The Florida Woodcarvers Roundup

[Eddy-Smiles]

The other day at our weekly carving session one of our carvers passed around a flyer for the Florida Woodcarvers Roundup to be held from March 26 through March 30, 2008 at the Hillsborough River State Park near Tampa, Florida. It's my understanding that in previous years it was held up in Chiefland, Florida.

My question is... has anyone attended this event in the past and if so, what did they think of it. How was the organization? Given that it's held out in the open only utilizing existing picnic pavilions and coverings, what happens in the event of inclement weather? I've never attended an event like this.

Any suggestions and/or comments on how to approach it or what to bring to make it a more rewarding and enjoyable experience?

Instructors at the roundup include Charley Phillips, Claus J. Tiesman, Barbara Mann, Jim O'Dea, Tony Erickson, Bill Hastings, Mark Whillock, Lowell Gorrell, Floyd Rhadigan, Chris Howard, Cecil Walley, Pete LeClair, Jack Miller, Leah Goddard, Mel Johnson, and more.

I was thinking of taking a Pete LeClair class.

[Thor]

I have driven all the way from North Georgia to attend one of the events when it was held at Manatee Springs. I had a wonderful experience, met a lot of carvers, took classes that I learned a lot from, and would go again if I wasn't in the middle of building my house.

Jim O'Dea is a very talented organizer who has a great deal of experience pulling many carving events together. The outdoor atmosphere adds to the comraderi and ease. You can wander around watching others work to see what you want to learn next without feeling intrusive. All of the vendors are informative and have good prices. I can't say enough about how much you'll benefit it you can attend.

The only thing I would suggest you do, is learn what you can about the styles the different teachers are presenting in their classes, and prioritize which ones you would like to learn. There will be no way to do it all.

Say "hi" to Jim for me if you go. He is a very dear man.
Thor / Christina

[Eddy-Smiles]

Thor... I was hoping to spark a little more interest in this post but seeings as you're the only participant that showed up perhaps you can fill me in.

1) What do they do in the event of rain?

2) I see where they suggested that it might be a good idea to bring your own chair so that sounds to me to be pretty primitive. Is that the norm?

3) The park is around 50 miles from my house and there is no way that I'd want to fight the weekday traffic to Tampa to get to the event. I'd have to leave in the midddle of the rush hour. That's why I thought I'd sign up for one of Pete LeClair's one day event's on Saturday. I think that just about eliminates any possibility of cross attending other classes.

[GeorgiaCarver]

I happen to be traveling in Florida right now! I have not made the event in the past although I have tried several times. My understanding is it is worth the time. In the past it was at locations that had pavillions in case it rained. You might try emailing a question to the originator of the event. They are usually good at responding.

Sorry I could not help.

For what it is worth, If I lived that close I would go

Greg

[Thor]

1) What do they do in the event of rain?

They have many of those 10 foot by 20 foot pavilions they set up, and they use permanent ones as well. I would just have clothes appropriate for the weather conditions predicted for the day. When I attended, the weather couldn't have been better.

2) I see where they suggested that it might be a good idea to bring your own chair so that sounds to me to be pretty primitive. Is that the norm?

There were benches provided, but for those who wished to be more comfortable, a folding chair was a good option. I brought one, and used it.
I took my husbands rolling fishing cart to drag my carving box and my projects, and the chair around the camp ground with me. But it was a long walk from the camper to the carving event.

3) The park is around 50 miles from my house and there is no way that I'd want to fight the weekday traffic to Tampa to get to the event. I'd have to leave in the midddle of the rush hour. That's why I thought I'd sign up for one of Pete LeClair's one day event's on Saturday. I think that just about eliminates any possibility of cross attending other classes.[/quote]

I know you'll find it worth while to attend at least one class, and I think after going, you'll plan on going again.

Hope my answers help a bit.
Thor

[Eddy-Smiles]

Thanks Thor! That helped a lot! Those are the kind of hints and suggestions that I was looking for. Back in my younger days I use to do a lot of long distance bicycle riding events much like your BRAG. You can ride all day in the rain and wind and have fun if you're prepared and have the right equipment! I gather the same principle applies to a carving event like the roundup. You just have to pick a few brains to figure out what's goinin' on!

[davidinsarasota]

Hi all,
New to the forum. May go to the roundup, sounds fun. May even camp out at the park.

[davidinsarasota]

Ok, sent in my registration and reserved my campsite, anyone else here goin'?

[Thor]

I wish I was going David. I know you'll really enjoy it.
Please take pictures and post about your experience when you're back.
Thor