For all of the Sign folk here in Letterville...A traditional but "Southern Style" Letterheads meet is in the works. March 22nd - 24h, 2013 in Birmingham, Alabama. I've posted this a little preliminary, I don't have the full page flyer ready, although I have secured a block of rooms at the closest Holiday Inn ( Airport ) at a $69.00 rate. I'll post the direct # along with the flyer..
Mark Fair will be doing aging and vintage look signs.. Mike Meyer will be showing us all how he does his pictorials and maybe some gold leaf... There'll be a Pinstriper's Raceway there for timed events..
If you've never had the opportunity to attend one of the old Letterhead meets, its something you'll always remember. Guaranteed to rekindle the fire of "what we do" as well as learning new and innovative methods.
....more to come...
Update :
Best I could do on an inexpensive, safe, close place to sleep for those coming in town rate wise was $69.00 + the taxes. I appreciate the HI-A's Ms Laura Morgan for assisting me on this.
Holiday Inn - Airport is the host Hotel. Good amenities, super Staff..at least the ones I've dealt with.
Their address is 5000 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35212. Direct line is 205-591-6900 or you can book through ichotels.com or the 800-HOLIDAY. I've reserved 15 singles / 15 doubles and they ( rooms ) can be amended up til 03/08/2013, then they'll release the left over rooms. Make sure your reservations are under "SKIDMORE SIGNS" for the Letterheads rate.
[ January 15, 2013, 05:14 PM: Message edited by: Sam Sanfilippo ]
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
I've been in a funk lately - no motivation whatsoever. This is exactly what I need, but I have to get motivated BEFORE the meet to come up with the money for the meet. Arg.
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Sam, sure wish I could go, it would bring alot of good memories of when I was there in '98. I think it was 2001 when I sent him this.
I was supposed to be at his Letterhead meet but because of the 911 all flights got canceled. Is that hotel close by the Copperweld tower I helped Pat King with? If you would do me a favor if you guys do any signing for Pat would you throw my name on what ever you guys do in his memory? I know that's going to be a great meet, y'all have a blast!!
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Sam, I and some others from North Florida are planning to attend. It will be a blast! Thank you for planning this and all of the effort it obviously takes.
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
There's a midwest contingent looking to head down there!
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Will my Nebraskan Buddy be in it?
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
Depends on if I can hitch a ride with others from the area!
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
I am planning on attending...
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
Kissy, come on down, it will be good to get the fire started again. Bruce, I understand that you're somewhat closer now than Minnesota..but Brother you gotta watch out for those Gamecock fans...LOL. Joy, from what I hear there's a Bus being commandeered somewhere in Minnesota that is making a zig zag trip through the midwest in route to Alabama.
Brother Cisco, P King will always be around me in spirit, and yes that's the one closest to Copperweld. We'll make sure to have you here with us as well..
If there's a possible way we may attempt a skype or live feed to the meet. If I can get one of these young uns that will be there to figure out how.
All in all it is shaping up to be a fantastic meet. Even had a supplier call to offer some panels for us to use. To be continued....
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Sounds like it'll be a fun event Sam...Best of luck.
We will still be in Mexico at the time so we will not be able to attend.
Looking at Kewanee, IL this summer though.
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
One thing I forgot to mention...this IS a family friendly event. Spouse, Girlfriend, ( wouldn't advise both at the same time though ) Sons, Daughters are welcome. If you have smaller kids, I'll have an area where washable tempra and stuff to paint will be available.
After all...a loving, patient and understanding family is what makes us who we are.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Roger and I will be there.Hope you still know how to make great sweet tea!! Of course now Roger has to leave off the sugar. Looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making some new ones.
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
3 cheers for Sam and all those helping make this meet happen. I'll never forget our first meet in Birmingham. It was 911.
It is said that a person is never really gone as long as people keep saying their name. Long live Duckie!
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
Steve, I appreciate the kind words. I'll agree. Duck will be with us in spirit for sure. After this last Walldogs meet in Arcola, it really got me thinking about the loss of the "grass roots" that kept all of our binds tied. I'm a far cry away from an attempt at an International Letterheads meet, but I'm glad there is the interest of the rekindling of our spirits with this small one.
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Sam, I'm hearing good buzz from the Florida Cracker Contengency. The Birmingham Muster and Mess II sounds like one for the books.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I'm going to plan on being there. It's been a long time since I last attended one, and the fire's still burning......
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
International Meets are great, but they do involve some stress on hosts and those attending. It's important to remember the guys that started all this used to meet in coffee shops and bars. Keep it simple and share the knowledge. Get everyone involved. One of my favorite meets involved wearing pajamas all weekend.
Make sure Mark and all the other musicians bring their stuff for those late night jams. This has all the makings of an oldtime Letterhead Meet.
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
Wife and I should be there.. Trying to Make a 10 day trip out of it and get some real food on the gulf.
[ January 27, 2013, 03:15 AM: Message edited by: William DeBekker ]
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
Just a reminder, cut off for Holiday Inn's discounted reservations for this is March 8th 2013. After that date they release the unreserved rooms and it will be on availability of rooms at their regular rate.
Looking forward to seeing you all here the weekend of the 22nd - 24th of March.
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Birmingham is in my neck of the woods so I'll be attending my first meet ever...but what really sealed the deal for me was finding out what came with attending...free meals....free 18 holes of golf...and the $100 gift card from Lowes will really come in handy.
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Double post just deleted.
[ February 26, 2013, 05:23 PM: Message edited by: Rusty Bradley ]
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
Rusty, right now I'm not sure about that $100 Lowes gift card yet, but there's enough artificial turf and vegetable cans here we'll start a golf course...
Come on down, it's only about a 2 hr trip...unless you get caught behind an Amish buggy on Hwy 64.
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Come on down Rusty.
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
I'm flying into Nashville, so I'll snag Rusty on my way down to the meet.
I'll need someone with me who can translate anyway.
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
Posted by PatRaap (Member # 4290) on :
Dennis and I got looking at how far it was from us....and we are in! I just made reservations at the Holiday Inn! Can't wait!
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Sam...surely there will be a drawing for 2 frree tickets to the Alabama vs Auburn game.
Those boys down in Alabama sure love their football...I once broke down in the middle of nowhere somewhere outside Montogomery Al...some good ole boys came to my rescue and drove 15 miles to get a thermostat for my car...came back and installed it then filled me up with water...I don't mean to put these boys down in any way because they came to my assistance and I was very appreciative...only after continual insistance on my part did they finally accept some payment for their kind act...but in our conversation one would get the impression that a strong possibilty existed that they might not know who was the first president of the United States...but once I brought up Alabama football...their eyes lite up...they suddenly became savants...they knew everything about Alabama football...every stat imaginable down to minute details...even the high school recruits that had signed...their times in 40...what they could bench...they just went on and on...they were amazing and dazzeled me with their enthusiasm and football acumen...they could have hosted a hit ESPN talk show...no way could I have remembered all those numbers...anyway that was a few years ago...and now after Alabama has won back to back national champ. I can only imagine what football maniacs I'll encounter on this trip.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
a little shot of Southern Comfort and you'll do just fine, Joe....
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
Should I have rented a pickup truck instead of a Camaro?????
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
[ February 28, 2013, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: Joe Cieslowski ]
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Room is Booked. Thanks for all of the arrangements, Sam.
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
Now I have to start getting an accurate ( to within a few ) of everyone in attendance. As stated, families are VERY welcome to attend.
I just have to make sure I put enough boston butts on the smoker, figure how many pounds of taters I'll need....heads of cabbage and slaw dressin' how many flats of buns... with or without sesame seeds...or both. Figure out how many gallons of sweet tea ( and an unsweetened one or two ) stock up on coffee..er that should read buy coffee since I don't drink it.
Also thinking of the possibility of a low country boil if I can find FRESH crawfish & shrimp...I already know where the crab boil, corn, red taters and onion is located..
I never want anyone to leave hungry...I want there to be enough to eat with leftovers. For us old folk, naps after eating will be optional.
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
We are two. Might eat that kinda food like we are four. I hope Rusty comes prepared to talk about his landscape painting techniques. This is gonna be sooo very cool.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
Hi Sam, I'm stiil planning to be there. I don't recall you saying, but I assume it's going to be held at Skidmore Sign?
Are you planning on publishing a schedule of times/events?
Looking forward to it!
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
Yes Dale. it'll be here at the shop. No schedule, it's laid back, enjoy and do what you'd like to do...watching, talking, painting, striping, on and on. Although this is considered a Letterheads style event, it's more a gathering of friends with a common interest.
Hop on I-20 & come on over, we'll see ya when you get here.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Our rooms are booked...looking forwad to seeing everybody! Judy
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
I was just advised of an issue with Holiday Inn's booking saying the rooms were all taken. As of 3-5-13 at 2:45 pm they weren't...In order to curb the issue call the hotel direct at 205-591-6900 Savannah is on the front desk daily or Laura Morgan in sales.
As stated all unreserved rooms will be dropped from "Skidmore Signs" after 3/8/13... Book this saturday and you'll not get the discount.
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
Flight.....check!
Car........check!
Room.......check!
I'm there!!
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
P.S. Sam, I'm bringing a small jug just for you. Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Roger and I are coming. Just talked to Shelia. Her daughter is coming with her, so that's two more, Sam.
Posted by PatRaap (Member # 4290) on :
Really looking forward to it! We actually decided to leave early and had down to Destin, Fl for a few days of vacation first. Never been to that area, so looking forward to that too. See everyone a week from tomorrow!
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Pat, You will love white sand beaches in Destin. The Gulf of Mexico beaches are most beautiful beaches in the world!! Looking forward to meeting you and Dennis.
[ March 17, 2013, 02:32 PM: Message edited by: Judy Pate ]
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
I was hoping to come, but it doesn't look like it. I will miss seeing you again, Judy, & Sheila too!
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
I'm in for the meet! Yahoo!
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Bobbie sure wish you could make it! Hopefully someone will host another nearby meet soon! We will miss you!
[ March 20, 2013, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: Judy Pate ]
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
Any of you in the area of the south remotely close to Birmingham - it's not too late to get in on this Letterhead meet!
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
This is shaping up to be a good old fashioned Letterhead Meet! Come on down Ya'll Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
My plans have changed...I'm at home with the flu... Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Rusty, I am sure gonna miss seeing you. I Probably won't have any fun at all.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
I was hoping I'd get a chance to meet you Rusty - take some antihistamines and come on down.....
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
A couple of photos from the meet - unfortunately, I was only able to go for a few hours, but it was great seeing everyone, however briefly....
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
It was great seeing you again too Sonny, and all of the others too. Plus I was able to meet several people for the first time.
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I will miss seeing you again, Judy, & Sheila too!
