, the alarm clock at the hotel was
running very fast. Ok, so back to bed for more rest.
When we were really ready, we met with Fiona and Mike Bogle in
the lobby, and we all went to the Tom Jones restaurant for
breakfast. No direction problems this time. It was very close
to the hotel. Breakfast was included in the entry fee for the
Fan Fest. Nice touch!
After breakfast, we headed for the Fan Fest. We were
first-timers and didn’t really know what to expect. We were all
hoping for the best. We arrived and checked in. We recognized
many faces from the day before and began mingling after helping
Fiona get her sales merchandise in the building.
The atmosphere was very relaxed all day. Well, with the
exception of Tom Baltaeff! Oh, man, this guy can really move
and get around from one place to 50 others like lightning!
Although I had seen some of Tom’s Fest teaser videos on YouTube,
The Fan Fest was so much more exciting to be there in person.
The videos are great but don’t really show the energy from the
performances that took place throughout the day. Everyone who
played, regardless of skill level was warmly received. No real
big heads here! Nor were any welcome. The music continued
throughout the day with groups being formed on the spot by
whoever got up to play.
Bob and Artie Spalding were there from Texas. I got to meet
them and had Bob sign my Wilson Brothers Ventures model guitar
that had already been signed by Nokie and Don. I visited
briefly with Artie and talked a bit about Texas. She’s such a
pleasant person! I hope our paths cross again – hopefully in
Texas!
I also met new member Lucas Griffin. What a nice young man he
is. He’ll fit right in with the other Ventures! We traded
guitar picks, and I asked him to sign his for me. I had
personalized picks made up to trade with people, so I don’t just
“take” from them. Luke’s picks, unfortunately, were
“personalized,” as Luke pointed out, by Jim Dunlop…get it?
Another plus was that we never had to leave to get anything to
eat. Pizza was served for lunch and we had a very nice catered
dinner. And let’s not forget the lovely Ventures cake for
dessert!!
Another highlight was the Q&A with Bob Spalding, Lucas Griffin,
Fiona Taylor, and Mike Bogle. I love hearing the
behind-the-scenes stories about the guys! Thanks to all of you
for sharing your thoughts with us.
DeeAine spent most of the day next to Fiona and helped one of
the attendees sell some CDs and memorabilia. Yours truly bought
a bunch of it! Some tour posters and Rare Japanese CDs were the
best! DeeAine and Fiona could hear the music very well from
where they were in the back. I’m a people watcher, so I had a
really fun time with that!
All-in-all, it was a fabulous day. It’s rare to get such a
large group of people together with a common interest and warm
hearts. I’m glad we went, and I consider myself very fortunate
to have been a part of such a wonderful event. I certainly hope
to attend again in the future. If it were up to me, if someone
did an Internet search for “a good time,” the first result would
read, “Ventures International Fan Fest!”
I took along my copy of Del Halterman’s book Walk Don’t Run. I
had recently ordered a signed copy from Del, so I got the idea
to get my original copy signed by the Fan Fest attendees – like
a high school yearbook. I know I didn’t get everyone to sign
it, but I must have come close. I asked each person to sign it
and write where they were from. I can’t tell you how many times
I’ve pulled that book out and just looked over the signatures.
I told each one they could sign the book anywhere in the book
they wished. Most signed inside the front and back covers, but
several signed randomly throughout the book. I have to tell
you, it is a really great souvenir from a really great event!
I purposefully didn’t mention any of the attendees we met by
name. There were so many that I know I would have left someone
out, so I left them all out. Please know that I haven’t
forgotten any of you or your kindness and hospitality. I
consider all of you my friends and look forward to meeting you
again in the future!
Alan Watson
#Post#: 3053--------------------------------------------------
Re: Review of 2016 Fan Fest
By: tabalt11 Date: November 30, 2016, 5:23 pm
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Thanx Walt for posting on behalf of ALAN & DEE AINE WATSON.
I recently received another superb review of our event courtesy
of DAVE & CAROL TOWERS from jolly old ENGLAND. I
hope to have up here within a few days!
I did take the liberty of E-mailing both reviews 'individually'
to all our '016 fest attendies in the hopes of 'enticing them'
to put their views to paper as well. We'll see.
#Post#: 3225--------------------------------------------------
Re: Review of 2016 Fan Fest
By: clarkeemilia Date: July 5, 2018, 10:42 pm
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ones restaurant for breakfast. No direction problems this time.
It was very close to the hotel. Breakfast was included in the
entry fee for the Fan Fest. Nice touch!
#Post#: 3226--------------------------------------------------
Re: Review of 2016 Fan Fest
By: tabalt11 Date: July 6, 2018, 10:51 am
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It 'certainly appears' as tho some of the above
review is missing. I'm 'just dying' to see 'the
rest' of it!
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