(Susan's excellent photos follow her report!)

 

G&L Christmas Barn Signing and Hoe-Down

Having been to many of Dean’s signings it was a pleasant surprise to NOT have to spend the day in a line!!  Charming Dave and his crew certainly know how to accommodate collectors who are waiting their turn.  The store is jammed packed with many collectibles and an extensive display of Charming Tails!  It was nice to see the series of Luv’n Cups – as usual, much nicer than pictures and many orders were taken for them.  We were let into the store by groups to browse and select our pieces to be signed by Dean.  Once Dean arrived and was ready to start signing we were again called in by number and each persons’ pieces were already unwrapped and ready for Dean.  It allowed each collector to have a bit of time with Dean and not needing to be occupied with opening each item for him. 

There were plenty of tables and chairs in a covered area for relaxing and chatting with other collectors while waiting for numbers to be called.  During the course of the signing donuts, coffee, lemonade, hot dogs and chips were available for a contribution – what a great way to benefit two groups.  There was also a pair of the 3’ figures up for raffle.  Personally, I spent the morning plotting a way to possibly get them delivered to Indiana – didn’t think airline would consider them my two carry on items.  (The winner was announced later in the day at the hospitality suite and, if I remember correctly, they were to soon be on their way to their new home in New Jersey!!)

The weather was perfect and it was a very enjoyable day spent with fellow collectors.  BUT that wasn’t the end!!!  That evening the hospitality suite set up by G&L and Bev Shields and the New York club was also great fun.

There were raffles for basketsful of donated items and many sample Charming Tails - all for charity (Breast Cancer).  Food was provided by G&L.  Pin the Tail on the Mice was extremely popular and most everyone took a try at it. 

If an event can have two ‘best’ parts I would say it was that so many attended everything and so much money was raised!  It’s always fun to be with fellow collectors and this particular weekend event provided ample opportunity for just that.  Many comments were overheard about how long it had been since we’d seen each other – most referring to Rosemont 2003 being the last time.

G&L did an amazing job transforming a dining room into the perfect barnyard setting for a hoe down.  The ice carving was tremendous (hope you can see the detail in the picture).  The ‘barn’ set up was the ideal backdrop for photographs and I believe everyone got at least one picture taken there.  Dean was a vision in a RED western shirt and black leather chaps.  Everyone received a cowboy hat as they entered and the mood was ‘country festive.’

The food was delicious!  Corn chowder, salad, barbecued chicken, vegetables and rolls.  

The highlight of the day was the auction.  The generosity of those who donated items and of the bidders was overwhelming.  Here is a brief description and winning amount of each auction item:  Original artwork $1,050; On to Plan ‘B’ framed print $120; JOY baby figurine $700; Camping Out $120; Cruise pin, figurine and shirt $275; Christmas Barn original piece artwork $700; Christmas Barn first samples $330; Winter Whirlwind sample $500; Breast Cancer (hat) sample $250; Turkey with Dressing sample $175; Bunny Slippers sample $300; Horseshoe prototype $1,100; Holiday Wreath (color variation) $700; A Star in the Making – silver $350; Sweetheart Plush $85; Holiday Flight sample $250; Sugar & Spice sample $225; You’re as Cute as a Button – Red $75; and Finding My Way to G&L sample $300.

The goodie bags were given out as each person was leaving.  It contained a Hoe Down Happiness mug; note pad; Charming Tail candle topper; Western candle topper; CT pin with Mackenzie holding a yellow rose; a jar of candy; the Hoe Down Happiness piece; and the cowboy hat.