Yes, it’s time to start thinking about next year. What should be the date? We seem to be getting a lot of flack from the Canadians, that we bring the heat with us. Actually, I think the heat in “the States” is what drives us north. What say you on a date?
After our arrival back in Ottawa Wed nite, Fred asked me for any ideas or criticisms that I may have had regarding this years affair and for future “Invasions”. The only complaint I could come up with in regards to the affair was to hold it on a weekend that wasn’t so blasted hot!! …
As for the rest of it, I couldn’t think of one thing that would make it any better…
As I said before, I’m very flexible. I can go with any dates the majority puts forward. Good lord willin and the crik don’t rise…
I agree about the temp. I came back to work and told the story of the heat. Between blank stares, I didn’t get much sympathy since the temps were at 100 degrees with humidity in the high 90’s all the time I was gone. 
The second weekend of July is the 14-15 in 2007.
I wouldnt mind pushing it a couple weeks, toward the end of July, but I think it make a fine summer vacation. Later in July, Id be more able to take a few extra days around it.
The only thing Id like to see more of is operations. If we could op some on friday, and then run saturday, 2 or 3 trains a piece, it’d make a fine day!
Middle of July works for me, though based on the pictures from after I left, I better plan on taking more time off. I do like the idea that every year it’s about the same date. Easy to plan for.
I would like an ops session on Friday as well. And maybe one on Sunday at David McCurdy’s place.
I did like that there was time for socializing this year.
…as far as planning dates for next year…just remember that there are other things going on around North America…originally the “July 15th” date was chosen, becasue it had the least conflics…
Funny; but this weekend is just a tad cooler, but the weather is threatoning rain.
It had been planned to “Operate” on Friday, but there was a worry that we couldn’t get the rolling stock back into order in time for the Saturday operation. We are getting much better at planning; and next year we can look for more operation.
Originally Friday afternoon was the time for live steamers to get used to operating their locos in a railroad atmosphere; in preparation for Saturday.
The preparation for the BBQue, also takes place on Friday, from 10:00, until around 16:30…lots of work.
Thursday is also open for running of course…
We are planning on starting to plan for 2007, around the end of December 2006.
All suggestions are welcome…including the idea of some sort of formal “VERY LOW COST” way of running this thing…
I would not like to ever hear that someone couldn't attend due to any charges at the event. I can't control travel expenses, or hotel accomodation; but I sure as hell don't want anyone to feel they can't attend due to the costs of the PARTY.
Up until now; everyone contributes in their own way…and I thank everyone for every bit of support over the years.
It almost looks like we may have to add to the name, next year…we may have some “Invaders” from far off the North American continent…So what do we call it…“The Coalition Invasion, 2007”…???
I will be contacting the hotel soon, for next year’s reservations…as soon as the date is set.
Should we plan for a trip to Montreal, for the added extention of the "Invasion"... ????I think we should work to keep the event and the name of it simple, while making it fun for all. Maybe as you stated in your last statement, the proper term is just “Invasion” and then the year. Something like the “2007 Invasion”, this leaves it open to any intrepretation anyone wants or needs. Also, it makes the printing of the place mats, name tags and advertisments easier. I do know the radio and TV commercial time is getting expensive, but the welcome banners and key to the City may have been a little over the top. The feeding of the marching band and all those float particpants probably has to be cut back. I did like the blimp coverage though, the play be play and instant replay was a nice touch during the “Ops Session”.
As for costs - whatever it takes. Nobody means for this to be a burden on anyone or any group. But you can’t pay any amount for the quality of fun that we have had. I propose a formal committee meeting at the ECLSTS, next April. Say, Saturday night in “the Suite” from 7 pm until whenever it breaks up?
I like your idea of a meeting at ECLSTS, Ric, but I’m not sure I’ll be there Saturday nite or not, since the next day is Palm Sunday. Jean sings in the church choir…but maybe we could leave very early on Sunday.
We spend $10 a day per person at the show …and I don’t have nearly as much fun there as I do at the Invasion. So that could be a guideline of sorts .
I agree. I go to York to say “Hi” to everyone that I know, look for the odd deal, and marvel at the stuff I have no intention of buying. The Invasion ™ is much more fun!
I guess we have to plan on a room in York, for April 2007.
Maybe if we get together we can get the same setup as last year.
I’ll check with the hotel on Monday. I’ll be booking only my room, and trying for the room next door as a meeting room. But next year I gotta look for help, as my funds are low.
The show is only Saturday and Sunday, so I’ll be arriving Friday afternoon, and leaving Sunday morning, early.
Same hotel as usual.......I'll see if we can get a good rate. I'll say it's for the "Canadian Invasion Force"....!!!!!Just a thought, but how about calling the Annual Ottawa Event…the “Invasion Party”.
The Lone Railroader
Better yet, just call it “The Party”.
The social get together is what will be attracting me. 
Assuming I can afford to go, dates and times are flexible for me.
Hopefully it will be part of a trip to the UK that Jennifer MUST make next year to see her 98yo mother.
Tony ,
It’s a shame they aren’t just down the road , isn’t it ? They sound as though it’s good fun . You’ll have to get some goodies made up to offset the trip cost .There’s probably a tax offset if you look hard enough .
98 year old Mother in Law then ? And I bet she’s as sprightly as a kid .
Worth saving up to see .
Mike
TonyWalsham said:
Better yet, just call it "The Party".The social get together is what will be attracting me.
Assuming I can afford to go, dates and times are flexible for me.
Hopefully it will be part of a trip to the UK that Jennifer MUST make next year to see her 98yo mother.
Tony, we’d love to have ya…
With all the RCS stuff in use, and a few tips from you , I’m sure it could be written off as a business expense. With all the fun you’ll have , you may suffer from a quilty conscience, though…
The Lone Railroader said:
Just a thought, but how about calling the Annual Ottawa Event.....the "Invasion Party".The Lone Railroader
The “Invasion Party” term* actually has two meanings when in use for the Annual Ottawa Event:
- To denote a participant in the Annual Ottawa Event as a member of the “Invasion Party”.
- And the “Party” portion of the name is self explanatory.
The Lone Railroader
Young “Loner”:
Yes the name makes great sense…and will in all likelyhood be the final decission…now if we had a part of that “Invasion Party”, originating in Texas, we surely would have a real “Party”…!!!
Fr. Fred
Ya just never know when a cloud of dust and a hearty hi ho vocal shout of “rail joiner” will announce the arrival of…
The Lone Railroader
Fred
Mary and I are planning on joining you again in 07 to add a bit of Western Ontario to the event. We had a blast this year and everyone that we meet was the very best of the best.
It was great to put faces to the names and messages that I have been reading for so long.
Ken ! Mary says you remind her of Donald Sutherland. Something about your voice ??? I am thinking the hair.
John
John Burden said:
Ken ! Mary says you remind her of Donald Sutherland. Something about your voice ?????? I am thinking the hair.John
Yea, the voice, the hair (what hair?)…sometimes I’ve been compared to the guy on the show “WKRP in Cincinnati”…whassisname…Johnny Fever, somethin like that…wish I had their money…
It was nice meeting you and your lovely wife, John. I hope next year you guys get to hang out longer and run some trains…
“sometimes I’ve been compared to the guy on the show “WKRP in Cincinnati”…whassisname…Johnny Fever, somethin like that…wish I had their money…”
I hadn’t thought of it, but you do. I wish you had his money, also.