August 5, 2009

Dear Members and Exhibitors,

  Doesn’t look like we’ll be hosting the annual NEACA Clam Steam and Gun Show at the Old Mill Restaurant any time soon.  Their lawyer just isn’t playing the game we like.  “Walk away if the deal isn’t right,” emphasizes Donald Trump.  The final draft wasn’t right for us so we let our feet do the talking.

But, we are always working on something and we can announce a new Adirondack Gun Show.  We just finalized a deal for this October 2, 3 & 4 at the fairly new George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center in Old forge, NY.  We have been working on this for quite some time and we are very happy with the location, the facility and the time period.  We are also planning on another there the first weekend in August of 2010 and again in October.  Put the dates on your calendar and see our enclosed flier.

If you haven’t been to the Old Forge area you are missing a wonderful trip, get to it by Route 28 from east or west.  This is the Central Adirondack Park Region where the mountains are home to serene woodlands and deep blue lakes.  Fishing, boating and hunting are a way of life in summer thru fall while skiing and snowmobiles rule the trails in winter.  What a wonderful area of our majestic north country.

Things to do in the area seem endless, like simply relaxing in a motel on the beach to riding the rails on the Adirondack Scenic Railway from Utica Station to Old Forge or on to Otter Lake.  The Enchanted Forest and Water Safari runs mid-June through Labor Day plus has cabins and camps for rent year round.  There are many motels throughout the area and we have stayed at the Waters’ Edge Inn, call them at 315-369-2484.  Last time we were there the White Tail Deer were under our balcony looking for handouts!  The whole area will be busy so make your plans today and send in your application.  Go to the Town website at www.oldforgeny.com.  There is also plenty of room at the Recreation Center for self contained campers or RV’s but there is no electric or outside restrooms.

Rooms are pricey in Old Forge because of the constant activity; the area is similar to Lake George but much nicer without the hustle and bustle; $100 to $150 a night is common for the prime seasons.  However, we have made an arrangement with the Adirondack Lodge, they have 52 units with indoor pool, cable TV, in-room refrigerators and coffee makers, free breakfast, internet, etc. – a very nice motel recently remodeled – we got a great rate for our NEACA exhibitors at $xx.00 plus tax.  Reserve early!  Ask for “XXXXX Gun Show rate.” (See Mailed Letter)

Also enclosed are our fliers for Saratoga Springs in August and October.  We still have tables for August because motel rooms are hard to come by.  This is Traverse Weekend at the Race Course so an extra 60,000 folks will be about town.  We wanted our summer show to be as close to September as possible and this is just a week before Labor Day and back to school sales.  Should be a very busy show.  If you haven’t sent in yet do so today, full payment is due 2 weeks prior to the show.

As usual we will accept one table deposits for our other upcoming events, such as Old forge and Saratoga on October 30, 31 and November 1.  This will be another sellout so don’t wait if you expect to get your same table location or any tables for that matter.  Construction on the City Center expansion plans won’t be before the August show so all is the same as for loading and all else.  Possibly they may start prior to our October event – but who knows!  Whenever they begin, it will all work out for a better and somewhat bigger event at Saratoga, always the place to be.

We will have gun bearers available working for tips in August, use them and make life easier.  We will host our Friday evening preview as usual and Cathy is cooking her goulash, we will make a green salad, have our pizza, wings and drinks for exhibitors at 5:30 then members come in from 6 to 8 PM.  We do this so you will stay and be open for our members, make some money and enjoy fine camaraderie.  We don’t appreciate having closed tables on Friday evening and neither do members who drive an hour or so to buy on Friday.  We expect you to be open at least until 7:30 or 8 PM.  We do a lot for you so do a little for us.

Which reminds me, some of you send the entire flyer back to us as an application, news flash, we don’t need it!  Cut the bottom off, sign the reverse, send it with payment.  Take the remaining flyer and put it in your local Stewart’s Shop, Gun Club, at work bulletin board, gas station, super market or give it to the next guy you are talking to about guns and such.  Some exhibitors actually make copies and post them; other guys seem to not have a clue.  Do a little; get a lot back while advertising YOUR show. 

Our holiday show in Saratoga has been tough to fill but we’ve had very good sales from the public so we wanted to keep the time period.  Other than dates very near Christmas, which didn’t work out for many exhibitors, we opted for the last weekend of January 29, 30, 31, 2010.  It is the weekend following the Albany show so it will get exposure there also.  The winter is always a good time for Gun Shows, with Cabin Fever and such.  Our March show is always a sell-out even against Baltimore and a lot of dealers want to do our show in March but ….?  Well, this January event show will accommodate that urge.  Now is your chance boys, to come to Saratoga in the best show season.  Our flier will be out in the next mailing or on our Secretary’s Table at our current shows. 

We will be in Clayton this month at their Rotary sponsored show on August 15 & 16 so possibly we’ll see you there.  It is a good place to promote our new Old Forge Gun Show, as well as Syracuse on September 19 & 20.  Don’t be shut out of tables at Old Forge and bargain rate rooms; call the motel today and send us a deposit for the show.  We are only ordering 125 tables for this first show.

See you’al soon and have a great August.

Cathy & Dave