Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 1, 2007 12:55:50 GMT -9
Announcing a Geo Christmas Basha time to celebrate the season and perhaps view and buy the new AkGeocoin? Sourdough Mining Company, Anchorage Thursday, December 6I have the room booked from 6 p.m. on, thinking we could start at 6:30 or 7 for the event with time ahead for decorating. I would love to have some help with decorations (I hear that Eagle618 is a decorating wizard) so I am dropping the big hint here. Look for the posting on the Geocaching website soon.
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Post by FrostG1anT on Nov 1, 2007 16:18:52 GMT -9
A Christmas event sounds great. I am looking forward to it quite a bit. I meant to post this last night after the event, but I rise too early and was out too late and it didn't happen. So here goes:
Last years Christmas event was an awesome event and is one I will not be soon forgetting. The only problem with it was that there are now so many Geocachers in Alaska that we have quite outgrown the room at the Sourdough Mining Company. There were 53 posted attendees at the event and if I remember correctly 128 people at the event. The back room doesn't hold that many and several folks had to be out in the main restaurant and things were very packed. Since that time there have been many new faces join in the game. We should be looking for a bigger venue. Last evening as we foraged through the wilderness with flashlights several of us began a dialogue on where might have a location that could house our ever-growing community of geocachers. We did not come up with something yet, but given that over 40 people showed up for a night caching event on a very busy holiday evening I would venture a guess that Christmas will be easily 150 strong. So here are some of the ideas rumbling around in my head. Does anyone know of a location which could house all of us? Should it be a potluck or a catered event possibly? It is possible to cater an event for much less than would be spent individually at the Sourdough Mining Company.
This is Luna B's event and I will right behind her doing everything I can to help out. I know Eagle is ready to help out with the event as well. I just wanted to throw this out for everyone to think about and if we feel we should do something different then we have a small amount of time to decide and act on it.
My two cents, thanks for listening...
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 1, 2007 16:22:42 GMT -9
Well gosh Frosty - you have certainly put a lot of thought into it.
Once we start getting that big we are looking at selling tickets to guarantee that folks are coming or someone could be left with a giant bill.
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Post by oleruns on Nov 1, 2007 17:40:19 GMT -9
How many can fit on top floor of Gallos on Dimond?
If we were to use KCC there would be plenty of room but I need to know pretty fast to be sure I can get it. Plus the food issue of potluck or catered. So long as it's clean when we leave, we should be fine.
Sourdough is way cool with the Alaskana atmosphere but it was crowded.
Luna, just let me know and I'll help any way I can - Ole
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Post by hixfromthestix on Nov 1, 2007 19:44:03 GMT -9
Would be willing to help anyway possible with decorating or cooking or planning. Really enjoy the get togethers and meeting all the different cachers. Let me know if I can help in anyway.
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Post by FrostG1anT on Nov 1, 2007 20:35:43 GMT -9
I have been actively interrogating just about everyone I have come across today and yesterday about places big enough to hold our group. Oleruns had said something about KCC, which is a great location, lots of parking and lots of space in the big room. How much would they charge for the room? Another space that came up in my conversations was Viking Hall, again lots of parking and lots or room inside and even a kitchen if we needed it. I can check tomorrow to see what the costs for the hall are.
I have used a few places in town to cater events in the past, some good, others not. One place which has great food and has put together an awesome spread for an event for another group I am involved with in Sweet Basil. They provided plenty of food and the price was right.
December is right around the corner and so time is of the essence. I completely understand the costs involved with an event having underwritten one geocaching event and having been involved with many of these types of things on a monthly basis for the past several years. There are several ways to go about pulling it off. Preselling tickets to the event is one way ensuring one person is not left with empty pockets. A potluck keeps the costs down to a minimum and can be very successful as long as everyone contributes. A catered event can be considerably cheaper than individually purchasing meals in a restaurant, especially if you compare the average meal price of the Sourdough to a standard catered event. Event if Sourdough catered it, their catering is a third again the cost of sitting down under their roof (just had a Sourdough catered lunch yesterday).
I am willing to pour some blood sweat and tears into this to help out. But based on last years numbers and how much the local community has grown I think pursuing a bigger venue is in everyone’s best interest.
One other thing, I know Sourdough has a bar which has been a popular attraction in the past. Beer and wine could be purchased for some venues but some may not allow it. There may be liability issues with some. Also, if meal tickets were purchased, drink tickets could also be set up much the same way.
Let me know how I can help out. Ideas, connections, comments anyone?
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Post by oleruns on Nov 1, 2007 20:58:35 GMT -9
We should let Luna Blue facilitate this and point us in a direction from here on out as it is her event. To her, this shindig is small potatoes.
No beer at KCC for sure! I would like to host another 201 event there so we could make it a last resort option for the xmas event. We have a 2nd fall back anyway, that is better than most groups.
I'll not post on this topic again so I don't confuse people on where the event is at.
Just let me know what I need to do - Ole
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Post by FrostG1anT on Nov 1, 2007 21:05:54 GMT -9
We should let Luna Blue facilitate this and point us in a direction from here on out as it is her event. I agree, point me in the direction you need me to help. I did find the cost for Viking Hall, $900 for any day in December.
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 2, 2007 5:01:54 GMT -9
Announcing a Geo Christmas Basha time to celebrate the season and perhaps view and buy the new AkGeocoin????Sourdough Mining Company, Anchorage Thursday, December 6I humbly withdraw my application to host the Christmas Celebration. I had thought this would be a fun event to host, but obviously there is much angst and hand wringing about it (mostly from my end) and it has not even been 24 hours since I said I would do it. I feel like I have stumbled into that Crewella cache with the bees.Therefore, I hereby leave the planning and hosting of the party in others' capable hands. I apologize for any inconvenience.
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Post by oleruns on Nov 2, 2007 6:49:23 GMT -9
I am sorry if did anything to offend or for being one of Crewella's bees. Geocaching is to be low stress and if I played a part in causing any for Luna, I am deeply sorry - Ole
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Post by ladybugkids on Nov 2, 2007 8:46:18 GMT -9
FrostG1anT has brought up some good points for future consideration and we did talk on Halloween night about geocaching having outgrown Sourdough Mining Company. However, earlier in the day I had posted in this thread encouraging LunaBlue to lock down a room reservation at Sourdough and she jumped right on it. I agree that there is benefit to checking out alternative locations since the popularity of events in Southcentral Alaska has significantly grown. I will check on the BP Energy Center and the BP Cafeteria so we have those venues in our back pocket for future reference. That said, 1. LunaBlue was first to post her intent to host an event and I believe folks should line up behind her. As evidenced by how few people have stepped up to host a CITO or other Event, it takes a lot of gumption to step up as host. Let's honor that and help out in any way possible. Coordinators and volunteers for games, door prizes, merchandise sales, nametags, etc. are all needed. Please post here in this thread on what you are willing to help with. 2. If someone wants to hold another event at another venue, cool! The more the merrier as long as it's not on the same night. 3. I imagine that events that feature catering, rented rooms/halls, etc., would require presales for an accurate headcount. My experience with events is that a lot of attendees don't decide to attend until the last minute based on a comparison of "will attend" logs versus "attended" logs. 4. A rented venue plus catering would probably push the cost of attendance to more than $10/person (reference Viking Hall at $900 for the venue before food and drink). Lots of families come to events, so the cost would quickly go to $30/$40/$50 a family. This isn't too different from a night at the movies, but what are geocachers willing to spend (perhaps a poll in this forum would be good to get some real data)? Or, is there already data on how much folks donated at events to cover event costs? It's true that more than 120 people attended the last event at Sourdough, but it also true only about 75 meals were purchased, which means ~40% of the people present didn't come for the meal. We might lose that attendance with a door charge. A potluck can hold down costs, but there is still the cost of the venue to cover. 5. Many times, GeocacheAlaska! merchandise is sold at the events. Sourdough doesn't have a problem with that. The Municipality of Anchorage wants a cut of all sales. That's why merchandise has been noticeably absent at events held at Kincaid Park. Do alternative venues have a policy about sales conducted at their facility? Let's all pull together and have a great Geofest!!!
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Post by Hazelsgroup on Nov 2, 2007 20:01:53 GMT -9
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 2, 2007 21:26:58 GMT -9
Ok, so I think LBK has some very good points. Viking Hall is $900 and Bayshore Clubhouse is $975 (Friday night) -$1075 for a Saturday. That does mean a lot of money, that I cannot shell out, if some do not choose to pay.
He is also correct on the park facilities, they cost money too and Parks wants a cut of whatever is sold and we would have to get an alcohal waiver, which also costs $$.
Sourdough is not cancelled, I was only concerned that I was trying to coordinate something that others felt would not work.
So keep on chatting folks, we shall figure this out.
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Post by Forum Admin on Nov 3, 2007 6:34:50 GMT -9
Ok, so I think LBK has some very good points. Viking Hall is $900 and Bayshore Clubhouse is $975 (Friday night) -$1075 for a Saturday. That does mean a lot of money, that I cannot shell out, if some do not choose to pay. He is also correct on the park facilities, they cost money too and Parks wants a cut of whatever is sold and we would have to get an alcohal waiver, which also costs $$. Sourdough is not cancelled, I was only concerned that I was trying to coordinate something that others felt would not work. So keep on chatting folks, we shall figure this out. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by lemurlad on Nov 3, 2007 9:14:31 GMT -9
I talked to some of my coworkers and customers, and came up with the possibility of Snowgoose restaurant (don't know the cost, was only looking for capacity) and Fiori D'Italia. I talked to the owner of Fiori, and his upstairs hold 129 people, has a dance floor, and he doesn't charge if people are going to be eating. The other thought I had was maybe one of the larger veterans clubs? That's all I've come up with so far that hasn't been mentioned.
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Post by FrostG1anT on Nov 3, 2007 22:49:14 GMT -9
Sourdough is not cancelled, I was only concerned that I was trying to coordinate something that others felt would not work. I would like to apologize, as I have already offline to Luna Blue, about any misunderstanding there may have been about the intent of my previous posts. I have had a dialogue with several folks for several months casually discussing the growth of the Geocaching community and how the Holiday event has the potential to be enormous. I wanted to throw out some topics for discussion, albeit a rather quick decision as the time is approaching rapidly. It is and was never my intent to cause ill feelings on anyone’s part and for that I am sorry. Mostly I wanted to through out ideas for consideration. This is the central forum for discussion amongst the Alaskan Geocachers, so I figured this would be the appropriate place for an open dialogue. Having put on an event that was largely out of pocket I understand the concern of not wanting to be stuck with the bill. That is one of the reasons I started the thread, I know the community is very diverse in what each of us does in our non-caching lives and each of us have connections, friends, or acquaintances that knows someone who is connected to someone who may have the exact thing we are looking for or know how to come by it. Inexpensive or free is the ideal price for a venue. I am willing to help out in any way I can prior to and at the event. Let me know what you would like me to do. I have a project I am working on for the event so most of my free time will be taken up with that.
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 4, 2007 16:42:22 GMT -9
ok, well after a short field trip to Fiori restaurant, thanks Lemurland for the idea - That location did not pan out. They are pretty booked for all of December and he offered to do a banquet for us, $30 a person) Prime Rib.
Bayshore Clubhouse, if anyone is interested, is $600 on Mon-Thursday night, but it is not in my plans to schlepp booze around town or rack up my charge card.
My initial idea was to do a simple event, not that others can't plan another, please do.
So.........I am holding firm for Sourdough - Thursday, Dec. 6 - I will post an official announcement this week.
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Post by Forum Admin on Nov 4, 2007 20:31:00 GMT -9
ok, well after a short field trip to Fiori restaurant, thanks Lemurland for the idea - That location did not pan out. They are pretty booked for all of December and he offered to do a banquet for us, $30 a person) Prime Rib. Bayshore Clubhouse, if anyone is interested, is $600 on Mon-Thursday night, but it is not in my plans to schlepp booze around town or rack up my charge card. My initial idea was to do a simple event, not that others can't plan another, please do. So.........I am holding firm for Sourdough - Thursday, Dec. 6 - I will post an official announcement this week. Let's party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AKDogMom
Silver Cacher
Kopper & Katie
Posts: 102
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Post by AKDogMom on Nov 4, 2007 22:35:42 GMT -9
Glad to hear things are on a roll for this event. And the day is perfect. I am in for any help you will need. Luna I will contact you directly to get my orders.
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 5, 2007 6:17:57 GMT -9
Sounds great AK Dog Mom, I will really need help. It sounds like FrostG1anT is working on something special - and I think it would be fun to have some Christmas themed things too.
I am thinking about some kind of white elephant gift exchange with cache coins or cool cache loot ;D ;D I have done similar at other parties and it could be really a kick. hmmm something to ponder.......
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 6, 2007 17:22:39 GMT -9
ok the event is posted!!! (finally)GC177XFEdited by LBK to correct the waypoint and insert the hyperlink.thanks, sweet!
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Post by ladybugkids on Nov 6, 2007 18:11:18 GMT -9
Cool!
Thanks all for working together to pull this together!!!
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Post by warrenpeace on Nov 9, 2007 18:25:01 GMT -9
Thanks everyone for sticking it out and working through communication to make the party a go.
The more and more I see these events coming together (and the more I attend), I'm thankful that as a local group we keep getting together.
It's the only way I'm actually getting to know everyone!
WarrenPeace here... offering to help in any way possible - I'll contact directly!
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 9, 2007 18:47:35 GMT -9
I mentioned to Warren_Peace that I think it would be fun to have others create unique table centerpeices in a holiday theme with trackable items in them so we can "find" them. Ideas, simple, bizarre but fun. any takers?
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Post by Hazelsgroup on Nov 10, 2007 22:45:07 GMT -9
I mentioned to Warren_Peace that I think it would be fun to have others create unique table centerpeices in a holiday theme with trackable items in them so we can "find" them. Ideas, simple, bizarre but fun. any takers? I like the Idea! Something to hang or hide the TBs, coins on. I will help with this, has anyone else shown interest in helping with it, or whoever brings coins / TBs, we bring centerpieces for them?
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 11, 2007 7:04:24 GMT -9
So far Hazel, you are the only one interested. I think it should definatley be a contest!!! I have a couple of cool coins to share.
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 12, 2007 22:11:03 GMT -9
;D New Development Holiday Party Hazelsgroup is going to host a Kid's gift exchange. So, if you child, wee to teen is coming to the party, here is a chance for them to get in on the gift exchange action - please bring a wrapped gift, $5 maximum to swap with the other kids. Thanks Hazelsgroup!!! ;D
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Post by hixfromthestix on Nov 13, 2007 19:55:27 GMT -9
Throwing my hat in the ring to help with whatever needs doing. Let me know. Hopefully there will some more Valley Cachers attending, so I can meet them. Thanks for being the go to person on this one Luna
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Luna B
Silver Cacher
Posts: 204
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Post by Luna B on Nov 27, 2007 6:09:26 GMT -9
Hi all, I have been out of town, just got back and wanted to repeat the centerpeice challenge - create those centerpeices, be creative. Hide a bug or allow others to place them on the display so we can hunt them. And, don't forget to buy and wrap your geoauction gift - under $10, bring it wrapped.
I will be showing up at 5 to decorate. Theme - Christmas. Please plan to come and help.
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Post by oleruns on Nov 27, 2007 9:32:26 GMT -9
Oh I have an idea.... everyone will hate it too ;D I'll start working on it tonight. How come all these cache type ideas need power tools?
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