Forum Fest-2011

[Redwing]

I agree that June may be a tad early, and cast my vote for early/mid July. Thanks to Meredith Lady and Rattlesnake Gal for getting the proverbial ball rolling.

[Water Camper]

Meredith Lady and Rattlesnake Gal,
I'd be happy to do a mailing requesting raffle items, as I did last year, to area restaurants and businesses once the date and location has been set. Maybe we'll get lucky and have another awesome bicycle donated!

Mrs. Water Camper
Sue

[Chris Exley]

I have always wanted to come to this, but this is the only time I am there.

[ghfromaltonbay]

I'm glad someone has again picked up the ball and is running with it for Forum Fest 2011. I also agree that a different weekend should be chosen each year as locking in a specific weekend (3rd in Aug. the past few years or previously the Sat. after Labor Day) makes it impossible for those whose vacations occur at other times or who have conflicts. I remember when the Forum Fest was the Sat. after Labor Day, which was great for me, but some people could not attend because they were back at school or had season tickets for BU or BC football games. Like the previous poster, Chris Exley, there are many of us who live a great distance from the lake and attending the Fest as a "day trip" to the lake is impossible. This year I know I will be at the lake 8/7-8/14 also, but luckily there will be several other weeks in July and Sept. when I'll be in NH. Hopefully this year I'll be able to make it. The 3rd Sat. in August should be avoided as that was done the past 2 years as well as the year the Fest was held at Lake Shore Park and the same Forum members seem to be locked out for that weekend due to other commitments or how their vacations are scheduled during the summer. Unless you own your own place, a lot of resorts give first dibs for the same weeks each year to their rental guest so your vacation weeks depend on your previous year's rental.

[Island Girl]

The first weekend after Labor Day is my vote. The vintage race boats will be in Wolfeboro September 14-17so those dates should be avoided.

Center Harbor was a great place. I always vote for boat accessible locations.

I know this is not a good date for some. I am giving my preferences.

IG

[sa meredith]

Although I have never attended a FF (came close to the one on the Mount, but last minute plans came up), for fear of being knocked over the head...I often take the less "popular" side in discussions...I do have a thought.
With very large groups, and annual events, obviously it is just about impossible to accomodate everyone. Someone is always going to be left out/disappointed/ whatever.
And, when people start writing, "...how about this date?" "...I can make it on this weekend..." "...it should be early..." "it should be late..." well, the kind hearted people who are running the show, end up pulling their hair out, and go thru undo stress trying to find the correct time.
So...why not make it the same weekend every year, and try to stick to it. Whether it be weekend before labor day, weekend after, weekend of Labor day, 3rd Saturday in August, last Sunday in July...whenever. I think if the core group of planners (everyone knows who they are...the heart and soul of this forum. The truly nice people, who very seldom have a negative thing to say, and are always trying to help others out) got together, and picked the day it would make things easier in so many ways. With the day already set in stone for years to come, locations could be talked about and booked years in advance. There would no longer be the early on discusion of "when will we have this thing" which usually occupies ther first month or so of the planning. People could plan their weekend or week at that the lake for that particular summer, with the FF in mind, if that is their priority. A family might say, "hey, let's try 'such and such' as a week this year. We could hit FF, and I have alwasy wanted to be up there at a diiferent time of year".
Whatever...
Not that I have a say...as I have never attended.
I just think, with such a large group...a pre-set day, year to year, makes thing so much easier, and helps on many different levels.
Just a thought...

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Although I have never attended a FF (came close to the one on the Mount, but last minute plans came up), for fear of being knocked over the head...I often take the less "popular" side in discussions...I do have a thought.
With very large groups, and annual events, obviously it is just about impossible to accomodate everyone. Someone is always going to be left out/disappointed/ whatever.
And, when people start writing, "...how about this date?" "...I can make it on this weekend..." "...it should be early..." "it should be late..." well, the kind hearted people who are running the show, end up pulling their hair out, and go thru undo stress trying to find the correct time.
So...why not make it the same weekend every year, and try to stick to it. Whether it be weekend before labor day, weekend after, weekend of Labor day, 3rd Saturday in August, last Sunday in July...whenever. I think if the core group of planners (everyone knows who they are...the heart and soul of this forum. The truly nice people, who very seldom have a negative thing to say, and are always trying to help others out) got together, and picked the day it would make things easier in so many ways. With the day already set in stone for years to come, locations could be talked about and booked years in advance. There would no longer be the early on discusion of "when will we have this thing" which usually occupies ther first month or so of the planning. People could plan their weekend or week at that the lake for that particular summer, with the FF in mind, if that is their priority. A family might say, "hey, let's try 'such and such' as a week this year. We could hit FF, and I have alwasy wanted to be up there at a diiferent time of year".
Whatever...
Not that I have a say...as I have never attended.
I just think, with such a large group...a pre-set day, year to year, makes thing so much easier, and helps on many different levels.
Just a thought...

I see nothing wrong with your post's. You have a mind of your own and I respect you for that!
Infact, I wish that I could ad-lib as good as you do.

[Lakesrider]

Center Harbour is nice, but what about down in Alton Bay? It would save a lot of driving for those coming from the South. Like MA. There are the town docks for boats, big parking lot, picnic area, etc. Just a thought.

[Seeker]

S A Meredith

Good idea. Would solve a lot of problems. I might even be able to make one.

[Meredith lady]

Hello Friends-
Regarding this years Forum Fest....here are my thoughts...
Holding the Fest before Bike Week won't work. Children are still in school.
July is busy.
My vote is for August 14th.
Center Harbor?
Charity choice?
Tell me what you think!
Meredith Lady
Laura

[riverat]

Sounds good to me, meredith food pantry

[Hermit Cover]

Don'tcha love it when a Plan comes together??? Thanks, Laura (If it keeps raining like this we'll have to move it up to Heath's Hdwr. Parking Lot)

[Island Girl]

Center Harbor
Food Pantry
Date is not so good... Prime August weekend for guests.

I agree before Bike week is not good. I prefer the cooler weather of early September...

IG

[ghfromaltonbay]

The place, the date and the Food Pantry as the charity all work for me!

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Many of my lake forum fest friends are not always up at the lake in September. Also August is warmer. I vote for August even though I live at the lake year round.

[trfour]

I am all 'four setting a date 'four every year! Gives us all a point of shoot to plan on! ( PHOTOPOST )... As most can see enlightens us all year and around.
September - May not be a good time for some, however I would agree with IG ( in a collective point of view for an ideal time and place)...

Now, and although I get heated up all summer and look forward to snowmobiling up into the surrounding and many Beautiful Mountains around Lake Winnipesaukee, ( and at the same time putting the boat and docks away ), to allow to and in preparation for, the planing becomes imminent.

However, your choice.
Terry
______________________________________

[Meredith lady]

Thanks for the feedback, all. The only trouble with early September (after Labor Day) is the same with June...anyone with kids will be left out because of school. Hermit, my friend...is this rain EVER going to stop?? After hearing from more of you, and speaking with RG (Celia), Water Camper (Sue) and Don, a final decision will be made. Let's Fest!!

[Just Sold]

Aug. 14 sounds OK but I think a Sat is better. Like Aug 13th!!

I believe that you will get more people on a Sat. If it is on a Sunday you have to remember that weekend people start heading back home during the day depending on how far they have to travel home. A Sat afternoon should get the most people as they are not as rushed to be anywhere.

Also remember that those who rent typically check in or check out on a Sat. So they should be able to stop by even if it was for a short time.

We will be at the lake on the 13th for sure. It is the last day of our vacation rental!