how many net members attended the Wickenburg AZ classes and show?

[skipj]

Just wondering how many net members attended the Wickenburg AZ classes and show last year. I somehow thought I was the only one, but I've seen several mentions of having taken classes. Also, is anyone thinking about going this spring?

SkipJ

[bruce johnson]

Skip,

I was there last year. I took the different carving styles class from Jesse Smith. I also took the saddle classes from Jesse on covering horns and covering swells. We went to the banquet as well. Kind of a hassle being 20 miles or so outside of town, but worth it. I know other folks who lurk here were there, like Harvey Lutske. A few of the guys (and Belinda) I met at saddle week in Sheridan the year before were there.

For those who didn't go, a little report (although there may be one archived too). It was the best non-Sheridan show I have been to. I have been to Ventura and Reno at least twice. This show was heads and shoulders above those. They offered essentially the same class lineup as Sheridan. About 2/3 of the major exhibitors at Sheridan were there. The trade show opened on a Thurs. I was thinking that opening on a Thurs would be lightly attended. Wrong, lots of attendees. Good time of the year to go, a nice town and good weather. We have a few friends who have winter places down there. My wife spent time with them, and shopping was good for her. Shopping at the show was good for her too, she found a few things we could use.

The down side of the Wickenburg show was that classes were spread out over town. Some classes were moved midstream due to space or noise generation the hosts weren't counting on. There was not a central social meeting place like if it was all pretty much under one roof. The community center where the trade show was held was pretty maxxed out for exhibits. Two or three classes were going on at the VFW, so we were able to mix a bit there during breaks. Things that are either first year things or just have to be because of the space available. If they keep the same format, I see it as another good show and probably better with the first year learning curve out of the way.

We skipped Sheridan last year, and are going this year. Probably doubtful we will get down to Arizona.

[Torquewrench]

attended last year, plan on going again this year. Would like to attend classes, will see if time off work is avail. Never been to Sheriden but have enjoyed the shows in Az.

[yaklady]

I was there last year. I taught a class or two and took a class. This year, I will be there again. I agree with Bruce, it was a good show, but having the classes farmed out to other places made it difficult. The traffic in Wickenburg is rediculous on the weekend, with all the people going to Las Vegas from Phoenix. Many of the classes were within walking distance from the community center, but some you had to drive to, and that wasn't always easy. The banquet was held at an old western town quite a ways from Wickenburg, but it was worth the drive. I went early and walked in the desert with my flip flops on. Never do that! There's too many sharp things to step on! The scenery down there is spectacular with all the cactus and other strange plants. It's actually green that time of year.

The show is much smaller than Sheridan, but the vendors that I like the most were there. They couldn't have fit any more in that building! I expect this coming show will be every bit as good as the last one. It's nice to get out of the snow for a bit, too!

Kathy

[ClayB]

I didn't go last year, but am considering it this year. My boss will be on vacation at the time, so I guess that means I will too, and my wife got the week off just in case. She also gets pretty cheap plane tickets on Great Lakes and it looks like they now fly into Phoenix, so things are falling into place.