Posted by Rich/Mohican Press on January 14, 2001 at 05:32:03:
5 Months From Today You Can Be Standing Right Here!
This has become one of my very favorite times of the year ... a lot like the beginning of Spring, or even Christmas ... the onset of the Great Mohican Gathering sign-up period! Believe me, there are ups & downs along the way, but once we reach this point, most decisions are made, differences of opinion sorted out, and we're ready to enjoy! In just a little over 2 weeks, we will have all the necessary information & on-line forms available to you so that you can reserve your place at the 2001 Gathering. Just 5 months, from TODAY, we'll be embarking on the first of 4 great days worth of fun & adventure! 5 months! Are you ready?
OK, not ALL the details are yet set ... we're still hashing some out ... and, in fact, at least one issue may not be resolved until much later in the game, but we'll have most all the facts & prices in place by February 1, so that you can make an intelligent decision. Here's hoping you'll all be here!
Regarding that ... over the years, pre-Gathering interest has translated into numbers. The more interest beforehand, the more people sign-up. If this year holds true to form, there's going to be A LOT of folks signing on. Only one problem ... last year we just about maxed out numbers-wise. There are considerations - like parking availability, logistics, trail space, etc. - that make legitimate arguments for keeping the size down. I feared the worst last year, as we added about 30 people to the mix from the previous year, but my fears proved unwarranted. Everyone cooperated, and we moved along just fine. However, the movie theater proves to be our real constraining factor. They say they can seat 75. Last year, we had about 80 in there. I will talk to them about more, but it certainly won't be MUCH more. What I'm trying to say, is that we may actually have to close the door on some folks this year ... at least as far as the movie is concerned. PLEASE, sign-up as early as you can so that you won't be disappointed! Plus, I HATE to say, "No." As I've mentioned, there are usually one or two who cancel at the last minute, but I wouldn't count on that!
And so ...
We have fully brought up-to-date The 2001 Gathering page to reflect all current plans. Included, is a page devoted to our Gathering Musicians, Dave & Ginger Hildebrand, as our contract with them is all signed, sealed & delivered! Visit that page, listen to the music ... THEIR music ... and see the treat that's in store for you Friday night! Also, we've closed the polls and all final results are in. We greatly appreciate your input and used your answers to point us in the right direction when decisions were needed to be made. Thank you for joining in!
http://www.mohicanpress.com/mo02001.html
One decision we haven't yet made is the movie situation ... whether or not to show the DVD in addition to the original 35mm theatrical release. We've pretty much ruled out NOT showing the original as a cost-cutting measure. Comments against the DVD showing went something like this: I can't sit through 2 showings of LOTM! or It'll be a LONG night! Our feeling is this: This is a Gathering devoted to "The Last of the Mohicans" ... if not here, then WHERE? I could see an all-night film fest, showing both these versions, the 1920 silent version, the 1936 classic ... Excess? Maybe, but ... anyway, not to worry, no chance of that becoming a reality anytime soon, but as for two showings ... the poll results were widely split, although, if memory serves me correctly, the largest group said "Either way was fine." So, we have a decision to make. That won't happen until I actually see the new version of the DVD on the big-screen, and that more than likely won't be till late February-early March, when I have a week off.
For your info, the new DVD is still scheduled to be released on January 23 ... advance orders are being taken, and you can order your copy through our Web Site ... both on the DVD page & in the Book Shoppe. Best I can tell, it's the same version as on the original DVD, with upgraded video & audio formats. One review does state it contains a theatrical trailer, but I've come to use caution with this stuff. Sometimes, even what's printed on the DVD case is not exactly what is contained within! "The Patriot," for example, claims to be loaded with all sorts of extras, and it is, but I couldn't find them all. Some just don't appear to be there.
"The Last of the Mohicans" was my first DVD. I bought a DVD player because of that release. I have no regrets. DVD is the best thing to come along in the video world. My collection is steadily growing to include my very favorites, and none has disappointed. The quality is unmatched, making it hard for me to watch a VHS, and the extras included on many releases are quite the treat. Consider joining the ranks!
So, besides the updated & new Gathering stuff, we added another page of DVD screen captures for those of you who enjoy them. Nearly all these "new" captures feature locations you'll be at if you are in attendance at the 2001 Great Mohican Gathering!
And, a few more Gathering notes:
* The pricing on the group lodging is being hashed out by Marcia. I've seen her preliminary breakdown ... a WIDE variety of options to meet nearly every budget ... it's like I said more (roomates) is less (money). We encourage ALL to stay there, as it is convenient, cost-effective, conducive to getting to know your fellow Gatherers, and has a lot of nice extras, like outdoor pool, Bar & Grill, meeting room with complete kitchen, wide-screen TV, VCR, etc. Our Exhibits & Trading Post will be set up there, as well.
* Ariel's Auction is in need of donations. It matters not if you'll be at the Gathering. All can contribute. ALL the money raised goes DIRECTLY to Ariel. Please contact Kate @ vhmsf1@kpenman.freeserve.co.uk if you've got a donation idea!
* We will have a list of suggestions of things appropriate to the Potluck Dinner. Keep it simple. Ethnic or period foodstuffs are encouraged. The main dish is being cooked for us. All beverages, plates, and utensils are being provided. Things we'll need are items like breads, salads, desserts ... As I said, we'll have a list to help you out, but start thinking about it. There are grocery stores & deli-type places in the vicinity.
Oh, regarding the French & Indian War Hot Spot Map, we have had several volunteers to write up essays on certain events. Thanks, guys! Anyone else interested in giving this a stab? Contact us!
See you next time ...