| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Wallbanger |
Posted - November 30 2006 : 3:00:32 PM
Kalamazoo Living History Show™
Permanently Closed After Successful 31 Years Run
Dear Friends,
Throughout history, the one thing that remains constant is that everything will continually change and eventually come to an end. Alas, due to many changes behind the scenes over the past several years and an absolute unanimous commitment on the part of the Yankee Doodle Muzzle Loaders not to compromise the quality of any event we present, it is with sorrow, but also with conviction that we announce the 2006 Annual Kalamazoo Living History Show™ was our last.
We considered passing the show on to another organization or individual but to maintain the integrity of the show, we believe it in the best interest of the event to just bring it to an end. Therefore, no individual, group or organization has been approved or sanctioned to continue with the Kalamazoo Living History Show™.
The Kalamazoo Living History Show™ began over 31 years ago. The concept was to present a premier event at which attendees could find any muzzle loading item they might need. It took a full calendar year and over 7,500 man-hours of volunteer labor on the part of the Yankee Doodle Muzzle Loaders to orchestrate and present our first show. We used only Room “A” of the present day Kalamazoo Expo Center to hold a one-day show with 65 tables. Mike Yeck brought his Gatling gun for display. We were only going to hold the show one time, but after the smoke and dust settled and the highly complimentary reviews began to trickle in, we cinched up our belts and decided to go a second year. We are proud to say many of our original dealers that started with us 31 years ago, were with us until the end. This past year, we had a respectable paid attendance of 9,114 through the gate.
Within the original concept was a fervent desire to provide the historical re-enactor, collector, history buff and black powder enthusiast with quality and historically accurate pre-1890 merchandise, and to bring history alive and entertain as well as expose the general public to some of the most fascinating times in our history. Each year the focus of the show changed allowing various historical groups, organizations and individuals the opportunity to host the show and share their knowledge and enthusiasm of history with all of us.
Over the years, the Kalamazoo Show continued to grow and provide a premier diversion for many a black powder enthusiast and living history advocate … an event where the rules were not taken lightly and where we could all experience a truly period correct event. Even more gratifying is the affect we have had on introducing new candidates to muzzle loading and living history. The event that was viewed as the place to buy, which was rich in education, where an individual with a thirst for information could come to find first-hand knowledge and guidance.
As we ended our 31st year, we reflected on our hard efforts knowing that even now after all this time, we still expend a good 5,000 man-hours and a full year of preparation to present our friends with the quality event they have come to anticipate. The reviews we receive are still gratifying and appreciated.
The Yankee Doodle Muzzle Loaders Board of Directors wish to express their thanks to all the participants that have made the Kalamazoo Living History Show™ the success it has been. We are sure the closing will be sorrowfully received by most, but please reflect back and recall the 31 fantastic years we have had together and look to the future, as I assure you, the Yankee Doodle Muzzle Loaders will not forget you.
On behalf of our board of directors and myself, I want to thank you for 31 Fantastic years! So long, but not farewell.
Larry L. Coin, President and CEO
Yankee Doodle Muzzle Loaders, Inc.
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| Monadnock Guide |
Posted - December 01 2006 : 08:32:33 AM
That really is a same, - but as you noted, better to close down, that lower your standards. |
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