I cannot say enough thanks to everyone involved in the Aquamania event.
I may have tried, but it sounded like having a sneezing fit (thank you, thank you, thank you!)
The CCA cast was better than ever. By mentioning some folks by name, I am subjecting myself to the accidental exclusion of others that no doubt deserve recognition as well. But I have to say this.
Jon (with the 'I'm your Huckleberry' shirt). As I recall of Twain's Huck Finn character, he connived others to willingly do his work for him by use of wit. If that's the concept behind the statement on Jon's shirt, it truly does not apply to his role in the Aquamania events! Perhaps he practiced strategic delegation at his day job, but certainly not around the fish people. Jon rocks.
Tony was our knight in shining black hair! Relentless in taking control of any and all matters, large or small. Just don't mention his daughter, Margaret, too often around him - he gets all mushy :wink:
Andrew, Christine, Becca, Matt, Michael, and each person whom I did not mention because my head's so full of useless Latin fish names, some people's names may spill out my ears. Thank you so much!
Great line up of speakers and topics.
Kate had never seen Kevin do the auctioneer gig. I have not in years, so we were completely entertained - as were all the people in that room I think. I cannot imagine of a more motivational person to fill that role. It looked like a really great fund raiser for the club too.
Michael's provision of photographic references for the species in the auction was key.
The web page for the event is also a great resource of information.
I liked the list of restaurants page.
We've already been to the Korean, Peruvian, Vietnamese, and other local places to eat in previous years.
We found an excellent Thai restaurant this past Friday night and on Saturday night we went to Silk Road, the Uzbeki restaurant located only 1 1/2 miles from the Hilton. For you locals, I highly recommend trying it. Be sure to try kutabi (think Uzbeki-style meat or veggie stuffed patty).
Their prices are embarrassingly affordable.
Please keep them in business so we can go again next year :smile:
I want to be sure to mention that the pre-order portion of sales has been great each year. Once again, the CCA is light years ahead of any other trade show I've attended when it comes to advertising the pre-order option.
I never know what to bring to stock the tanks from which I sell fish.
By taking pre-orders, at least I know which fish will have new homes after the weekend.
Kate and I had a great time - again. We met some great new folks and greeted others we've met in previous years.
The most memorable sale was to the couple that, as mentioned on this thread, literally flipped a coin over which pleco to get - green or blue phantom.
You two were a hoot!
I'm sorry if I soaked anyone that happened to be near our table when I was refilling the tanks Sunday AM in the vendor room.
The hose had so much water pressure going into it that when I switched the valve to full open, it flew out of the tank. This was akin to a hose through which you would backwash a pool filter, or a hose attached to a fire hydrant. For a few seconds (or longer, it happened really fast), the hose writhed about the floor and took on a life of it's own.
I'm quite sure the worst soaking was self-absorbed. The hose did a dance on the floor while aimed straight up between my legs!
Terrell may have a photo of that.
At least it was warm water :blush:
Thanks so much again to everyone who attended and especially to those picked up fish and dry goods.
The growing attendance of the CCA event, coupled with a productive auction and general vendor success will hopefully enable us all to continue enjoying an annual dose of Aquamania!