West Coast Pipe Show

[Bear Graves]

Mad Props to Marty, David and the everyone who shouldered the near Sisyphean task of getting this tremendous event together. The ease of setup for the vendors, workshops...hell, every organizational aspect that can make or break a newer pipe show was not only carried off with aplomb, but with a timeliness that would make a Mussolinian train schedule blush at its inefficiency.



Personally, the thing that kept me grinning the entire time, was that there was zero "Well, it was their first time, it'll probably get better..." feel to the event. The show was filled to the rafters with vendors and pipe carvers showing off their wares, something that is absolutely unheard of in a new event (frankly, often unheard in many well established events). The floor was jam-packed, with rivers of pipe lovers moving from table to table. I think if I had a buck for every time I heard "this is the first pipe show that I have ever been to, this is FANTASTIC!", I could have probably offset my losses at the gaming tables during Friday and Saturday night (cough). It was great seeing old friends, meeting gents from this board face-to-face for the first time and striking up new friendships altogether. I have already started a mental countdown to next year's event.

Gratefully,


Bear, "Who IS that loud mouth, and will somebody ask Tony to shut him up?" Graves

Smokingpipes.com

[WWhermit]

Bear, I completely agree with you. It was a fantastic event, and I can't wait for next year. I heard a couple people wishing that there had been more vendors and customers, but for the first year, I think it was a tremendous success, and everyone had a great time!

It was a pleasure to meet you. If you don't recall, my wife and I came and bugged you for a bit. You gave us some shirts (thank you) and we discussed the finer aspects of bypass surgery! I picked up 2 tins of Low Country Tobacco, and am anxious to crack them open.

Smokingpipes.com had some astounding pipes for sale, including a few Tom Eltang pieces, and I believe an S. Bang or 2 if I'm not mistaken. But, like I said, my WIFE was there, and alas, I walked away from your booth S. Bangless.

I'm already making plans for next year, have my pipe savings account going. For my first pipe show, I had a blast, and I highly recommend going to one for any that are interested. I met quite a few pipe carvers and simply blew me away with their skills, and ALL OF THEM were very friendly, great to talk with.

WWhermit

[Bear Graves]

Of course I remember you! And I thank you both for the kind words and for accepting a couple of t-shirts (nothing says "Happy" to a retailer like getting out logo out in public, plus they do a really fine job of polishing chrome. Not like I have actually done that with one of the 20 I have liberated from the supply room (cough)).
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Lifting a steaming mug of 8 shots of espresso towards next year's West Coast Pipe Show!>>
>>
Bear Graves; The Ernest Hemmingwank of SPC>>

Originally Posted by WWhermit

Bear, I completely agree with you. It was a fantastic event, and I can't wait for next year. I heard a couple people wishing that there had been more vendors and customers, but for the first year, I think it was a tremendous success, and everyone had a great time!

It was a pleasure to meet you. If you don't recall, my wife and I came and bugged you for a bit. You gave us some shirts (thank you) and we discussed the finer aspects of bypass surgery! I picked up 2 tins of Low Country Tobacco, and am anxious to crack them open.

Smokingpipes.com had some astounding pipes for sale, including a few Tom Eltang pieces, and I believe an S. Bang or 2 if I'm not mistaken. But, like I said, my WIFE was there, and alas, I walked away from your booth S. Bangless.

I'm already making plans for next year, have my pipe savings account going. For my first pipe show, I had a blast, and I highly recommend going to one for any that are interested. I met quite a few pipe carvers and simply blew me away with their skills, and ALL OF THEM were very friendly, great to talk with.

WWhermit