[OhBuoy]

DV,

Here are my thoughts on your questions (and only my thoughts).

1) I did not make the lodge for III, so am only going by what I heard. I do not know that the Lodge is large enough, however, I think a lot was lost on the tents. I do not know that there was ample opportunity to see the items that were up for auction. I do not think the group was contained to get interest in the auction. I think the poker games were being rounded up. Compared to the previous year, I got a steal on the quilt that I won. I really wanted the print that I was bidding on, but it was obvious that the other bidder and I were just bidding it up, and I was going to see a near death experience if I won any higher than where I stopped. It was okay for me to spend that on the quilt, but not on a Cobra print, go figure. I think the picnic gave the kids an opportunity to work off some steam, but I think we need to get an idea of the kids and age groups so that we can do something more structured. My wife kind of took over the kids at the picnic. They wung it, but it was not easy. There were other kids there that could have been playing, but I think when I approached them or their parents, there was some hesitancy. This is a family event.

I vote no for other car clubs. Cobras, GT40s and Daytonas are my vote. Maybe other cars of the era, but I think there are enough other shows for kit cars (Carlisle, Run and Gun), and regular cars.

I think that the Strawberry Festival gives the wives and children something to do. If it is not there, I think we need food vendors, some amusements and maybe some small vendors.

I think the City of London has shown hospitality that we would not find elsewhere. It is my fist choice for this event.

The Cobra family is a large part of this event, along with the fund raising. I think we all want to see vendors. I do not think we want to be dominated by vendors, but we certainly want to see their wares and probably make some purchases. Bring in the manufacturers (I am going to put a huge push on B&B), bring in the parts guys, bring in some engine guys, bring in the small vendors, bring in some trailer guys (Serpant Express, Trailex, the other aluminum trailer guy that was there). Get us some "SHow Specials", but do not center it on vendors. Center it on poker runs, picnics, putting new ashpalt on main street, a long parade to the state park. (What are the logisitics of staging at the WalMart as opposed to the Speedway, as there seems to be two seperate gatherings and waitings on the morning of the parades). In addition to the runs down main street, can we bring back the "Normal rides" in town for those that do not feel comfortable doing drags (yeah, there are a few). Besides, I enjoyed the rides I gave at the State Park (PS, someone please remind me next year that I need to give my wife and son a ride as well!, the dog house is not so comfortable these days).

I think opening our hearts to Charity is key as well. We may not raise as much as in the past, but whatever we raise, it is for a good cause. And there is that ultimate show of support as well!

We need to get news coverage!!! Those groups that are heading out together from far away, how about getting the local channels to show your cars leaving on the morning news? "Expect delays on I-80 this morning because there will be plenty of gawkers looking at this fine group of cars heading for London, Ohio"

We need other venues of advertisement as well. Beleive it or not, there are Cobra owners out there that have not heard of either of the two major forums. Yes, they are few and far between, but they are out there. How do we get them to Ohio without spending alot of cash? Let's get the vendors to send post cards to their customers and potential customers. Maybe they can give a discount on the registration.

If you want any more input, let me know,
Tom