[Paul_Guraedy]

In a message last spring, I posted information about this year’s (2006) seminar. I listed the many good things along with the one big negative, which I was told was in the process of being corrected. Last session’s attendees had to ride shuttles from a distant parking lot to the carving buildings. During the seminar word was spread that next year (2007) the seminar would be at CelebrationCity (another SDC facility) where there would be plenty of room and plenty of parking.

I have now been advised that the seminar will not be moved to CelebrationCity and that the shuttle buses will be necessary to move participants in/out. Since I have been talking up the seminar over the past few years, I feel obligated to make note of the return of the extremely unpopular shuttles. Especially, since I am considering not attending because of this situation.

The only parking available to participants are those lots at the entrance to SDC. The carving buildings are on the opposite side of the facility. Buses are available for transportation between these areas. This is a major inconvenience. Especially in the evening when SDC wants everyone out of the area by a specific time. This means all of the 300+ carvers want to get on the buses at the same time. It also means that we have very few visitors coming in (even my wife refuses to go through the hassle of the shuttles to visit the seminar).

But, for those of us who normally bring a lot of our carving gear and especially for anyone doing power carving, the beginning and ending of the seminar is a nightmare. Last year it took me 3 trips over a 2 hour period to get my stuff out of there. I guess I could have carried several loads down to the shuttle stop, left what I had already carried sitting out there while I returned for another load, then waited for the one shuttle that had some storage area in the rear, tried to get all my gear in there for one trip (among the many others trying to do the same thing), carried the breakables (carving, lights, etc.) in my lap, unloaded everything at the parking lot and start making trips back and forth from the shuttle stop to my truck……well, you see the problem!

As I stated, I am considering not participating this year. I have attended all of the previous 10 seminars; but, I really dread the thought of getting my gear in and out. There is no question that the buildings in SilverDollarCity are beyond compare for holding the seminar. However, I have attended very successful woodcarving gatherings in areas a lot less ideal.

If any of you are considering attending the Silver Dollar City/Ozark Mountain Woodcarvers Spring 2007 Seminar; this is information you need to take into consideration. It is a wonderful event, close to 400 carvers, fantastic instructors, reasonably priced and just a real fun time. I hope that, somehow, this shuttle thing can be worked out.

[Kenny_S]

Sorry to hear of the inconvenence there. I have always wanted to attend but thought of the hassles that may incure and then leaving the little bride alone with the checkbook at SDC. Just does not sound like a great time.
Don't get me wrong, I know I would learn a lot but wonder if the hassle would be worth it. Guess that is up to the individual's thinking. Again, If it isn't open to the public to view what is going on, then maybe not.
I for one appreciate your ing here your observations.
You would think,after all these years of having these seminars they would be better prepared.
The little bride informed me that we attended the very first one as Lookers and was disappoint then that we did not get to see very much. But then, That isn't why these seminars were set up
Paul. I will bow out this time.
I am in the Bishop class in OCt and very much looking forward to those three days and meeting other carvers and the Bishops.
Room is booked for the class and already getting lights fans and carving stuff together.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

To bad for the SDC seminars as I know a lot of work has gone into these events but looks like some more is needed.

[dryheat]

Paul, what are the dates for the 2007 seminar? My wife and I have been planning on attending. Not sure that we will after hearing about your concerns. How can we get a program of the offered classes?
Thanks, Ed

[Paul_Guraedy]

Kenny, never took a Bishop class; but, everyone that I have known has been very satisfied with them as instructors, as carvers, and just nice folks. Where will you be going to take the course. Have you looked into taking a Debbe Edwards course? She puts on two sessions at her carving studio in Miami, OK, during October each year. I will be going over there the first of her sessions (Oct 2-6). We will be carving a pair of "full-bodied" mountain lions.

Ed, the dates for the 2007 seminar are March 5-9. I just cannot see having all these tools and supplies and then not have what I need available to me at a seminar. It has not been a problem until this past year. I refuse to make multiple trips on the buses.

I may just volunteer to help out our club members who traditionally are the same ones each year who make the seminar successful. That way I will still have the enjoyment of being at a gathering of woodcarving.

[Kenny_S]

Paul, I will be attending the Bishop's class in Elk City Ok, their home town Oct 20-22 at the Flying W ranch, just outside of Elk City Ok.

Tried Debbie Edwards several years ago, but was late and it was filled up. Need to check in to it again.

[Curly Early]

Paul, Perhaps things change, but year before last when I went, I parked just north of the carving building in what I believe is the employee parking. It appeared lots of other carvers had done the same, from there, its a very short walk to the building. I figured this was ok as at the time, not too many workers are called back to work yet.
Earl

[Paul_Guraedy]

Kenny, you are right about Debbe's classes. I tried for two years before getting a slot. She is very popular and gives those at each year's current class the first shot at next year. That means you have to wait on someone to drop out to get in there. But, in my estimation, she is well worth the effort. An excellent carver and one of the best instructors I have encountered.

Curly, we did get to use a parking lot adjacent to the carving building up until last year. This was above the employee parking. Then they put in a bunch of rides in the parking lot we had been using. That is why we must now park at the entrance and ride the buses. They would probably frown on us using employee parking as the seminar is only a week or two before SDC opens and many employees are back at work. Also we used to fill the alloted parking lot and kind of oozed over into employee parking.

I think, and asked SDC (last month), if a possible solution would be to set up an area similar to large grocery stores for pick-up and delivery. This would only be on the opening morning and closing afteroon. That would allow folks to move in/out their tools, carving, wood purchases, etc. It would still mean riding the buses to/from class; but, that is preferable to several trips with big loads. I have not heard back from them as yet.

[kcwaterguy]

Paul,

I know that the Notch Inn Hotel is up for sale and not being used right now.... and there is a large open area that a developer owns next to it too. That is just down 76 from SDC. Maybe they can bus you all there if that works?

Sean

[Kenny_S]

Paul, I wish you the best at the SDC seminars. It is a shame that logistics can't be worked out any better.

No being a power carver, I decided that it was best to try other instructors and those who know the Bishops and those who have been to their class really enjoy them. In the e-mails back and forth to the Bishops, I have enjoyed talking with Mrs. Bishop and she was very helpfull to the point of bending over backward to help me. Will enjoy the class and the Bishops Pmed Tony(Rocket39) and he said that it is the best class to take for a first class. Not new to carving but I feel I am lacking in some areas of carving , painting and I believe I will learn a lot and come from their class a better carver.

Thanks for your help.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Dryheat, I have been on and off the computer several times today and somehow overlooked your question on the SDC Seminar.

Normally, the brochures are sent out in September and registration starts in early October. This year there is a new staff at SDC and I am not sure what is happening. One of the most popular instructors said that she has not received a contract yet! I don't know if she is not invited, was overlooked, or what. If others have also not been contacted, I have no idea when the information will come out.

I will make a posting here on WCI as soon as I find out anything about registration. You can also keep checking our club website at:

www.ozarkmtnwoodcarvers.com

Right now the information is still about last spring's seminar. The dates are March 5-9.