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  Which event should I attend?

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Author Topic:   Which event should I attend?
TrueNorth
Member

Posts: 161
From: Bathurst, NB, Canada
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 12-17-2003 07:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for TrueNorth   Click Here to Email TrueNorth     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hello everyone,

I am new to collecting, but I am loving it. And this site has been a wonderful resource.

I share this hobby with my 13-year old son (lucky, huh?). We would like to take in an event which features astronauts principally from the Mercury - Gemini - Apollo era. Our priorities would look something like this:

1. Get a chance to meet these heros, and perhaps get picture taken with them.
2. Hear them give speeches/ presentations.
3. Possibility of after-hours activity, either with some of you and/or with the astros or other space-program figures.
4. Other activities in the location of the event.
5. Autographs, though we are limited in the amount we could spend.

We are from eastern Canada and so this would be a kind of trip-of-a-lifetime. Basically we have one chance at this so I want to do it right, to give my bud a thrill that he will savour forever. (Okay, okay I'm really doing it for me!) Seriously, this would give us both a chance to touch history.

I'm thinking either Sims - Hankow in Burbank (advantages I see are the dinner with celebs, possibility of after-hours schmoozing, and of course the autographs) or the AHOF at the Cape in May (more astros, speeches, visit KSC once again - can never get enough -, but less chance of meeting astros and getting a photo, probably zero chance of getting a signature.

Are there any others we should be considering?

What do you folks suggest? We would really appreciate your advice. Many thanks.

John

Rizz
Member

Posts: 1208
From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii
Registered: Mar 2002

posted 12-17-2003 09:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rizz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi John-

I'd go with the Sims-Hankow event.

Rizz

music_space
Member

Posts: 1179
From: Canada
Registered: Jul 2001

posted 12-18-2003 12:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for music_space   Click Here to Email music_space     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi John and son! This is François, I'm in Montreal! 'just played Caraquet two weeks ago (I'm a musician).

Tough choice! I had to forfit my trip to Sims and Hankow's last year, so I only know how great it is for reading about it here! And the AHOF is great too! And there were autograph signing last time I was there in 2001! Worden, Carpenter, Shirra, Wendt among others...

------------------
François Guay
Collector of litterature, notebooks, equipment and memories!

farthestreaches
Member

Posts: 1074
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 12-18-2003 06:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for farthestreaches   Click Here to Email farthestreaches     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Now being the Hankow half of Sims/Hankow, you could clearly say that I'm a bit biased in my opinion and hope that you'll all attend our event in Burbank

I will say to that end however, that we've only just begun to make our guest announcements and several other astronauts are expected to be added in the days and weeks to come, so stay tuned.

More than a chance to simply obtain autographs, our events are designed to give one the experience of "meeting and greeting" an astronaut in a variety of comfortable settings throughout the weekend. Unlike some other events, the astronauts attending our show are there specifically for the public and as such, look forward to that contact. They enjoy the one on one time, answering questions, shaking hands, posing for photos, and even sharing a drink (or sometimes 2) at the bar.

If you've never been to one of our shows, there's nothing quite like it and the memories of the experience (especially for kids) will last a lifetime. Ok, end of commercial )

Steve Hankow
Sims/Hankow Ent. www.autographshows.net

[This message has been edited by farthestreaches (edited December 18, 2003).]

cklofas
Member

Posts: 221
From: Euless,TX USA
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 12-18-2003 08:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cklofas   Click Here to Email cklofas     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If the comparison is between the AHOF induction ceremony/dinner and the Sims/Hankow..... tough choice. Both offer a unique set of experiences and a wonderful chance to indulge yourself. So I would select the one that gives you the most extra value, that is, what else can you do while there.

msdvflorid
Member

Posts: 137
From: West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Jul 2002

posted 12-18-2003 11:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for msdvflorid   Click Here to Email msdvflorid     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Last year AHOF have a no autograph policy!They gladly pose for picture but most if them decline signing whit a few exception saw Senator John Glenn signed a few time.But what a great evening.At my table was Mr. al Worden and Guender Wendt.And a chance to meet Robert Pearlman.

divemaster
Member

Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002

posted 12-19-2003 08:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for divemaster   Click Here to Email divemaster     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Go to the Sims/Hankow show. There's no way you'll NOT have a good time. Once the initial rush for autographs is over, all of the magic begins. Spent hours listening to the bantering between Wally and Walt only to be invited to the bar afterwards with Wally where I was the only NON-astronaut at the table(s) [where's a camera when you need one!].

And there are worse places than LA to spend a week or so.

-tracy


quote:
Originally posted by TrueNorth:
Hello everyone,

I am new to collecting, but I am loving it. And this site has been a wonderful resource.

I share this hobby with my 13-year old son (lucky, huh?). We would like to take in an event which features astronauts principally from the Mercury - Gemini - Apollo era. Our priorities would look something like this:

1. Get a chance to meet these heros, and perhaps get picture taken with them.
2. Hear them give speeches/ presentations.
3. Possibility of after-hours activity, either with some of you and/or with the astros or other space-program figures.
4. Other activities in the location of the event.
5. Autographs, though we are limited in the amount we could spend.

We are from eastern Canada and so this would be a kind of trip-of-a-lifetime. Basically we have one chance at this so I want to do it right, to give my bud a thrill that he will savour forever. (Okay, okay I'm really doing it for me!) Seriously, this would give us both a chance to touch history.

I'm thinking either Sims - Hankow in Burbank (advantages I see are the dinner with celebs, possibility of after-hours schmoozing, and of course the autographs) or the AHOF at the Cape in May (more astros, speeches, visit KSC once again - can never get enough -, but less chance of meeting astros and getting a photo, probably zero chance of getting a signature.

Are there any others we should be considering?

What do you folks suggest? We would really appreciate your advice. Many thanks.

John


Rick Boos
Member

Posts: 851
From: Celina, Ohio
Registered: Feb 2000

posted 12-19-2003 10:04 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Boos   Click Here to Email Rick Boos     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
John. No doubt about it I would go to the Sims-Hankow show! To me that would be your best chance to do most everything on you agenda. Just my two cents worth.
Rick

BMckay
Member

Posts: 3218
From: MA, USA
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 12-19-2003 02:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for BMckay   Click Here to Email BMckay     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I am planning on going to the Astronaut hall of fame inductions. It was a tough choice but funds to cover my airfare would only get me to Florida. Both look great. Does anyone remember how much it cost to go the the gala and the induction?

msdvflorid
Member

Posts: 137
From: West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Jul 2002

posted 12-19-2003 08:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for msdvflorid   Click Here to Email msdvflorid     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
the VIP dinner was $250 this include all activity.

farthestreaches
Member

Posts: 1074
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 12-22-2003 11:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for farthestreaches   Click Here to Email farthestreaches     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Tickets for our Gala Dinner in Burbank are $100 each and guarantee a seat at table with one of our celebrities. Reservations are NOW being accepted. Full information can be found at:
www.autographshows.net

Steve Hankow

Sims/Hankow
Farthest Reaches Inc.

[This message has been edited by farthestreaches (edited December 22, 2003).]

TrueNorth
Member

Posts: 161
From: Bathurst, NB, Canada
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 01-30-2004 02:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for TrueNorth   Click Here to Email TrueNorth     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well, thanks everyone for your input! The decision is in...

We have booked for Sims-Hankow in Burbank. Looking forward to it, and to meeting fellow members of CollectSpace while we're there. Will be coming in on Tuesday night and enjoying the city for a few days prior to the event.

I doubt anyone is coming from a further away point in North America (New Brunswick, Canada - turn right at Maine).

We're having to pinch ourselves that we'll be in the company of these history makers.

Can't wait.

[This message has been edited by TrueNorth (edited January 30, 2004).]

Rick Boos
Member

Posts: 851
From: Celina, Ohio
Registered: Feb 2000

posted 01-30-2004 02:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Boos   Click Here to Email Rick Boos     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
May all your dreams come true! Good luck, and have fun!

Rob Joyner
Member

Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-04-2004 11:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rob Joyner   Click Here to Email Rob Joyner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi John,
I attended the 2001 induction and many astronauts were signing in designated areas at the KSC Visitor Complex albeit for only a short time, (Carpenter, Schirra, Cooper, Weitz, Garriott, Carr, Pogue, Brand, Haise, Lovell, Schweickart, Worden and padleader Wendt).
The 2003 induction was different. A reception was held at the Apollo/Saturn V Center before the Gala Dinner. Some astronauts were signing and some were not. I got autographs of Gordon Cooper, (the only one I missed in 2001) John Glenn, Hoot Gibson and Jack Lousma. I was rejected by Aldrin, Lovell and Young.
Astronauts Mitchell, Musgrave, Ed Gibson and Carpenter were also in attendance, but I had already gotten their autographs at previous functions. From what I recall of these men, all four are cordial and willing to sign.
This year's Gala reception will be held at the KSC Visitor Complex, as it was in 2001, however, it will be up to the individual astronauts if they sign or not. The dinner will be at the Apollo/Saturn V Center afterwards.
No offense to S&H, but since I live just three hours away I will be be attending the KSC Gala!
Hope this helps! Rob

jamato99
Member

Posts: 147
From: Leesburg, VA USA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 02-05-2004 10:17 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for jamato99   Click Here to Email jamato99     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Alright folks, opinion time. I've heard various counts of whether or not astronauts will sign at the HOF induction in May based on their willingness to do so at previous inductions. I'm VERY eager to meet Gordon Cooper (he's the only living Mercury astronaut I've yet to meet) and he'd be the main reason I'd attend the festivities.

Based on what you know from your experiences in the past, how realistic do you think it would be for me to attend the event and get an autograph from Mr. Cooper?

William
Member

Posts: 46
From: Terre Haute IN
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 02-05-2004 11:37 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for William     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I echo Rob's comments..I attended the 2001 event and got all autos except for Haise...I missed out on the gala last year, but my wife and I are set to go this year..Am looking forward to meeting the astronauts for primarily pictures since I have almost all the autographs for those scheduled to attend. Are they pretty open for pictures?

All times are CT (US)

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