Orvis Sandanona Game Fair

[Bill Murphy]

The Vintage Cup, when first held at Hopkins Game Farm, was a total bust for vendors, end of story. If it weren't for the PGCA annual meeting held at the facility the same weekend, no one would have been there to purchase anything. In contrast with the Vintagers in 2023, the facility proprietors were not at fault. George Hopkins runs a great venue and the low turnout was a mystery to attendees. Hopefully, this year will be different, but all news points to a mediocre event. As I have stated before, I will attend this year's event, but only because I can sleep in my own bed before deciding whether I will be there for a second day.

[Steiner]

Speaking of Ohio, some of us Ohio Fellas have discussed the possibility of hosting a 2 day shoot at a very nice venue in Eastern Ohio. Some of the issues to be addressed are technical advice from an experienced host and a date that would not conflict with exisiting events.

[Andy]

Glad to see you're not a cranky curmudgeon anymore Harry!!

[edgarspencer]

A few years ago, the Vintagers held their event on the same weekend as the Orvis Game Fair, and two things were evident. The vendors at the Vintagers considered it disappointing, and attendance was way off from the previous year. Having just spoken with August Morris, he reports that this year's Game Fair was one of the best years for he, and previously, his dad, both for foot traffic, and sales. (So much for Harry's theory that the NE old men don't have any money) He said he would have considered the Vintagers, except for the two weeks in between the two events. RHO is much closer to Maryland, than the 1300 miles for August to travel, but going home and unpacking, only to repack again two weeks later was out of the question. The Dover Furnace Vintagers was OK, But the last good Vintagers, in my estimation, was when it was held at Addieville East Farms.

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Harry Gietler

If August sold any guns at the Game Fair, I would doubt that it was Old
Parker Guys that bought them. Harry

Harry, I'm 76. I know another Parker guy well, and he's no kid either. That only accounts for two of more than 7-8 others who stepped up. Keep in mind that August only had about a dozen Parkers, the balance being some pretty fine English SxS, Several fine continental guns, and some beautiful rifles.

Orvis reports that this was the most well attended Game Fair ever. Given the very few events held in New England of this nature, Suggesting they are dying out, couldn't be further from the truth.

Being one of them, I've got a lot off respect for 'Old Men', but Harry, you and a couple others really have to accept that the Civil War ended almost two centuries ago.

[Mills]

Harry and I went Sunday afternoon and were impressed. I figured the crowd would have died down by then but there was a good crowd and we had to park in the remote lot.

Sorry we missed the folks who posted here. We did have a good short visit with Geoffrey Gournet.

[edgarspencer]

Had I known you planned on going, I would have come back out Sunday also. One can never get enough of the great guns. Nothing beats putting your eyeballs on them.
Salisbury is just a short drive to Millbrook, and I'm glad you had a reason for being in the neighborhood.

edit: I should have said Lakeville. They don't like to admit Lakeville is part of Salisbury.

[B. Dudley]

Harry, contact the Vintage Cup people, get on their board and make your vision come to reality.

[Cold Spring]

So I talked with August at Steve Barnett's last week who told me he had an excellent show at the Orvis Game Fair event, and part of that was the liaison lady who had frequent contacts with August and with Bill at Robin Hollow asking how things were going and what Orvis could do improve for that show and next year's event. Apparently Orvis is actively looking to return to the days when it was THE place to see fine guns in the early Fall. He also mentioned that the Vintagers timing at Hopkins was just too close to the Orvis Game Fair to justify a second road trip from/back to MS. Lastly I learned that SBFG will be moving to a new location in (as I recall) Cleveland MS that's about 2 hours away from its current location in West Point. Move to be complete right after the first of the year.

[Ed Blake]

Originally Posted by Harry Gietler

Brian, I am in contact with them, thru this ''Site''. What I am saying a lot of Parker guys wish would ''Happen''. The vocal ones sound off on here because
they live on the East side and don't want to drive 250 to 500 miles. They like things in their back yard. Rest assured the Vintage guys are reading this, but that doesn't mean they will change. Keep doing the same old ,same old, and expect different results. It doesn't happen.

Harry

Most of the guys heavily involved with leadership of the Vintagers are not on this site. If they hear about your complaints, it’s strictly hearsay and you know what that’s worth. The Vintagers have their issues, mainly the aging of members. The demographic issues have been beat to death on this and other boards. Organizations run by volunteers can be problematic for various reasons. When Ray Poudrier (sp?) ran the Vintagers it was his baby and he made money doing it. He was the central point of contact and things got done. That is no longer the case; the profit motive is not there. Maybe that’s what is needed. A change in location might help in the short term but long term prospects for the Vintagers are questionable. Your complaints are a rehash of the obvious so if you want positive change put your shoulder to the wheel rather throwing rocks from the sideline.