At 08:20 AM 6/10/2009, you wrote: >At this years Gathering there will be two >Gathering Hosts that have truly excelled at putting together GREAT >GATHERINGS - Larry Flesner and Dan Overall. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I appreciate your kind words but must add at least one more name. That would be Chris Collins, the airport manager at the Mt.Vernon airport. Without great local support it doesn't matter how much prep work is done, you can't pull it off. You're right. Prep work is everything. Not that it's a full time job but one must start the prep work at least 3 months before putting together an invitation. Then the year of the event, six months is not too early to start. Knowing what's required I get started a bit later each year. I'm just getting started on this years event in earnest the past week or so. Just this week I've selected the hats and shirts and put together the design for the embroidery. I went by the trophy shop and picked out the awards and laid out the art work for them. I need to get together with the restaurant at the airport and plan the awards banquet in the next week or two. Chris , and the FBO, do more than their share each year on the support details like camping facilities, firewood, PA system, courtesy cars, events for the spouses, etc., etc., etc. Each year is a new learning event and nothing ever goes 100% according to plan but we manage to pull it off. Anyone can do it if they have the commitment. Last, but not least, you need the support of all the attendees. I can't thank the past attendees enough for their support in helping to make the Gathering a better event each year. I know they would support anyone that wants to host the event at their airport. I know there is someone out there that has the location and facilities to host a Gathering. Who will it be? Whipping a dead horse does not make it run any faster so until someone throws out a location everyone can support, let's look forward to this years event. Larry Flesner
