Your feedback about the Homecoming.

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Your feedback about the Homecoming.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tony Wiltshire on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 11:10 am:

Your feedback about the Homecoming.
It is great to see all the photos from those who attended the Homecoming at the Model T museum.
Thanks to all those who attended & supported the Homecoming event. Remember all proceeds from the event go to the MTFCA museum.

To all those who volunteered to make the day go smoothly thank you for giving up your time.

We have already started the planning for next year’s Homecoming. As it is still in your minds we really need your feedback, good or bad it’s the only way we can make this event one that all Model T hobbyist will want to come to.
So take the time & add to this thread your thoughts about this year’s Homecoming.

Here are some questions.
1. Was it easy to register for the swap meet?
2. Was it easy to pay for your space?
3. What did you like most about the event?
4. What did you least like about the event?
5. What would you suggest for future events?

Brent & Nancy Mize
Tony & Susan Wiltshire


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 12:57 pm:

I was not there this year, but I have a question. Is there going to be room to expand the swap meet if needed. How many vendors were there this year.? I am a vendor that sets up at the Chickasha pre war. With the problems they are having in Chickasha, you guys may end up being the "New Chickasha" for all the T guys. I am planning on trying to include the Homecoming in my schedule.... I would suggest paying a lot of attention to the swap meet part, as it is what draws a lot of us to Chickasha. Glad it went well ....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schwab on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 01:16 pm:

Hey Brent, I would have loved to come to the event, but unfortunately it was the same weekend as the Sauder Museum show that you've been to. Is the Homecoming next year/ future years going to be the same weekend?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John F. Regan on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 01:37 pm:

Tony:

Great show and Ron and I had fun and even sold some stuff. The turn out seemed encouraging to say the least but when you consider the weather forecast I thought the turn out was outstanding and the vendors were rewarded because Moses (Jay K.) parted the waters and the sun came out for most of Saturday.

To answer your questions.

1. Was it easy to register for the swap meet?

Super easy - I just had Ron take care of it

2. Was it easy to pay for your space?

Again super easy since I just paid Ron for my share but I do want to check with you - was $250 for my share of one space about right since it seemed kinda pricey to me????

3. What did you like most about the event?

That I made some $$$$$ but seriously I got to meet for the first time some folks I had met on this forum.

4. What did you least like about the event?

The date is not good for me since local swap meet in Rockford, IL is same weekend but dates are never perfect for everybody. I think however that you might want to look around in a given radius of a 4 hour drive and try NOT to conflict with those since those are people very likely to come if you don't have the same date as another show in that radius. Just my .02 and your miles may vary - pun intended.

5. What would you suggest for future events?

Indiana slogan is "crossroads of America" and it is true. It is center of USA both N-S and E-W and the Canadians can come too. I think the MTFCA should go heads up against Chicasha meet and provide a stable show that benefits the MTFCA and the model T community as a whole. My vision is a huge show at the fairgrounds like Hershey is to AACA museum. I may not live to see that but I think that it is doable. Hershey swap meet has too long turned a deaf ear to T vendors and other prewar folks and I think that a prewar meet anchored by the most prolific car of all - the Model T would make for a great beginning of a great show.

If you build it they will come!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stan Howe Helena, Montana on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 02:02 pm:

$250 for a space? I dunno what the going rate is elsewhere since I've never set up anywhere but Chickasha. That seems like a lot to me but maybe it isn't.

I agree with John. Grow it and they will come.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John F. Regan on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 02:12 pm:

For those who might think I was serious - it was NOT $250/space ha ha.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stan Howe Helena, Montana on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 02:21 pm:

Oh, I just re-read that and went DUH!!! There should be a stupid button you could click.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 02:23 pm:

I figured it was John poking fun at Ron.... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jack Daron - Brownsburg IN on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 02:38 pm:

I was very thankful I could go. I was initially on the planning end of it,but then the cancer thing kinda changed my mind. I had a very nice time and other than wishing we had more venders I thought it was well planned. I wish (and hope) it can grow to a 2-3 day meet.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 03:13 pm:

Again: I was not there, but I see no reason why, with some proper planning, it could be as good, or better than Chickasha. I do not know how much land they have for expansion. But I for one would support another nice swap meet (pre-war but with lots of model T) and with the roots of the Model T, and anchored by the model T. I can see it doing very well. "Build it we will come"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenny Edmondson, Indianapolis on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 03:28 pm:

Everything about the event exceeded my expectations!

I thought with the weather and since it was a first time event that it may be under attended. I thought it was very well attended. I got to meet a lot of great people and the crowd came to buy parts.

The dates could be looked at regarding other shows and such, but really since everything at our event is T related so why go anywhere else? Personally I think 1 day on a Saturday works best. You won't have as many working people needing to take off on a work day and you won't have as may vendors leaving early. Most of these things, the sales are brisk in the 1st 4 hours and then taper off quite a bit after that.

I thought the whole event was well planned and worked out great. I can't wait for the next one!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 03:42 pm:

I wasn't there, but might well have gone if I hadn't flown from Phoenix back to St. Louis on Friday.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R.V. Anderson on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 04:24 pm:

That weekend was the same as our local AACA chapter's swap meet, but as our meet is going the way of most (lotsa postwar used cars, T-shirts, and food vendors), if the emphasis is on Ts or at least pre-war, I'd give up the local meet in half a heartbeat despite the 6-1/2 hour (one way) drive.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 04:57 pm:

John is right that dates are never perfect for everybody, but somebody mentioned in another discussion that a weekend after school is out might be better for some folks. Perhaps late June, after Petit Jean. I agree that Saturday is good for working folks. Not everybody with a T is an old retired guy. If the thing grows into a two-day affair, I think Friday-Saturday would be the way to go.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 05:08 pm:

As John Regan mentioned above, The Rockford Model T Club Swap Meet was the same day. I have always gone to the Rockford Swap Meet and enjoy it. They have had their date for many years and deserve to keep it. John's suggestion of checking for all conflicts within a reasonable drive is good, as is the suggestion for a larger site.

It's nice to be right at the Museum, but this event will not grow much with out more space.

With the problems at Chicasha this would be the ideal time to promote a large pre-war Swap Meet at a midwest location that doesn't conflict with other nearby events.

Just my opinion....

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker in Sumter SC on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 05:51 pm:

I was not able to attend but I think it is a great event based on the photos, postings, etc.

Unless there is a reason to hold it before school is out, I know that my family could make it during the "school is out" summer much easier than during the school year.

I would also think that adding a few items to attack to some new potential members might be worthwhile. Such Model T Rides, classes on how to drive the T, classes on how to maintain the T, etc. Insurance may cause that not to be practical -- but it might be worth checking to see if it can be done.

Also in the future a clinic for rebuilding a part or assembly might be offered. Some of the experimental aircraft companies as well as other groups offer clinics on how to build certain components or learn to do certain tasks. One of the things I loved about Williamsburg, VA was watching the workers build things etc. I think offering a class or classes would be appealing to some folks. And while pouring babbit and rebuilding engines would not be an easy first project - rebuilding carburetors, rebuilding rear axles, relining bands, etc. could be done in less than a day. Parts could be rebuilt and auctioned off or perhaps folks could rebuild their own parts with supervision / training provided?

I am still kicking around the idea of someday retiring and moving much closer to the museum. I think the event could easily continue to grow. And it could even be used as a way to draw others to the area. I look forward to seeing how it develops and hopefully working with others to provide support towards its growth. And a big thank you to everyone that helped make it possible this year!

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john kuehn on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 07:19 pm:

Keep it going and it will grow like Sturgis for the motorcycle folks.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Wrenn on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 08:03 pm:

I just hope I can make it next year.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 08:16 pm:

The Denver Model T Club is considering hosting a PRE-45 Swap Meet. There are a couple of people looking for a site, including fairgrounds. Most of the Swap meets in Colorado are held at the fairgrounds because they have access to latrenes and cafes. We are contacting some other clubs like the HCCA to see if they would be interested in getting involved in some way. If the pre-45 does happen it will be next year for the first one in Colorado. Updates will be posted if the meet looks like it will fly.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 09:20 am:

I think the parking and swap meet space should be reversed. Why not let all the cars (which are the stars of the event), be displayed on the parking lot which would make the museum look better and have the swap meet vendors on the street which would add an attractive street sale look. A minor issue but, I think it would look better and would better suit space requirements. I wouldn't change where the food vendors are though. I also noticed that parked among the Model Ts were a couple of Model As and even a Ford Falcon. There's nothing wrong with all make shows or all Ford shows and I think there should be more bonding between T and A owners but, if there is any event that should be Model T only, I think this is it. Also, I
do know for a fact that the museum warehouse was well stocked with all sizes of T shirts while the museum store was missing many popular sizes and may have lost some sales as a result. Great show though and I will try and make it there again next year. Thanks so much to the organizers!
show and I will try and make it again next year. Thanks.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 09:21 am:

Sorry my post above looks messed up near the end. Darn smartphone.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Hatch on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 11:03 am:

Make it a least a 2 day meet. Too far for some of Us for just one day. Thanks, Dan.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Benjamin Morgan on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 11:53 am:

Im new to Model Ts, only getting mine last November at the ripe ol age of 31! This was my first T meet ever, and I can only see it progressing and getting larger and larger. Despite the weather I was also surprised to see alot more there in terms of cars and people than I thought might show up. I talked for hours with all you T guys and I learned alot and picked up quite a few parts for my next T. Hopefully next year I can bring my '23 up! It was only 39 miles away, but I didnt want to make that long of a drive in it yet until I check the rear end out in it first. No access to a trailer that day too! Maybe my '15 railcar project will be far enough to bring up as well!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 11:53 am:

I agree with Dan. It needs to be a 2 day meet at minimum. My suggestions are to have it on a Friday and Saturday, with set up on Thursday afternoon for the vendors. It would be best to have it after school lets out, for the folks with kids in school. I have a 12 hour drive one way to get there. If you want the vendors to travel that far we need at least 2 days. I agree with the statement that most of the sales are in the first few hours. That is true, there is always a mad rush on your stuff when you first get there, but there is the second wave of sales, when the buyers come back to your spot. Either they were saving their limited funds for the one good item(that was not there) or the item they saw on your space turned out to be the only one. So after going all the way thru the meet and they did not find anything else. They will come back and buy your item. I have always sold as much, or more, in the second wave of shoppers. One day does not allow enough time for the second wave of shoppers. I have been a vendor for over 35 years, I used to do as many as 15 meets a year. I am down to 3 meets a year now, due to age, and the wife says Im supposed to be retired. ??? Whatever that means. ???, But I will be very interested in adding the Homecoming to the list. I have always said that Chickasha and Petitt Jean will always be on the list till Im too old and feeble to go, but I would think the Homecoming could be added to the list. Especially since the problems at Chickasha seem to be getting worse.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 12:52 pm:

When shopping I'm usually in the first, second, and third wave. If the meet isn't too big to allow it, I go around at least twice because I always see something I missed the first time.

I agree that a Friday-Saturday meet would make the trip worthwhile for some of us who are a few states away.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Willie K Cordes on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 01:26 pm:

I hope the folks at Chichasha do not screw up things. Ever since my first time at Chickasha, I was hooked and it is about a days drive for me from South central Texas. (Far but do-able)
A swap meet at the Museum sounds good but is totally to far to drive to and if I fly, the problem is getting any larger purchases home.
I sure hope Chickasha survives and I hope a second or more pre-45 swap meets do not harm it.
Just my $.02


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tony Wiltshire on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 01:51 pm:

Homecoming questions answered.
First I would like to thank all who have responded to this thread. Your comments are important in organizing any event & much appreciated.
The date is the most difficult part of organizing any event & this one is no different.
We felt that April would be too early in the year & too close to Chickasha.
Looking at May we have Mothers day on the 11th & Memorial day on the 26th. So it really only left us with the 17th.
We considered going into June but that gets into the start of touring season & it starts to get hot & humid. Also this year we have the Speedster Run on the 11th – 14th being based at the museum..
We also considered incorporating it with the Hagerstown Fly in but again that’s much later in the year when it does get hot & humid.

So as of now we have decided for it to be on Sat 16th May 2015.
I do feel that one day Swap Meets do the best, unless it gets to the size of Hershey & that’s way way down the road. Just think about the two day events that you have been too & do they last the two days!

We are considering making it a Pre War event for Model T & Model A. This would be pre 1931.
We are also considering having a Speedster Section as this side of the hobby is popular. We would also like to expand the Youth involvement.

This year we had the Swap & Sell in the parking lot. It was originally planned to have this in 8th Street that was closed off. We felt that due to the number of spaces sold, 28, it would be better in the parking lot & more room for the Model Ts that turned up.
As for future expansion I see no reason why we could not have 200 spaces on the current site. The city of Richmond is very helpful & I am sure we could have other streets closed in the depot district that would increase the overall size of the event. There are also parking lots available within one block of the museum for vendor & visitor parking.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By paul griesse--Granville,Ohio on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 02:14 pm:

Everyone who attended the Centennial was excited about the "plan" to hold an annual pre-war swap meet at the fairgrounds in Richmond. My understanding was that because of insurance, we were unable to move forward with this swapmeet. Sounds NOW like we should again plan to go forward with an annual meet, assuming the insurance problem is covered buy the Museum (MTFCA ?) Thanks, Paul


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 02:16 pm:

Hershey is huge and lasts four days. Iola is not as huge, and lasts three days, Thursday-Saturday, with Sunday being a few sales while people are packing to leave. Petit Jean is smaller than Hershey and Iola and is also more than two days. I agree that at this point one day may be sufficient, but if the Homecoming grows to the point of having many dozens of vendors two days may become both feasible and desirable. I was too involved with other things this year to go that far for just one day, but I hope to make it next time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 02:26 pm:

Tony - Thank you for your comments on the Homecoming and especially your thoughts on the date.

Have you considered having it on May 2, 2015?

This date does not conflict with Mother's Day, and as far as I know, doesn't conflict with other events, graduations, etc.

I would enjoy going to the Homecoming, but don't want to miss the Rockford Model T Club Swap Meet either & which is always on a Saturday right in the middle of May.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the May 2, 2015 date.

Thanks, Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - 03:07 pm:

I agree that one day may be sufficient at this time. But for you to get have many vendors to travel very far, we need at least 2 days. Another thing that may help keep it a 2 day meet is to ask the vendors to not pack up before noon to 3.30 on the second day. Put it in the rules and the information packets. Most vendors will have no problem with it as long as they know up front it is requested of them. There will have to be exceptions because of personal needs or unexpected emergencies back home, but If they know why you are asking to stay as long as they can, most will try to comply. Good luck with it and thanks for asking for input from everyone....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By george house on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - 02:23 pm:

Get a travel agent involved for next year. As Willie said, a one day or even a two day event won't work for some old Chickasha attendees simply due to the distance. BUT, I'd fly into Indianapolis (nothing flies into Dayton) if met with reasonably priced ground transportation to Richmond. Indeed, I'd pay $250 to ride in a Model T on the National Highway from the airport to the museum


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Darel J. Leipold on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - 05:34 pm:

We enjoyed the meet. While there were only a few vendors, I did enjoy talking to them.. Some I knew through the forum. The museum, while modest in size, was interesting. We drove about 900 miles to get to the museum and same back home. We went to this event rather than to Chickasha this year. Next year we probably will go to Chickasha. More early stuff at Chickasha. Thanks to everyone who helped on the Homecoming.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike_black on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 12:35 am:

What Hap described was like the 2008 centennial. That was the best time ever! Probably too much work for someone to take on every year, but, it was great. I didn't give the "reunion" a second thought since it was a day of travel each way for a one day event, but, now I wish I had gone. Maybe camping and a few tours assembling at the fairground(like in 2008)for a couple of days leading up to the main event. I'd still like to see a Fri and Sat thing. Just my 2 cents!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 12:49 am:

If enough people support it, maybe it will become two days. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Wrenn on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 08:10 am:

I just hope I can get there next year.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jack Putnam on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 10:53 am:

I was there. This event was extremely well planned and there was plenty of space for those who were there. Yes the weather could have been better, but the brief rain shower did not deter those who came to buy T parts. With the exception of the gift shop in the museum nobody was selling t-shirts, jewelry or other trinkets. It was all T, nothing but T parts and those who were there were T people. This year they had the museum parking lot and the adjacent street blocked off for the event.
In the future there will be more space available as several houses nearby are set for demolition due to highway renovation. When that is done some of the land is may to go to the museum.
For now a one day event is excellent, but it can grow if needed. I am happy with a one-day event, if it does not sell on the first day; it probably won’t on the second. Some of you say that the sellers must stay for a certain length of time, I agree as long as the buyers stay also.
As far as the date,late May is good, but there was one problem. Motel space was at a premium as two major Universities had graduation weekend scheduled and a third group was also meeting in town. There were two food vendors on site, but within a half block were several brick and mortar restaurants. One of these even had a large banner saying "T Party" and they offered live music on the street in front of their building.
The City of Richmond is very accommodating to the MTFCA and is very glad they are part their historic district. JP


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 11:09 am:

Thank you, Jack, for telling us about the motels filling up due to the two major universities in the area having their graduations on the same weekend as the Homecoming. This is another reason to consider moving the date for this event to avoid conflicts.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 05:35 pm:

Yes the hotels were full. I had no problem because I booked months in advance. Obviously many people can't do that. I would like to see a late May date as there is a better chance of nice weather. I think when you get into June, there are too many date conflicts.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Darel J. Leipold on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 06:15 pm:

I booked our room in Richmond at 4 p.m. on Friday. I called from Indianapolis and they had several rooms. As we unloaded our car at the motel someone drove up and took the other room. It pays to check, even if it is late. Otherwise we were going to stay in Indianapolis.Metz


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barbara Klehfoth on Thursday, May 22, 2014 - 08:27 pm:

There were about 150 rooms free in Richmond as the event date neared. I think rooms had been reserved, just in case, and then were let go.

In any case, there were rooms available during the Homecoming event. It is always a good idea to reserve a room if you think you might attend. You can always cancel it. I remember well hearing about the Mainely T tour. When John Anderson (who put on the tour) called the hotel to reserve a room, all were sold out and the tour location and hotel had not been announced yet! I think he still laughs about that!

I for one would like to thank everyone who helped put on the Homecoming 2014, everyone who reserved vendor spots, all the volunteers, and all the sponsors. It was a well organized, great event. It will only get better in the years to come.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barbara Klehfoth on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - 11:48 pm:

The annual Homecoming events at the Model T Museum are going to get BIG. Don't miss the excitement! Watch for more info as it develops.


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