Forum Fest Alternative

[Water Camper]

Sue and I were talking this morning about how much we missed the Forum Fest this last summer and we think we might have come up with an alternative.

What if those of us that have a place at the lake were to host a get together and alternate locations. Not a big shindig, but just a meet and greet type of get together.

Sue and I would be willing to host the first.

Is this of interest and would forum members be willing to participate ?

Bill & Sue

[riverat]

Originally Posted by Water Camper

Sue and I were talking this morning about how much we missed the Forum Fest this last summer and we think we might have come up with an alternative.

What if those of us that have a place at the lake were to host a get together and alternate locations. Not a big shindig, but just a meet and greet type of get together.

Sue and I would be willing to host the first.

Is this of interest and would forum members be willing to participate ?

Bill & Sue

Sounds cool, may even make it a challenge and have like a poker run. five meeting places and five cards and best hand wins. A ride around the lake in the process. just saying,.

[Skipper]

Thank you for volunteering. For me the important items include the details. Location, the date, time, parking, docking and such.

[Descant]

I like the poker run idea, but not everybody here is a boater, so maybe you get an extra card or two if you have non-boaters in your crew? Anybody have an idea if we have a lot of non-boaters who would be part of a poker run? Of course, each boat could start from wherever, but the final stop would be: Naswa? Akwa? Corinthian YC?

[CateP]

Hi All,
I love the idea of getting together with everyone again. If Bill and Sue want to host that's great, but I could also ask the Wolfeboro Corinthian Yacht Club (of which I am on the Board). We have a really nice facility that makes it easy to host a group event--huge gas BBQ, deck with tables, parking, inside full kitchen, temp dock space.

You can see pictures of the club at our new web site.

[Winopt]

I know this is out there, but if you did a poker run, maybe the boaters could take along the non-boaters as passengers.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by CateP

Hi All,
I love the idea of getting together with everyone again. If Bill and Sue want to host that's great, but I could also ask the Wolfeboro Corinthian Yacht Club (of which I am on the Board). We have a really nice facility that makes it easy to host a group event--huge gas BBQ, deck with tables, parking, inside full kitchen, temp dock space.

You can see pictures of the club at our new web site.

That is a fabulous idea!

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by riverat

Sounds cool, may even make it a challenge and have like a poker run. five meeting places and five cards and best hand wins. A ride around the lake in the process. just saying,.

We do a similar ride with the snowmobile club, a progressive ride with courses at different places

[AkwaMarina]

Originally Posted by Descant

I like the poker run idea, but not everybody here is a boater, so maybe you get an extra card or two if you have non-boaters in your crew? Anybody have an idea if we have a lot of non-boaters who would be part of a poker run? Of course, each boat could start from wherever, but the final stop would be: Naswa? Akwa? Corinthian YC?

Thank you for thinking of us.

We would be happy to be involved any way we can.

[Descant]

WCYC and AKWA are both great sites. As an islander, I always like to go places by boat. What's the input on docking capacity and how many boats might show up?

[NoBozo]

Maybe we could even combine this with a FLY-IN. Members (And Non-Members) coming in on Wings...and Floats. Just wondering... NB

PS: Almost like a Colorado "Bake Sale"...Who knows. ????

[Lakegeezer]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

Maybe we could even combine this with a FLY-IN. Members (And Non-Members) coming in on Wings...and Floats. Just wondering... NB

PS: Almost like a Colorado "Bake Sale"...Who knows. ????

With enough attendance, an off-day at Meadowbrook might make a good venue for planes, boats and cars.

[Newcomers]

Originally Posted by CateP

Hi All,
I love the idea of getting together with everyone again. If Bill and Sue want to host that's great, but I could also ask the Wolfeboro Corinthian Yacht Club (of which I am on the Board). We have a really nice facility that makes it easy to host a group event--huge gas BBQ, deck with tables, parking, inside full kitchen, temp dock space.

You can see pictures of the club at our new web site.

...went to the yacht club web site - looks interesting. Have they set the membership rates for 2014 yet?

[Descant]

We're getting away from the original thrust of what Bill & Sue proposed. Many of us don't know them, including me. I'd like to hear more about what their idea is and if "hosting" means at their place, or more like being a committee chair to host an event at a commercial location. We got off track a little when we started talking about a poker run, which is also a great idea, but not the original theme.

More info?

[Water Camper]

Our original thought was to just have a gathering without a lot of fanfare. A meet and greet at our place. We do not have a lot of docking availability, limited parking, but we like the idea of meeting other forum members.

There have been several alternatives offered here, and honestly we like CateP's offer. The idea was to initiate a discussion here so that we might have a get together this year !

Bill & Sue

[Island Girl]

Is there a fee to use the yacht club? In the past we have met mostly in public places with no fee. We have no way to predict the number of attendees and no easy way to collect money ahead of time. Access is always the next largest issue. People like to drop in at their convenience.

Forum members have also been very generous when we held charitable raffles.

I will attend as long as the date is ok... Ha.. As long as I don't have to plan it.( I had my turn)

Whoever jumps in and runs with it.... People will follow and help. So if it is at a private home, a public beach or a yacht club, we will come!

IG

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Is there a fee to use the yacht club? In the past we have met mostly in public places with no fee. We have no way to predict the number of attendees and no easy way to collect money ahead of time. Access is always the next largest issue. People like to drop in at their convenience.

Forum members have also been very generous when we held charitable raffles.

I will attend as long as the date is ok... Ha.. As long as I don't have to plan it.( I had my turn)

Whoever jumps in and runs with it.... People will follow and help. So if it is at a private home, a public beach or a yacht club, we will come!

IG

The WCYC charges a $50 fee for cleaning and maintenance. I'm sure it wouldn't take much to drum up some contributions towards that.

[Island Girl]

I am sure we could come up with $50.

[ghfromaltonbay]

I agree, Island Girl. Sounds like an ideal place for Forum Fest. We always had a good sized group when we met in Wolfeboro in past years. Having a site where weather is not an issue is also a plus. People didn't seem to mind when we met at the Lakeside Deli & Grille in 2012 and chipped in for the buffet, so a total of $50 to rent the facility should be a non-issue.

[riverat]

This sounds great! now the hard part, a date. Check availability first. Potluck has always seem to work out, maybe silent auction again with donations from businesses and members. 50/50, the live stream for those that cannot make it.

[CateP]

Pick a WEEKEND date and I will reserve the club. I would suggest starting after 5 pm so the gas dock is closing and more people can tie up by boat. I will need to let the dockmaster know about how many folks are coming by boat.

Remember their is a huge gas BBQ there so we can grill up lots of food. Also there are big ice tubs for beverages, large tables for dishes. Just need plates, napkins, utensils and cups.

[Merrymeeting]

My vote would be for some time in early August. Prior to the opening of schools which causes a lot of members to leave the region, yet later in the summer when many of the family, vacation, and visitor obligations are reducing.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by CateP

Pick a WEEKEND date and I will reserve the club. I would suggest starting after 5 pm so the gas dock is closing and more people can tie up by boat. I will need to let the dockmaster know about how many folks are coming by boat.

Remember their is a huge gas BBQ there so we can grill up lots of food. Also there are big ice tubs for beverages, large tables for dishes. Just need plates, napkins, utensils and cups.

Thanks for offering to set this up, Cate.

I have a question about parking. My family belonged to the club for many years and I remember that on summer weekends the parking areas there were often completely filled by member/member guest vehicles. If that's still the case, is on-street parking the only alternative or is off-street parking available within a reasonable walking distance to the club?

[riverat]

Originally Posted by CateP

Pick a WEEKEND date and I will reserve the club. I would suggest starting after 5 pm so the gas dock is closing and more people can tie up by boat. I will need to let the dockmaster know about how many folks are coming by boat.

Remember their is a huge gas BBQ there so we can grill up lots of food. Also there are big ice tubs for beverages, large tables for dishes. Just need plates, napkins, utensils and cups.

I can offer to man the grill if that helps And anything you need me to do Cate I am at your service.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

I can help also.

[Descant]

The calendar is already starting to fill up on Saturdays. I can boat pool 6-10 folks from Welch Island/Glendale but not on August 9. That is also the date of the Alton Bay Boat Show for whoever might be involved in that.

[CateP]

Summer parking at the WCYC on a weekend can get full. I would suggest a Saturday date because we could probably use the church across the street for over flow parking. Also Meredith Village Savings Bank has parking nearby.
Here are the Saturdays in August
2
9
16
23

Maybe we should poll people about best dates?

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by CateP

Summer parking at the WCYC on a weekend can get full. I would suggest a Saturday date because we could probably use the church across the street for over flow parking. Also Meredith Village Savings Bank has parking nearby.
Here are the Saturdays in August
2
9
16
23

Maybe we should poll people about best dates?

CateP, having done many ForumFests, I recommend that you pick the best date that will not coincide with an event that is situated at the town docks. You cannot please everyone and you will waste precious time, losing prime dates. Good luck!

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

CateP, having done many ForumFests, I recommend that you pick the best date that will not coincide with an event that is situated at the town docks. You cannot please everyone and you will waste precious time, losing prime dates. Good luck!

Thanks RG--Looking at the summer calendar for the Wolfeboro area, I would say August 16th is the best date. The other dates in August have lots of lake activity going on.

[riverat]

Originally Posted by CateP

Thanks RG--Looking at the summer calendar for the Wolfeboro area, I would say August 16th is the best date. The other dates in August have lots of lake activity going on.

OK,

ForumFest 2014
Saturday August 16th, 2014
Wolfeboro Corinthian Yacht Club
12 Nancy's Way, Wolfeboro, NH 03894



Rattlesnakegal did you do committees like for food, raffle ect...

[Island Girl]

My recollection is that 12-2pm or 1-3pm works well. ???? People bring whatever they want. I think the best was a thread for each type of item, such as one for food, one for raffle item donations (if you want one), the organizer picks the organization that receives the rattle proceeds if the organizer wants to pick. Also the $50 for the place can come out of the proceeds to keep things simple. Another thread for other items such as chairs, tables etc, if needed.

This way people could volunteer whatever and a list was made. Also, people sometime cannot show up so we have to be flexible about some items not showing up.

Someone may previous rolls of raffle tickets... or we may have used them all. Name tags are terrific so we know who is who.

The Organizer(s) actually get to make all of these decisions! (consensus is basically impossible) .

OR... do this anyway you want because there are no rules.

It is also my recollection that no matter what... people show up and bring stuff and have a good time!

[Merrymeeting]

Aug 16th it is! All in favor?

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

My recollection is that 12-2pm or 1-3pm works well. ???? People bring whatever they want. I think the best was a thread for each type of item, such as one for food, one for raffle item donations (if you want one), the organizer picks the organization that receives the rattle proceeds if the organizer wants to pick. Also the $50 for the place can come out of the proceeds to keep things simple. Another thread for other items such as chairs, tables etc, if needed.

This way people could volunteer whatever and a list was made. Also, people sometime cannot show up so we have to be flexible about some items not showing up.

Someone may previous rolls of raffle tickets... or we may have used them all. Name tags are terrific so we know who is who.

The Organizer(s) actually get to make all of these decisions! (consensus is basically impossible) .

OR... do this anyway you want because there are no rules.

It is also my recollection that no matter what... people show up and bring stuff and have a good time!

Many of us are unaware of what WCYC can provide, and at what cost. Tables, chairs, plastic forks. First, let's hear if Aug 16 works for WCYC and if the 5:00 pm time works in terms of the gas dock closing and making extra dock space available.
Island Girl is right, we need a few committees. But we need more knowledge of what is already available too.

[CateP]

Hi All,
I am talking to the Club House Steward about our event. I will confirm the dates and time soon. If people want to boat over we should probably meet at 5 pm. The afternoon hours are very busy at the gas dock and folks can't tie up for hours. After 5 pm is better for visiting boaters.

Here is what the WCYC has:

• Tables and Chairs (inside and deck, always set up)
• Long tables with table covers for pot luck dishes
• Tubs for ice and drinks
• Huge gas BBQ
• Kitchen with stove, oven and fridge
• Trash cans and other clean up stuff
• Bathrooms

[Island Girl]

Just expressing an opinion.. We come via jetski and cannot be out past sunset which is 7:48 on that day. For sure a couple of hours at a Forum Fest is fine and we would cross the broads safely but that is pushing it a bit.

Then again I should embrace new ideas!

[Descant]

Half (maybe more) of the fun of cruising is the other people on board. And dock space is not unlimited. I expect boat pools will be formed.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

My recollection is that 12-2pm or 1-3pm works well. ???? People bring whatever they want. I think the best was a thread for each type of item, such as one for food, one for raffle item donations (if you want one), the organizer picks the organization that receives the rattle proceeds if the organizer wants to pick. Also the $50 for the place can come out of the proceeds to keep things simple. Another thread for other items such as chairs, tables etc, if needed.

This way people could volunteer whatever and a list was made. Also, people sometime cannot show up so we have to be flexible about some items not showing up.

Someone may previous rolls of raffle tickets... or we may have used them all. Name tags are terrific so we know who is who.

The Organizer(s) actually get to make all of these decisions! (consensus is basically impossible) .

OR... do this anyway you want because there are no rules.

It is also my recollection that no matter what... people show up and bring stuff and have a good time!

Just my 2 cent's worth, but the ForumFest we had a couple years ago at Lakeside Deli & Grille in Meredith was just a simple get-together with great food and no planned activities. As one who has helped plan several past ForumFests, I know that a great amount of work, effort, and time is needed to put a good raffle together. Forum volunteers did that for a number of years, giving all the proceeds away to worthy organizations. Because it's so much work for a very few volunteers, should we consider just having an informal get-together like we did in Meredith in 2012, where everyone can just mingle, meet new people, chat and eat? Many of us found that environment very enjoyable. Why not just keep it simple, fun and relaxing?

[Island Girl]

I have no recollection of that ForumFest!!! I must be losing it. As I said, plan it and they will come... keep it simple.. and they will come... make it complicated and it is a lot of work... and they will come. (of course you may have no help) I did like the prizes, though.

If we do go to Corinthian, Cate needs 50 bucks.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

I have no recollection of that ForumFest!!! I must be losing it. As I said, plan it and they will come... keep it simple.. and they will come... make it complicated and it is a lot of work... and they will come. (of course you may have no help) I did like the prizes, though.

If we do go to Corinthian, Cate needs 50 bucks.

You're not losing it IG ... you missed that one due to bad lake conditions. It was a very relaxing and fun ForumFest!

[tis]

I am not a good one to talk as I have not yet attended a Forum Fest, but reading this thread, it seems the idea suggested by Water Camper was to keep it simple and easy. Suddenly it became an organizational nightmare as it has in the past and understandably no one wants to do it. So I agree with DRH and the others, why don't you just keep it simple? It is a get together why does it need all the other trappings? That way it may not be in danger of dying. Isn't it all about meeting and visiting not food and donations? Sorry if that sounds harsh.

[Island Girl]

Originally Posted by DRH

You're not losing it IG ... you missed that one due to bad lake conditions. It was a very relaxing and fun ForumFest!

I fully expected you to say I was losing it!!

[Water Camper]

As one who has volunteered to run the raffle part of the forum get together a couple of times in the past, I can attest that it is a lot of organization and work. I'm not complaining. What we did was amazing and we raised money for many worth while charities. But it took so much time to raffle off the prizes that time was taken away from being able to just meet other forum members and visit.

We agree that the last get together in Meredith was fun, relaxing and a chance to meet and get to know other forum members.

That being said, our vote is to keep it as simple as possible. The $50 should be easy to accomplish. Just charge each forum member a small fee to attend. Let members bring food, drinks and whatever is needed. Accept volunteers for set-up and clean-up.

Sue

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

If we do go to Corinthian, Cate needs 50 bucks.

Cate, if you send me a PM with your mailing address, I'll be glad to send you a check for $10 toward the Corinthian fee.

[bclaker]

Originally Posted by DRH

Cate, if you send me a PM with your mailing address, I'll be glad to send you a check for $10 toward the Corinthian fee.

If everyone who planned to go donated $10, the balance could be donated to a food pantry. PM me also.

[Water Camper]

Cate,

If we can also get your address we'll gladly contribute $10.

Bill & Sue

[Descant]

I'll do $10.00. If there's a little over, I say we tip the crew at WCYC, but rather than make it a committee meeting, let Cate decide what to do with any overage.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

I have the name tags and a roll of raffle tickets, if needed. My vote is to keep it simple and not do a raffle. It really can take a lot of time, especially if a couple of overachievers get involved with getting prizes.

[CateP]

What a great group! I'll take care of the reservation/ cleaning fee and folks who come can toss in a few bucks towards that.

I am in complete agreement on the raffle and games etc. I wasn't planning on organizing those activities. I was thinking more along the lines of hanging out and chatting with folks, looking at the view, relaxing with a cool drink, having a delicious summer-time dinner. You know, normal summer lake mode.

I am going to set up a poll to get a sense of how many people we can expect. The Club Steward is asking me.