Another Midwest U.S. Catfest?

[Lucy13]

With the beautiful spring-like weather today, my thoughts have been returning to the great memories of our get-together last summer.

Do you think a repeat is possible this summer?  It was one of the best times I've had in my life -- and one of the most beautiful.

(Again, Christine, I want to thank you for all the hard work you put in singlehandedly last year, to pull our Catfest together in Hocking Hills.)

I think if we do do this again, we'd want to make some changes.  Seems we learned a few lessons from our first go-around.

What do the Midwest people think?   (or even the non-Midwest people?)

I think it'd be wonderful to have a little gathering, even if a bigger Catfest takes place later in the year elsewhere.

[Vivian]

I doubt I would be able to PHYSICALLY make it to the mid west fest! Certainly not after this EORPEAN trip! Of course, You can KIDNAP me once again! LOL And stick me on the cake again! Man, I can't wait to see Yusuf's face when I give him those figureines! Now, HOPEFULLY, VERY SOON I can have my SOUTH EAST Cat fest! And THANKS FOR ALL THOSE NIFTY IDEAS, Mes Amis!

Peace,Vivian

[Jancat]

Lucy and Christine, you know I'm in!!  It was a wonderful time last year, and honestly one of the best times I've had any time, any where!  You all are great, and I miss you!

[Aisha]

COUNT ME IN.  I WAS HOPING THIS WOULD HAPPEN ;D

Love,
A'isha

[Chris]

Lucy, I really hadn't thought about it much. Mostly because they were planning the big one in N.O.

But if you really want to do something, we can try something little again. I'm game, it would be nice to see everyone again. hippie

[Vivian]

;D 8) :-*hippieI guess I will have to have someone KIDNAP me once again! Hey, I shall make it EASY! Here I am!! Now, THIS IS ME! The other one is my clone to leave in my place! hippie

Peace,Vivian ;D 8)

[Lucy13]

I would be very happy to help plan another small intimate gathering among friends.  I really do miss you all.

We can start giving it some thought, at any rate...  

[Hard-Headed]

Ok people this is going back to the top.

I suggest that another mid west cat fest be placed back on track.

If you are worry about the NO fest, I wouldn't. Personally I don't think it will happen. The person who was setting it up had no idea of how NO is actually made up in reference to hotel, travel arrangements, venue locale and so on, Us natives do. We made the suggestions of change and then nothing. NO is a MAJOR tourist/convention city, you need to make plans more often than not at least a year in advance or pay out the nose for any less time.

I think it should be held again at same location. Why? You are showing the owner(s) repeat business and that is a marketing tool in your favor in negotiating better prices. One time events , prices usually are standard, repeat business and show respect to property on previous visits usually results in firming up, in the owner(s) mind, that he or she can count on this business yearly and they often give much better deals.

Don't know how to set up a poll, but need to get some sense who is interested and when. The "when" should also be similar to what it was the year before. Once you have establish this as a yearly event, I guarantee it will grow.

Now it is up to you people, if you want it, do it, if not just let this thread die out.

I wasn't there last year but I know several who were and I tell you they still talk about it and the friendship sharing is outstanding.

[Vivian]

Having another Cat Fest in the same place again is a great idea, for those who are able to attend! I think we should try to arrange more than one, spread out in different locations, so more people can participate! I am still trying to arrange a Florida one! Hopefully, I can do this, soon! And WHO KNOWS! The SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOR just may show up at one of them!

Peace,Vivian

[Chris]

I agree, Vivian. Small Cat fest with in regions would be a nice way to bring people from the same region together, with out having to pay out for air fair and time off from work. Plus they are much easier to plan, than something as large scale as the NO event.


OK, Lucy where are you?   Also Hard-headed are you planning on joining us this time around if we are able to make some definate plans?

[Hard-Headed]

Yes, even help in the planning of it.

Another neat idea would be have the different regions have one at the same time, with the use of computers and the internet one could link all fest together for a media event. Just a thought.

[Aisha]

I like the idea of linking everything together in cyberspace.  And I would love to go to the same area as last year especially since we have had some rain this year and the falls may actually have water in them.

I am one of those who prefer small intimate gatherings because you can get to know each other better and it is easier to organize and less expensive.  

Peace,
A

[Jancat]

Vivian, do you have any idea exactly when your Cat Fest will be?

I was just thinking that it would be nice to get the Florida/New Orleans/Ohio dates on a calendar.  Half the fun of an event is the anticipation!

Oh, and remember the fun we had in chat on Saturday nights in the weeks before the Ohio Fest last year??!   ;D

Planning and talking about that get-together was a blast!  Both before and after!  <br>
I was just looking at the few photos I had from it, and they made me smile...  (Did I tell you that the whole other roll of film that I took got exposed because my camera wouldn't rewind, and I lost all those photos??  I was soooo upset... )

[Jancat]

Ooops!  I just had another thought I wanted to add...

While I thoroughly enjoyed the small gathering we had last summer, the larger venue is appealing, too, since it would draw people from all over the country.  

And there are sooo many people I've love to meet that I might not otherwise get to see (Oh Shirley, are you listening??!  ;D  To mention just one of many...)

We're such a varied, colorful cast of characters!

[Vivian]

Thanks Jan,

At this time, I am still not sure when my Cat Fest will be! Now, I wish I can come to Ohio, but after an expensive European trip,  and other people in my work claiming their vacations, there just is no way! And New Orleans is pretty much the same! So, I am hoping for a Florida get together soon!

Peace,Vivian

[Chris]

Hard-Headed said:

Yes, even help in the planning of it.

Another neat idea would be have the different regions have one at the same time, with the use of computers and the internet one could link all fest together for a media event. Just a thought.

Hello H-H,

Thanks for volunteering to help out, as I am not very good at these sort of things.

The connecting through computers is a nice idea, if the area we are in has a library or cyber cafe we could use or if someone has a laptop which has internet hookup.

I also like the idea of repeat business. Though the only problem I foresee with this is the cabins we used last year were a bit pricey. They were rented by the person rather than the cabin, so for a family of 4 or 5, if could become quite expensive. Though I really loved the beauty and the privacy of the place.  <br>
Anyway, I would like to hear what others think.

[Girlhowdy233]

I would not be likely to attend, as I am starting my vacation in a couple of days.   However, you can COUNT ME IN as far as helping in whatever manner I can! ;D     As before, I can design the cake, plus any OTHER festival decorations you would need!                               Hugs, Shirley                                                                    P.S. If you hold a contest as part of the festivities, I could even donate the PRIZE!

[Vivian]

I KNOW we can always count on Shirley! Thanks MON AMI!

Peace,Vivian hippie flower

[Hard-Headed]

Before we go any further we need to hear Lucy13 response to this, since she brought the subject matter back up.

[Jancat]

Christine said:

The connecting through computers is a nice idea, if the area we are in has a library or cyber cafe we could use or if someone has a laptop which has internet hookup.

Oh wouldn't it be great if we could do video-teleconferencing??   Then "Himself" could drop in on the festivities!
 
Of course, I can just picture him shaking his head and smiling in perplexed wonder at the blinding flashes as twenty-seven cameras took photos of that beatiful birthday cake last year!    

[Vivian]

Jan,

Is that sort of like Satalite TV! I think that would be WONDERFUL! One way or another,  someone would have to get the guest of honor there!

Peace,Vivian

[Lucy13]

Jancat said:

the blinding flashes as twenty-seven cameras took photos of that beatiful birthday cake last year!    

Yeah -- like Becky said in her understated dry humour, "It's like we're the paparazzi or something".  That was SO funny.  So funny I nearly...  .... Well.

Oh, and I'm just having trouble getting the energy up this year to plan another Catfest.   Now, if "himself" (ha ha Jan) would be involved in some way (virtually?) I'd get up the energy RIGHT quick.  

No, but really, I'd LOVE to see all of you again!!  And THIS time, I'd be perfectly happy to have someone ELSE order and pick up the cake.  (I don't want some bakery lady asking me again about the cake, "Is this for a girl?"  And me having to explain it all over again...)

[Vivian]

AW, GEE Lucy, and we had SO MUCH FUN hearing that story last year! giggle wiggle

Peace,Vivian

[Girlhowdy233]

I am set up for live tele-conferencing, and I am SURE that YI is too(from comments his staff have said to me in the not too distant past)!   It would be THRILLING indeed for him and EVERYONE not in Ohio to be able to see the festivities LIVE!   I get uncontrollable  GIGGLES at the thought of Yusuf actually seeing it all! ;D              Hugs, Shirley                                                                    P.S. once again Viv, you WILL be there in SPIRIT(and on CAKE)! ;D

[Vivian]

Thanks Shirley,

But now for the big question! How do we get set up fpr tele conferencing, if we are not already so! That would be SO COOL seeing all the festivities live, provided I am not forced to work! But if my VCR can capture it all, WOW!

Peace,Vivian

[Aisha]

I am not sure about this but I think you can set up conferencing and all with Netmeeting software.  Most of us have that on our computers and if we have cameras we can see each other.  If it isn't on everyone's computer you can download it at Microsoft for free (it used to be free).

Maybe we should ask around to someone who is very computer savvy.

And for Yusuf to see the festivities.  Oh my, I will be so nervous and shy.  What in the world would I wear?  LOL

I wonder if Yusuf could pick me out in a group like we had last year....  sooo difficult huh.   ;D

Love,
A

[Vivian]

OKAY, Y'LL MES AMIS,

You KNOW how technically computer illiterate I am!   ???I am going to need MAJOR HELP in downloading that software so I can see all the goodies! And for that extra bonus, how can I see Yusuf's face as he watches all the festivities! OH BOY!

Peace,Vivian

[Girlhowdy233]

Hi Viv!   Not to worry, simply purchase a PC Camera and follow the simple instructions! ;D   For our purposes, it will NOT be necessary to sign on with your local phone company for tele-conferencing.   The SIMPLEST method would likely be to go to Yahoo and download the program for use of your PC camera- that way you can EASILY access with those at the festival!   They too will be connected with YOU and EVERYONE ELSE through their PC camera.   Yahoo's program makes it VERY easy to use your PC camera to see/hear others, presenting the image on a rather SMALL screen format, but with GOOD sound and an adequate picture!   PC Cameras are dirt-cheap now(less than $30.00).   If you cannot afford one, I will be happy to price around HERE and get you one! ;D                                                                       Hugs, Shirley

[Aisha]

Hey Shirley, has anyone told you lately how much you mean to us all.  You are definitely a sweetheart.

I need to reinstall my Logitech software.... :-)

Love,
A

[Vivian]

Thanks Shirley, I will look around and see about pricing PC cameras! I KNOW I can afford thirty dollars! And to see all the action LIVE would almost be like being there! Oh, HELLO YUSUF! Is that REALLY YOU! giggle

Peace,Vivian