When I stopped by shortly after the 1 p.m. opening time on my way to Michael's soccer game, there were only a few seats left in the large banquet room.
A few minutes later, security personnel had to turn away fans because they had already exceeded the room's capacity for fire safety. I estimate there were several hundred fans. Hundreds of fans sat at crowded tables or stood along the aisles. Dozens of musicians performed or prepared to perform on the stages. Scores of volunteers sold food, CDs, books, and raffle tickets. Sturdy security folks stood in the lobby and at the exits to help the event run smoothly. Scores of folks unable to get inside waited in the lobby or milled about outside on the sunny, but chilly afternoon.
While I was there I ran into several of my writing friends and snapped lots of photos, but unfortunately my flash was finicky and some of the photos were blurry (sorry, Doyle and Irene). Here are some photos that did turn out:
 |
| Ligaya and David Kirkland get cozy. |
 |
| Bill and Linda O'Connell pose for this pesky photographer. |
C and C members Nick Nixon and Claudia Shelton strike a pose.
C and C Members Nick Nixon and Donna Volkenannt mug for the camera.
C and C members Donna Volkenannt, Nick Nixon, and Lou Turner share a chuckle.
High Hill Publishers Lou and Bryan Turner surprized Nick by publishing a collection of some of his essays and short stories.
Good-hearted and generous C and C member Becky Povich donated one of Nick's autographed 45 records and a song sheet for the auction!
Roland and Alice (C and C Member) Muschany took time from their busy day to support Nick.
Great photos, Donna. Wish I had made it back in time to attend. I hear everyone had a gret time!
ReplyDeleteHi Berta,
DeleteWe missed you and wish you could've made it back in time to attend. Nick snuck in a few of the C&C folk, who only stayed for a few minutes. It was a wild afternoon!
Donna
What a great event, and it is so good to see everyone's smiling faces. :) Thanks for sharing, Donna. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Margo,
DeleteIt was a great event; I wish I could've stayed longer. I heard it lasted till late into the evening.
Donna
We arrived too late to get inside, so only were able to say hello to Nick and one of his daughters, made a donation and left. Based on what I saw, this event was a spectacular success!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Hi Pat,
DeleteI'm glad you got to say Hi to Nick and make a donation. I think he was overwhelmed by the show of support.
Donna
Such fun to come here today and see your pictures. I "know" many of these people...enjoyed seeing them!
ReplyDeleteLike Pat we got to see Nick and then shuffled off. Perhaps we should have gone back later in the day! I know he was pleasantly blown away by the support.
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to connect faces with names, isn't it?
Hi Marcia,
It was good to see you and Jim and Jennifer on Sunday. Wish you could've stayed longer. When I left several folks were trying to talk the Security guard into letting them in. I told him I wasn't coming back so someone could come in my place, but he said he couldn't do that. What an amazing turn out!
Donna
Thanks for sharing your photos, sounds like everyone had a great time, wish I could have gone.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna! Thanks for posting your pictures! And... Awww, shucks! Good-hearted and generous?? You're too kind! :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't stay long either, but I'm glad I did get to see what a wonderful event was put together to quickly for Nick!
Donna, thanks for the report complete with photos. What a tremendous outpouring of support. Glad I was able to see you and somany other writers.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteWe did! Wish you could've been there too.
Hi Becky,
It was good to see you there.
Hi Linda,
It was a fun afternoon.
Donna
Looks like a great day! Thanks for sharing the pics with us. I actually knew a good handful of the people. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Glad the event was successful. I was lucky enough to be at a Saturday Writers meeting where Nick played and sang. It was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWow - great turn out. Y'all have so much fun up there!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear what a success it was. Enjoyed the pictures!
ReplyDelete