SASS National convention

[Noz]

Yeah... I used to live in Missouri, not the place to be in December. Or for me in the summer either, with the humidity. Living where I live makes me spoiled like that, I guess...

 

I was under the impression that the convention was held indoors? We in Missouri have also discovered central heating.

[Jack Houston # 35508]

How about at EOT? The only way I'm going to a convention is if there's shootin'. I'm not wasting my money and valuable vacation time going to a non- shooting event.

 

The majority of the folks that make the convention live within driving distance. Move it from Vegas and many of the CA shooters will not attend, move it to TX and alot of the Texans will attend. Move it to Denver and perhaps others would attend. Logistics!

 

If the convention was free, including travel, and room and board I would not go to Vegas unless there was a shoot.

 

LL'

+1,000,000,000 !!!!!!!!!!

[Assassin]

Hi LL,

 

They have a wax bullet shoot right in the hotel. Also, there is a match nearby either the weekend before or the weekend after, depending on the Convention date.

 

The Convention is really a great time and I haven't shot guns there yet!

 

Regards,

 

Allie Mo

 

 

I don't think wax bullets would do it for me, a little too tame, makes our sport look like a joke, IMHO. Not talking about a monthly match, I'd want to attend if it were a 10-12 stage annual match. Winter Range or EOT would make the most sense for a convention. We shot Stampede a few times back when it was a big shoot and enjoyed the Pahrump area, although Ivory Jack and I stayed up way too late at BB casino considering we were shooting the next day.

 

I'll see you on the trail somewhere, but it won't be at the convention in Vegas.

 

Happy New Year!

 

LL'

[Shooting Bull]

We shoot nearly every weekend in Las Vegas - There is almost always a shoot available.

There was an "Authorized" SASS convention shoot a few years back, but the handling of it (by SASS, not the local club) was poorly done. (from transportation, to the shoot fee, etc.).

 

If you come to Las Vegas and want to shoot, get ahold of me.

I will let you know where the shoot is and if you can't get there - let me know - I will see that you get a ride.

 

 

Ace of Hearts even started a thread right here on the Wire inviting anyone who wanted to shoot to come joing the Eldorado Cowboys the weekend before the Convention. They could bring their own guns and we'd store them free of charge in our own safes. Or we'd even loan them some of our guns. Life got in the way so I wasn't able to get to the shoot but, from what I understand, it was NOT highly attended by conventioneers.

[Mad Dog Jack, SASS #77862]

I was under the impression that the convention was held indoors? We in Missouri have also discovered central heating.

Yep, my grandfather had it just south of St Joseph in the 1880s, his fireplace. Wasn't trying to imply the indoors wouldn't be warm, but getting out to the rest of Branson could be challenging, as well as the possible problem of trying to get there in the late fall/ early winter. I was thinking it was a good idea until the weather thing was brought up, what was the weather like where you live during the convention?

[Innocent Bystander SASS #24171]

Branson Missouri has the hotels, entertainment, access and convention space. they also are appreciative of business and would bend over backwards to make the convention a success.

I am aware that Missouri is considered "flyover space" by those living in the coastal areas but it would come as a surprise that there are actually SASS shooters east of the Rocky Mountains.

 

Howdy Noz!

 

I really like Branson and with the airport there and also in Springfield, air connections are much better than they used to be when I lived in Missouri. There are two things that might be a problem for a convention in December. Of course, the weather is one of them. I've lived in Springfield when it's been 60 degrees during the first week of December. I've also had to be at Branson's Christmas parade one year, day was Dec. 8 if I recall, when it was 8 degrees with ice on the ground. It was extremely hard to get around the area, especially if one didn't know about driving on ice. And that brings me to the other problem in Branson. It is built on hills. Not soft, slopey kind of things, but steep hills and hollows. Many of our SASS members are, let us say...physically challenged. Hiking up and down those hills is not the easiest thing to do, especially if there is snow or ice on the ground. I think SASS needs to consider long and hard about putting a convention where there are real weather problems rather than just the high winds we sometimes get here in Vegas.

 

Actually, those people who are suggesting Dallas might have something. A large group of pards close by, good air connections, a lot outside of SASS to do, definitely got cowboy connections, plenty of hotels, etc.

 

Bystander

[Anvil Al #59168]

Problem with some of these places is. Yes. They have an airport.

BUT.

Can you get a direct flight to that airport???

 

Have a nephew that comes to Springfield. Close as he can get to direct flight is St Louis MO.

Then you have to do a transfer to a smaller plane. Or rent a car and drive the 3+hours.

OR. do the transfer. But then you are still going to have to rent a car in Springfield to get the 30miles or so

to Branson.

Sure are making it hard on folks to get there if they don't just drive all the way there anyway.

 

At Least in Vegas. You have everything right there handy.

 

 

Those saying Dallas. I say IF moving around here. Ft Worth

It has more of a Western flair. And ya got the Stock Yards at night.

[Noz]

Problem with some of these places is. Yes. They have an airport.

BUT.

Can you get a direct flight to that airport???

 

Have a nephew that comes to Springfield. Close as he can get to direct flight is St Louis MO.

Then you have to do a transfer to a smaller plane. Or rent a car and drive the 3+hours.

OR. do the transfer. But then you are still going to have to rent a car in Springfield to get the 30miles or so

to Branson.

Sure are making it hard on folks to get there if they don't just drive all the way there anyway.

 

At Least in Vegas. You have everything right there handy.

 

 

Those saying Dallas. I say IF moving around here. Ft Worth

It has more of a Western flair. And ya got the Stock Yards at night.

 

Branson even has it's own airport now. I agree that weather could be a challenge but the hills are not. The average age of the people that travel to Branson approaches the average age of the SASS members.

 

Dallas is no where near central US.

[Hugh Damwright]

I don't think wax bullets would do it for me, a little too tame, makes our sport look like a joke, IMHO. Not talking about a monthly match, I'd want to attend if it were a 10-12 stage annual match. Winter Range or EOT would make the most sense for a convention.

 

I'll see you on the trail somewhere, but it won't be at the convention in Vegas.

LL'

 

I'm with LL on this. If the convention happened within an hour or 2 of me, I'd go, but with no match, not wasting my time off. But then again, I can't even get a day off from Thanksgiving til' after New Yr, so it wouldn't matter if it was right on top of me. As far as shooting the weekend before or after, I work fer a livin', can't be off but so much and pay the bills. No convention in my future as far as I can see.

[Missouri Marshal SASS #50682]

Branson Missouri has the hotels, entertainment, access and convention space. they also are appreciative of business and would bend over backwards to make the convention a success.

I am aware that Missouri is considered "flyover space" by those living in the coastal areas but it would come as a surprise that there are actually SASS shooters east of the Rocky Mountains.

 

+1. Branson is GREAT!

[Marshal Flagg SASS #39065 Life]

If you don't want to go to Vegas...... stay home.

 

There isn't hotel space in the Tombstone area to take care of the people who do attend .

 

I've been there.

 

 

Branson.......... there is only two things there.Steers and ....

[Good Hands SASS #8247]

If convenience is the main concern for where to hold a convention then Tombstone isn't going to be on anybodys list. I'd vote for it anyway, its a great place and any shooter worth his salt should visit it at least once. I've been in Tombstone during Helldorado Days and that burg is jumpin'! I think it's great that they're trying to convert the old high school and elementary school into the Grand Oriental hotel and visitor center, that will help anchor Allen Street.

[Dipshot Dutch]

Some people seem to want more centralized for reasons of; convenience,cost of getting there,travel distance, ect !!

WHY NOT consider St. Louis or Kansas City ????

[Taquila Tab, Sass #25048]

The center of the 48 contiguous United States population is in Houston. Houston, Missouri that is which is the county seat of Texas County. The geographic center of the United States is near Lebanon, Kansas. The nearest major city between these two spots is Kansas City, MO/KS.

 

If SASS was interested in having a convention equidistant to all regions, then KC would be the most logical place. That said, with the less than spectacular showing at the SASS Family Reunion held in Gatlinburg, TN back in 2003 or 2004, I doubt they have much interest in moving anything very far from THEIR home base of operations.

[Maddog McCoy SASS #5672]

You' all are not thinkin straight. You can have here in CHICAGO

 

We have two airports with have lots of flight, entertainment and bring your guns, and I guarantee the accommodations will be some of the best you ever seen and we will get free room and board for just showing up.

 

I drove by the place we would be staying the other day, kinda got mixed up getting on I55 to get out the city and I found the place, I think it is bigger the biggest hotels in Vegas combined. It has a big WECOME sign out front with plenty of protection from the locals, including gun towers and barb wire to keep them out.

 

It is called the Cook County Detention Center.

 

I am certain that if we all show up packin, we will get first rate treatment with free bus service to the place we will be staying. It would be the longest convention ever, maybe 3 or 4 months before it would be over. ( and that's if we are good)

 

 

On second thought, Maybe St Louis would be a better choice.

[Blackwater 53393]

People!!! This is almost too easy! As much as I'd like to say my home, Nashville, TN is perfect, it is NOT!! There is lots of entertainment, lodging, a convenient airport and the like, and a new million sq. ft. convention center opening in 2013.

 

But the simple and sensible answer is Oklahoma City, OK .

 

One can easily spend two days at the Cowboy Museum alone!

 

Very centraly located, an excursion to the Will Rodgers Museum in Clermore, and right down the hill from that is the J.M. Davis Gun Museum, good food and much more. Did I mention centrally located??

 

Oh yeah! It's on Route 66.

[Sergeant Smokepole #29248L]

Branson Missouri has the hotels, entertainment, access and convention space. they also are appreciative of business and would bend over backwards to make the convention a success.

I am aware that Missouri is considered "flyover space" by those living in the coastal areas but it would come as a surprise that there are actually SASS shooters east of the Rocky Mountains.

 

 

IMHO, The best idea so far. centrally located. Something to do for them what aint gamblers. Restaurants. SASS Range not far away.

 

It's a day's drive from most places if you don't want to fly.

[Rev Willy Dunkum, SASS # 61027]

How about somewhere smack dab in the middle of the country? Not sure where that would be exaclty but maybe St. Louis, Kansas City, etc. Just a thought. Rye

 

 

+1

[Oklahomabound]

Since this is becoming a straw vote; I would highly recommend that Oklahoma City be given serious consideration given the Cowboy Hall of Fame is there. After that Kansas City is the second place vote.....

[Jack Houston # 35508]

Since this is becoming a straw vote; I would highly recommend that Oklahoma City be given serious consideration given the Cowboy Hall of Fame is there. After that Kansas City is the second place vote.....

Weather in Ok. City and Kansas City in December...Nope!

[Lady T]

The center of the 48 contiguous United States population is in Houston. Houston, Missouri that is which is the county seat of Texas County. The geographic center of the United States is near Lebanon, Kansas. The nearest major city between these two spots is Kansas City, MO/KS.

 

If SASS was interested in having a convention equidistant to all regions, then KC would be the most logical place. That said, with the less than spectacular showing at the SASS Family Reunion held in Gatlinburg, TN back in 2003 or 2004, I doubt they have much interest in moving anything very far from THEIR home base of operations.

 

Hey Taquila Tab,

I am in NO way advocating a convention here in our neck of the woods of Tennessee...but I will say that many, many folks here tried really hard to discourage SASS from holding the Reunion...in Gatlinburg....in August!

If you've ever experienced the heat and humidity of East Tennessee in August you'll understand what I'm saying.

Add the weight and heft of cowboy/cowgirl clothes and you will quickly realize why we are famous for the saying..."But it's a WET heat."

[Ace_of_Hearts]

The problem with people who are not from Las Vegas is they have no idea of the HISTORY of and around Las Vegas. They see the bright lights and big hotels and assume that is all there is.

It is why most of us LOCALS don't admit that we are locals when we do go to a show because we get the same question every time. "You live here? Where?" as if the strip was all that was in the valley.

 

Like many western towns, Las Vegas has it's roots in mining and agriculture. (Yes! If you put water on it the desert will grow.)

Nelson, a town 20 miles south is first gold mining in the area and dates back to the Spanish who operated the mines in that area.

Goodsprings, a town due south of Las Vegas, is the location of the only load platinum mine in the US.

Potosi mountain, you can see to the Southwest from your hotel room, is the location of one of the largest lead mines in the US and was claimed by the mormon's in the mid 1800 until they found out that the large zinc content of the ore made it impossible to smelt until more modern times.

Las Vegas was a major stopping point along the Old Spanish Trail.

Paddle wheelers traveled up and down the Colorado River just outside Las Vegas from the mid 1800 till the early 20th century when Boulder Dam began construction.

Las Vegas has probably had more murders and outright gunfights before 1900 than most western towns, including Tombstone.

We have had our share of renegade Indians, Army posts, and lost treasure locations than most and all before the railroad came to town in 1905.

The railroad was built primarily by Italian workers that built settlements all along the right of way.

 

When you come to Las Vegas for Convention, you are welcome to bring your guns or use ours. The Eldorado Cowboys shoot the same weekend as Convention almost every year. And we let you shoot at members prices. Let us know you are coming and we will have the ammunition ready for you too!

 

If you don't like the food in the Riviera then get out of the Hotel and visit any number of 5 star restaurants that are everywhere, or ask a local cowboy where the best food is. You'll be surprised..... we don't eat in the hotels either!

[Oklahomabound]

Weather in Ok. City and Kansas City in December...Nope!

 

 

I don't know about that... it's been in the 60's for the last 2 days, 50's for last week or so...

[Packrat Ron]

Don't really see how the logistics would work, but it would be a heck of a place to have the convention. Mighty Tony, don't you think?

 

Side trips to Old Tucson Studios, Cochise Stronghold, Bisbee, missions.

 

I'd love to go back for a visit.

 

Steeldust Dan

 

 

Why not have it in Tucson. It has an airport, and the Phoenix Airport is less than 2 hours away if it is easier to get your fight there. There is a Convention Center that is hurting for business, and plenty of hotels and good places to eat. Tucson hosts a large Gem and Mineral show in February every year, which accommodates many more people than the SASS convention ever would. Tombstone is 90 minutes from here and like Steeldust Dan mentioned, Cochise Stronghold, Bisbee, the old spanish missions are all close by, and Old Tucson Studios and the Sonoran Desert Museum are 30 minutes away, and admission to Old Tucson Studios is free if you wear your SASS gear.

 

There are several local clubs that I am sure would arrange some shoots, and the real plus is, I wouldn't have to travel at all.

[Captain Lee Bishop]

I’ve never been to Tombstone so I’m not familiar with what is and isn’t there. I have been to Vegas and despise the place.

I’d be FAR more likely to attend a convention at Tombstone to kill two birds with one stone. But as I don’t know if logistically it’d be a workable solution, I’m willing to defer to those who the area better.

[Griff]

I'm not aware of any law that requires the SASS Convention to be held in December. Ok, so some clubs don't shoot during the winter and have time off without having to plan shoot activities... but plenty still do.

 

Having a shoot in conjunction with the Convention would likely increase participation some... but would it not also somewhat overshadow the Convention?

 

Conversely... having the Convention in the same location year after year, can also set in complacency, and some loss of interest. I like the idea of having it move from locale to locale... each year in a different setting... move the date around some to accomodate local weather. I'd hate to have it here in Dallas in Dec... some have complained about our annual match when we held it the 3rd weekend in Nov... the 1st week in Dec ain't much different. It could also help TG's and Match Directors as well as other club members see the workings of the convention, and those visiting TG's see MANY, MANY more of their compatriots and more importantly... these other club's operations.

 

Many other cities have airports, convention centers and SASS Clubs in near proximity. Heck, even Chicago has several clubs nearby. The host club could easily arrange transportation and other logistical help to conventioneers that travel by air and sans guns. Yes, it takes a BIG commitment... but what club wouldn't welcome the chance to show off just a little! The trouble might well be in CHOOSING what club will do the hosting.

[Arizona Pete, SASS#27943]

Anyone who thinks Tombstone's hotels & restaurants can support a national convention has never been to Tombstone!

...but the thought is GREAT!

[Captain Lee Bishop]

Anyone who thinks Tombstone's hotels & restaurants can support a national convention has never been to Tombstone!

And I haven't been there. That's why i wrote that I defer to those who know the area better than I do, and I'd likely be more interested if the venue was a place i had any interest in going to.

[Guest diablo slim shootist]

i know for something a little different...

lets have the convention in Puerto Rico -great weather -except

for hurricanes.HAHA

[Brother King, SASS #69031]

How about at EOT? The only way I'm going to a convention is if there's shootin'. I'm not wasting my money and valuable vacation time going to a non- shooting event.

LL'

+2,000,000...... WTH? attendance at EOT is down ... way down from 2005-6. Attendance at the convention was anemic at best (i did NOT say you didn't have a great time meeting all 7 of your SASS WAHR friends). Vendors participation has been declining as well. Sure, it's so easy to put it all off on "the economy".

 

But, you don't get paid running a business to put it off on anything. NORCO CA was that last huge SASS attended event from what I can see. Now Cowboys has been cancelled, too, so outside promotion of anything SASS is going to be even more difficult.

 

Best to play to the hometown crowd, use the facilities you already have in place, make the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS something for everyone. Throw in free camping and fer-gawd-sakes let someone pull in a hot shower facility. Give some free space to cooking vendors. Bring in a horse back ride contractor. gET FriGiGin' crEAtIVE or get run over by your own lack of inspiration WB members.

 

In my view the only creative things lately in all of SASS are easy to prove....those events are sold out early. The Convention? Sorry, Charlie... people vote with their feet. Yes, I hate Vegas and wouldn't go there again even to get married if she dumped George Clooney and promised me shooting and a $3,000,000 RV for free. Ok... maybe I should re-think that one... but still... just sayin....

[LUTHER JUSTICE REGULATOR #5600]

Brother King, I'll bet you would attend the convention if it was at a backwoods motel with an attaching liquor store and Louisiana Lighting standing guard..........What do you think?

[Brother King, SASS #69031]

Isn't that what I just said?

[LUTHER JUSTICE REGULATOR #5600]

I fail to see anything abouth the CHEAP motel and liquor store.......

[GunClick Rick]

California where ya need ta be..Coarsegold-Oakhurst area,they have the Suger Pine Railroad,a casino,plenty of lodging lower down the hill in Fresno,Bass Lake is right there and a great lodge to eat and stay at overlooking the lake,you can get cottages there too.To haities with the politica and the politicians just do it!You can pan for gold too.

[Assassin]

King, was that a box of wine I saw you carrying out of that liquor store. I have to walk 14 miles back to the range, that's what I first thought until Luther felt sorry for me and offered a ride. Some kind of critter could have attacked me on that long dirt road. We kinda had a convention that night.

 

 

LL'