S.S.S. Tailgater 2012 = Show Sun Swim

First off thanks to Gil and Sally Hedges-Blanquez, co show hosts. They arrived early and helped with details for a smooth running show.

About ten dealers dropped by Friday, most camped out on site and the others stayed at Hotels or B&B's. The early arrivals drove from Oregon, Canada and California. Friday evening most of us went to a local Micro Brewery. Sorry no pictures…but you have seen enough of grown men and women inhaling "groceries". Back at my house the BS session lasted well past my bed time. The stories of insulators were flowing along with some more adult beverages.

About O700 Saturday the coffee was done, and the crowd was gathering for food. This consisted of fruit, bagels with cream cheese, Costco muffins, Mexican sweet bread, homemade blue berry bunt cake, with a verity of juices. Thank you Mom for the home made breakfast cake and the large fruit bowl.

Most dealers set up under the big or medium sized shade tents, only a couple braved the 96 degree SUN. The SHOW had 14 tables, and about 35 people shopping for deals on insulators and other items like old phones or rail road stuff. It was reported that sales and trades went well, especially for a small Tailgater.

Lunch was served at 12:15. Conquistador a Mexican restaurant in Sunnyside catered the food. The authentic Mexican food was a hit…and many hope it's a recurring part of the SHOW.

After lunch when the sales wound down, or the SUN was unbearable, dealers and friends cooled off in the SWIMMING pool.

Thank you to the following Jefferson State Insulator Club Members for making the trek to Grandview WA: Mid Henry Morris, Nathan Lamkey, Paul Puttkammer, Howard and Linda Banks, Ernie and Mary Carlson, Robin Harrison and Gil and Sally Hedges-Blanquez.

Other dealers that had tables were: Paul Ziemer, Jim Cunningham, Dan Culver and family, Jim and May Barstow, Bill, Darcy and Grady Burger, Dave Fleishman and his friend Doreen, and Dave Moffatt.

Shoppers, collectors, and family on hand were: Richard Durring, David Bethman, Dan, Kelli Simmons and family, Larry La Duc, Jay Lewis, Louie, Jeffery and Michelle Ziemer and others I apologize for not mentioning. Family consisted of Theresa and Kyle Kollmar (my cousins), Mom and Dad, my brother Mark and his wife Trish. Jeramie (my nephew) and Mark spent countless hours' pre show time sprucing up the area. What a fantastic job, well done! The SHOW grounds sparkled like insulators in the SUN.

See you all in Aug. 2014 for the next SSS Tailgater.

Next year 2013 join us at Howard and Linda Banks house in Lostine Oregon. Follow the Crown Jewels and ICON for Coming Events. Remember to get out and support the shows large or small! The hobby is all about the friendship amongst the collectors, and least not the gathering of insulators. It's a BIG insulator world out there folks, enjoy it!