Pictures from the Boot and Saddlemakers Show

[UKRay]

Slightly off topic, but I enjoyed those pictures - big thanks Marlon - and would like to attend a show. It just means travelling to the US to do it... As this is something of a major undertaking from the UK, which show would you say is the best? I want to see the top tool makers, fabulous 'stuff' and have a good time and hopefully meet a few of you guys too - It would really help me plan my vacation for 2009.

[Rawhide]

Slightly off topic, but I enjoyed those pictures - big thanks Marlon - and would like to attend a show. It just means travelling to the US to do it... As this is something of a major undertaking from the UK, which show would you say is the best? I want to see the top tool makers, fabulous 'stuff' and have a good time and hopefully meet a few of you guys too - It would really help me plan my vacation for 2009.

If I had to pick one, it would be the IFoLG show. I think that's the largest show, with the most vendors, and participants. Followed closely by the Sheridan Show.

Marlon

[bruce johnson]

I haven't been to a IFoLG show yet, but we have been to Sheridan 3 times, Wickenburg the first year, Reno a few times, and Elko for Ferdco's show. If I had to pick one, Sheridan would be it for the first time. I hear from suppliers that do most all of them that Sheridan is far and away the biggest in attendance and definitely vendors. More total classes, more variety, and more sponsored social events. This past year had issues because the management was late in getting out class info and the schedule in any timely manner. Hopefully that is going to be fixed. I didn't hear the foot traffic numbers, but class sizes were down because of that. Three vendors said sales were average or better compared to past Sheridan shows.

I got my money's worth out of every class I have ever taken at these shows. It does help to research the class a bit to see if it is over/under your skill or expectation level. The social events are a blast, and a lot of friendships come out of the classes, socials, and vendor booths.

[JRedding]

We've attended Sheridan and Wichita Falls both. I thought the show in Sheridan was a little bigger, and the after hours fun there was great, the Don King dinner and Sheridan Leather barbeque were great fun. The King's museum is right there and a good time, Tom Balding opened his bit and spur shop up for tours the days we were there and hosted a showing of Chester Hapes saddles and arranged a good bull session with Chester for folks who came by. We drove to Wichita the years we went and had a blast getting there and back. From where we live if you plan the drive right we visited the PRCA Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, and was able to catch the TCA show at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City that same week on the way home. And there were a lot of interesting stops all along the way. Both of these shows are great, it's hard to attend either one and not have a good time.

[Kowboyboots]

Thank you for sharing!

Kathy

[leatheroo]

thanks marlon, i love seeing these pictures....never been to a leather show in my life...its on the list WHEN i win lotto!!!

[Rawhide]

You're all welcome. I have sent the pictures to Johanna for permanent posting somewhere on the site.

Roo, If I win the lotto, forget going to the show, I'm moving to Sheridan!!

[RichardCollmorgen]

I planned on going but the wife's clutch went out last week. I'm jealous of what I missed.

[Rawhide]

I planned on going but the wife's clutch went out last week. I'm jealous of what I missed.

Sorry you missed it Richard. Hope you get the clutch fixed.

Marlon

[David]

Marlon,

Great pictures. Lots of boots and saddles for sure but some of the tables looked like they had other leather items.... were there classes for them to be judged in also?

Obviously I know nothing about this show.

Thanks for posting them

Dave