20th Anniversary of the Forum

[CateP]

Hi All,
I'm not sure if Don was going to mention it or not, but this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Winnipesaukee Forum. Seems like this is a special year for the Forum Fest. (an informal gathering of folks who are in the area and get together to eat and chat about all things Lake Winni).

Any ideas for an August celebration?

[webmaster]

Thanks for mentioning that Cate. It has been an interesting 20 years. I could write a book.

Just to be accurate, the winnipesaukee.com website is 20 years old. The forum has been running for about 15 of those years.

We sure had some memorable ForumFests but the interest seems to have faded as internet forums have become commonplace. I'd love to have a big 20th anniversary FF but it would be good to gauge the interest first before Cate and others go through too much trouble.

[JasonG]

Never been to one of these FF before, but why not charge $5-$10 a head and offer food or a nice venue? $= a better chance of people showing and shows more commitment.

[Merrymeeting]

Thanks for mentioning that Cate. It has been an interesting 20 years. I could write a book.

Just to be accurate, the winnipesaukee.com website is 20 years old. The forum has been running for about 15 of those years.

We sure had some memorable ForumFests but the interest seems to have faded as internet forums have become commonplace. I'd love to have a big 20th anniversary FF but it would be good to gauge the interest first before Cate and others go through too much trouble.

Don, I would be interested, as would Lyn (aka: Ms. Kentucky Derby!)

[Lakegeezer]

Don, write that book! It would be a local best seller.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Happy Birthday to Winnipesaukee.com!

We'd love to be part of this special celebration!

[NHskier]

15 years of the Winni forums is a pretty good anniversary, too! :)

I'd like to thank our moderator for all that we have here. I began following the Boating forum about 10 years ago when first beginning to think about getting a boat, and where we might base it. I've learned a tremendous amount of information here, from boat brands to marinas to safety to restaurants and more. And this great resource allows me to keep learning and experiencing more of this beautiful lake and region.

I can honestly say this forum has made a very positive difference in my family's life, as the information and knowledge obtained here has led us to many years of fun, safe boating on Winni.

[Island Girl]

The forum has been part of my life for forever. I believe I found winnipesaukee.com in 1999 the first year I put my boat in these beautiful waters.

The forum has given me much information, joy, and sense of community. I have attended most of the forums. I hope we can do something this summer or fall to honor our fearless leader who has given so much to us.

Thanks, Don, for all that you do. I know that it is not always easy.

IG

[ghfromaltonbay]

GTXRider and I would love it we had a Forum Fest this year in either August or early September. The WCYC in Wolfeboro was a good location for our gathering in 2014, although we only had about 25 attend. There was room for many more there along with grilling & kitchen facilities. Could CateP reserve that site again for 2015? The location was great and would be fine no matter what the weather as the deck is covered and the inside room was very spacious. As long as we had parking like last year, WCYC seems like a winning spot. Count us in! We have met so many great Forum members over the years and it's great to see them all again.

[Music Man]

If I'm available, and the venue permits, I could provide live music.

[Island Girl]

It has always been difficult for this event to handle money. People say they are coming and do not show up. We do not have a bank account to handle money or cashing checks. It is a lot of work. Over the years what has worked is that people try to tell what they are bringing for food.

An "organizer" tries to make sure we have plates, utensils and something to drink.

What ends up happening is every one brings something... whether or not they signed up to bring something. We have lots of food, great conversation and go home happy.

We do need to honor our Webmaster in some way this year. Since there is no way for us to have a conversation about this privately...(he sees everything) we might as well discuss in the open.


IG

[ghfromaltonbay]

We have always had potluck style forum fests and food & drinks worked out well as members listed what they planned on bringing so others filled in with items not listed. Last year we had the grills and Riverat did a fantastic job with the burgers & dogs. We had lots of side dishes, chips, etc as well as desserts. As I mentioned in my 1st post, WCYC was a perfect venue. We also had LSP & the Loon Center in past years. All these places were great in any type weather. The hardest part is choosing a date & venue. Once that's done the food part always fell into place.

[AC2717]

how bought that new park in Laconia

[CateP]

I'll look into the availability of the WCYC. I think the Club would appreciate a donation this year.