August 16, 201312 yr The SOFA Quadstate 2013 conference registration info was posted today on the group site. http://www.sofablacksmiths.org/conference2013/2013index.htm I have also attached the info. I went last year and have been looking forward to the next one since then. It is September 27-29 in Troy, Ohio. I took a quick look at the seminar leaders and noticed that Brian Brazel will be a presenter who I think I have seen on IForge Iron. I searched through the regional groups a couple times bud didn't find an appropriate group to post this under and so I put it in everything else. At one point I thought there might have been a Kentucky group that I posted under but I don't see it now. 2013 Demonstrators.pdfQS 2013 registration form.pdfGeneral Information.pdf
August 16, 201312 yr Greetings Andy, Ya just can't miss SOFA.. Been going for years and years. Forge on and make beautiful things Jim
August 17, 201312 yr Come by my canopy at the large horse trailer with living quarters on the main drag. There will be a Knife Dogs banner on one of my tables. Jim will be somewhere around close.
August 17, 201312 yr I am going back this year. I went last year for the first time and had a ball. Now that I am retired, I do not have to beg for the personal days off from teaching. They do not like to give out days so close to the start of the year. This years, I just have to kiss my wife and leave. See you all in Ohio....Josh Kavett
August 17, 201312 yr Author I'll have to look around for you guys. It would be neat to meet some people in person that I see on IForgeIron.
August 17, 201312 yr generally a bunch of us dating back to the old blacksmiths virtual junkyard get together and camp/eat together. Unfortunately since I moved 1700 miles away and have 1/3 as many vacation days I won't be attending this year. I hope to make it next year.
August 25, 201312 yr i went last year for the first time but cant make it this year because of family obligations :( ptree, bad decription, too many guys like you, bibs and grey hair :)
August 25, 201312 yr The two largest groups at this sort of event seems to be (1) old grey-headed guys and (2) old bald guys. (My demograhic.) Hard to stand out, which is why Thomas wears his Disreputable Hat and Hawaiian shirt. Rarest would be, in no particular order: young guys, females of any age (outside the vendor tables and food court), and Clan Utilikilt. I plan on being there this year for the first time, if the Creek don't rise. Any recommendations on other sights to see in the area, never traveled to that part of the country.
August 25, 201312 yr Old guys and bibs at least 400 of them. Wondering if we should get there tues night for an extra day. Those that think it starts Fri nite like the program says miss most of the event. Big airforce museum off I70
August 25, 201312 yr I always get there in early afternoon on Wednesday. Gives me time to get set up and start visiting. Ready to go on Thursday morning when folks really start showing up.
August 26, 201312 yr Author I got there around 7 PM Friday night last year and they had already closed registration for the day and were setting up for opening ceremonies. So this year I'm taking off Friday so I can get there a little after lunch. I'll set up my tent and start looking around at the vendors.
August 26, 201312 yr I will be there, wearing my IFORGEIRON shirts, I try not to miss it, this year my bud Bob Trout is going to be demonstrating his awesome coppersmithing, so I bet I will get drafted to help haul his crap around, heh heh, I will manage to sneak out and drool on the biggest swap meet for blacksmiths in the US. LOOKIN FORWARD TO IT.
August 27, 201312 yr By the way, I have room for the trip down and back, if you need a ride, but once there, you are on your own!!! Looks like it's gonna be a busy event.
August 27, 201312 yr hey that sounds good, it's about 2 hours from here if I read the map right, would be nice to shake your hand.
August 30, 201312 yr Anybody have any (cheap, nearby) motel recommendations for those of us who are not camping? If I sleep without a CPAP, barking dogs will be the least of your problems. :wacko:
August 31, 201312 yr If you go to google maps and type in "hotel near Troy, Ohio", the map will show red dots for all the hotels. Click on them for details and approx. prices. Some people stay 1 exit up I-75 at Piqua to save $. It's plenty close enough. We're splitting a room 3 ways, some places have small suites with 2 beds plus a sofa bed in 1 room for about $100. Good luck!
September 1, 201312 yr Yeah, Travelocity keeps showing me stuff in Dayton at the airport starting at $31, or further south, that is why I was asking for personal recommendations. Is there a place where the 'ususal suspects' stay, or stay away from? I don't want to be 'entertained' by a rowdy crowd's all night activities in the adjoining rooms, or parking lot. Not when I'm too old to join in. :(
September 9, 201312 yr hmmm, I would only be able to swing friday - but don't make plans on account of me! I'm not even entirely certain I'm going yet. Actually I was going to skip this year, until I saw that Brian is demoing, and now I really want to go... but I have final exams Thursday and Friday morning (last exam Friday at 7:30-9:45 AM).
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