I know a post has already started for this but I figured I start a new one to keep it more organized. At least the post will give you an idea how what direction we're planning on going with the party.

Thirdgen Fest has continued to grow every year and we're hoping it will continue to get bigger every year. We really used this year to learn how to set up a big national event. We did make a lot of improvements over last year but we really want to make make Thirdgen Fest '05 the BIG one!!! Here's some of the ideas we're thinking of:

First of all, this may have been the last year the party was free. Actually, the cost of next years party may become the cost of a raffle ticket. The price of the tickets will vary depending on what kind of car we're raffling off. Next years car will probably be an '82 Z28 pace car. I'm supposed to be picking up the car soon and it is VERY nice. Raffle tickets will probably be about $35 to $40. I'm thinking we'll have registration packs that will include a ticket for the car as well as an info sheet to post on your car. The info sheet will have information such as owner's name, owner's thirdgen name, type of car, type of engine, etc. The registration fee will be per car not per person. Extra tickets will be the same price. Basically, all it means is that each car has to buy a ticket to attend. Also, there will be a discount for pre-registration. For example, pre-registration may be $35 but if you register the day of the party it may cost you $40.

We will definitely continue the try to get the nicest cars in the front. I like the idea of mixing the Camaros and Firebirds up. We need a few more volunteers next year to help organize the parking a little better. Next year, we'll probably have a separate section for cars that are for sale. Also, we will continue to play all 82-92 music. I think the food will probably stay about the same but we need more volunteers to keep it moving. The party will probably start next year at noon.

Also, we will definitely have more activities next year. We had beanbags last year but nobody played so we didn't bring them out this year. We plan to have beanbags and horseshoes for Thirdgen Fest '05. Also, every Memorial Day weekend Crete has USA Fest. There is a carnival less than five minutes from my house. I think we could maybe make that our first stop on the cruise. I would also really like to see if we can organize a track day at 41 for the following day. I think we could draw more people from around the country if it was more than a one day event. Having the party on Saturday and a track day on Sunday would make for a pretty good weekend event. I think it's tough to get people to drive a long distance for only a one day event. Also, the have a car show at USA Fest on Monday so if people wanted to stick around for that they can.

Also, we're really hoping to have our pole barn and deck built for next years party. That would also give us more flexibility but take away a little space. If the party gets big enough I will probably try to rent out a neighbors yard for the day.

In addition, we are planning to have shirts made up for next year. They could either be included with the registration or available separately. We have considered having awards but they still may be a couple years away.

All in all, I think we're definitely on the right track. I think we need to continue to make improvements but I don't see the need for any major changes. Let me know what you think about these ideas. Also, any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. We need your feedback to make Thirdgen Fest '05 the best event yet!!!

 

Not trying to be a jerk here, but $35- $40 is kinda steep for thouse of us who do not have show cars but who just have plain old third gens. But then again if a car raffle is involved its not a bad deal.

Kevin

 

Denny, Sounds Good. Buying a ticket to participate is fine.Sounds like you've got all the bases covered.Maybe set up a car coral of cars and parts for sale,your garage wasn't big enough.Get volunteers a month or so before the party to lessen your workload.Make up a scheduall of activities with times. I'm ready,shoot it's still 2004.

 

Yeah, I don't think very many people would show up then. I know at least 3 of my friends who didn't have the $40 for gas so they backed out at the last minute. I could see charging a little for the food and stuff, but that is a little steep.

 

If I have the pole barn finished for next year that would really help clean up the parts. Having all the parts in one big space would definitely help. As far as the price goes, I don't see $35 or $40 being too high when you consider the rest of the parties are charging around $10 to $15. For the extra $25 to $30 you are getting a chance to win a really nice car.

The party is almost a year away so it shouldn't be that hard to save up the money. If people REALLY want to come, I think they'll find a way to come up with the money. Remember, that price is per car not per person. If you bring some friends you could split the cost.

 

Sounds great Denny. I think that the price is more than reasonable. Ask some of the guys out east what they paid for that other national party last year, I think I paid over $ for my car and 3 of my friends to be there and the raffle tickets were extra on top of that. I think its a good idea to have more events and possibly have something on sunday because it did get kinda slow at times.

One suggestion that I have is mainly for those of us that would drive a ways and camp out. Someone should organize with the campground so we can get in and have a section all to ourselves. My friends and I stayed at Emerald Trails which was less than 5 minutes down the street and there was a ton of room there.

 

I agree that the price may be a little steep. The Nationals last year had a registration fee of about $45 or so and I think that might have deterred a lot of people. I am more than willing to help pay for food and drinks and such, but I think $40 is a little much. I think you should make a price with the raffle ticket and then another price for people who don't want a raffle ticket. However, I see where the problem in that would be because you may not sell enough tickets again. But theres time to work that out.

Also, I really like the idea of a track meet the next day. How early do they let you reserve the track? I think it would be a good idea to reserve it as early as possible to make sure we get the day.

 

Denny,

If a thirdgen owner can't afford the $40 to participate and help the cause financially, they should probably be working the day of the event instead of attending anyway.

 

Just an FYI,Mark did a phenominal(sp?)job of setting up the nationals last year.It was $40 or so BUT he had to rent the park,pay insurance,pay for awards,and buy the food.He also set up the camping/hotels.I think that 40 is fair though especially if Denny is buying the food and stuff.Plus you get a chance to win a car.Honestly though I would have liked to see more cars there.

 

Oh I know, I think he did a great job as well (even though I didn't attend). I wasn't bashing the Nationals at all and I understand completely why he had to charge what he had to charge. I'm just saying that it may push some people away.

I'm going if its $40 or $15, so it doesn't matter to me. But some people may not want to and I can understand that too.

Edit: Also, Andre had a good idea in the other thread. Awards would be cool. With each admission "packet" there could be a voting card of some sort, listing the categories. Then people can write their pick for best of each of the categories and vote for a winner. You can put the person's name on their "ballot" so we don't get people voting for themselves

 

All those plans sound good to me. Thats a good point how you are automatically entered into the raffle for the extra cost. $35 -40 doesn't sound like a whole much. BTW, did you get the info sheet idea from my car at the fest Denny? lol. I used that on my car at the fest because I always saw other people doing it at car shows.

 

Here is a copy of that post that MettalliCamaroRS was speaking of that I put on the other thread. Since Denny started this thread I have some additional comments that I will add in a new post

---------------------------------------

I suggested keeping the camaros and birds seperate to Denny but he said he liked them mixed in together. I do think it can get boring if there are no activities.

And the cruise needs a director to organize it. I think more would of went if there was planning. As it was we waited ti late to get the good spots at Miami subs and we really had no clear directions, just follow the leader stuff. I know I ran 2 lites to keep up.

Maybe starting next year closer to dusk like at 3 instead of 11 would keep more people around.

Also I could barely hear the music. Let it play that 80's music.

Trophies and awards would keep interest and really are not that expensive. Several catagories could be created like best show, best stock, best modified, best interior, best wheels, best paint job, etc.

The raffle was a good idea and I am sure the winner is loving his $50.00 dollar car. I believe next year the car is an 1982 pace car. Interesting. We just need more activity besides the raffle.

This gathering has grown since the first year in the rain and with growth must come creativity. We can help Denny if he want's to make this fest really into something national. But it will require planning and more effort so Denny does not have to be a one man band.

 

I can tell that the money thing will be a hot topic already. I see it several ways.

No charge: This draws more people because no strings are attached. Those that just like to look don't have to pay. Because the first three fest were free many will be reluctent to pay.

$35.00/$40.00 fee: If food is included, raffle ticket, contest entry with tropies, etc. maybe the price is not bad. Just be aware when people plunk down money the expectations change. What was friendly now will be scrutinized to the most minute detail. It is human nature. And humans are very funny like that.

To charge or not to charge-that is the question. Personally the fee would not bother me but I would like to get something out of the deal(there's that human nature again) but others that would come because it's free will now have reservations. It doesn't mean they are cheap or not true enthusist(sp), they may just not have it. And let's face it, the more numbers the better and more successful the fest will seem. Only Denny can decide about this issue, then the masses make the final decision. I'll come anyway it goes because I have saved so much money dealing with Denny that to not support him in this venture would be wrong on my part. But to each his own.

Finally I would like to go on record as volunteering to be the "Cruise Director" and help setup and organize the cruise for next year. I would plan the route, provide maps, have cell numbers for those that may get lost and of course co ordinate times with Denny and activities he may have planned. I would even look into several mini-cruises to USA fest or possibly downtown Chicago on Friday for the out of town club. A cruise down the lakefront at nite if you are not from Chicago is a must do. Anyway I am your to organize if you want Denny.:hail:

 

Personally, I don’t see a problem with charging for the event, especially if it includes a "package" of goods like admission, raffle, food, and the like. Now that some of us know that there will most likely be a charge next year, it won’t be much of a shock and we can be prepared for it. As next year's festivities are planned and are advertised, it may not be that much of an issue.

I agree that some of us "locals" can help Denny reduce some of the burden of getting everything ready, especially if we are anticipating event growth. When that time comes, let me know, and I will see what I can do to assist.

-Chris

 

Get a foreigien car, hand some mallets out to folks let them go to town on it , that let some steam out .Not my ideal but that would be fun.Or some crappy mustang and put itup front so when other stangs drive by they will see what happens to there car lol.Andre has my vote on curise planing.

 

I like that idea of using a sledge on an import. they did somthing to that effect at my high school, it was some foolsball thing. I do remember it being successful, it was like a dollar a swing or somthing like that. I don't know about beating on a mustang though, I do like some of those pony cars.

 

well not a nice mustang some old nasty LX model.But a nice r1cer would be nice to smash up

 

One more thing, we definitely want to have the Friday night pre-party next year. I really thought that would draw a lot of interest this year but we only had 10 to 15 people say they would come. Unfortunately, that just wasn't enough people to make it worth getting a keg, firewood, and the other things needed. However, I still think its a really good idea and I'm hoping there will be a lot more interest in it for next year. Also, if we have the Friday night party and get a track day for Sunday it becomes a weekend event. I think a weekend event will draw a lot more people from out of town. I know a lot of people don't want to drive a long distance for only a one day event.

Also, I do know for sure that if we do charge admission next year it will be one set cost. There won't be one price with a raffle ticket and a second price without one. Basically, buying a raffle ticket will get you into the party. Raffle tickets will cost the same whether you come to the party of not. If we start setting different prices for everything it will get to complicated. However, there will probably be a discount if you buy them before a certain date. We haven't definitely decided to charge admission for next year's party but I'm just about positive we will so I just wanted everybody to be prepared.

I've also thought about the idea of having a car to beat on for awhile. If we do it it will definitely be an '80's Mustang. I would say it probably won't happen next year but it's possible. I could easily get one from one of the junkyards I deal with so that wouldn't be a problem.

One more thing, people have always commented on moving the party back a little. I know for a fact the party will continue to be on Memorial Day weekend every year. Having it on a holiday weekend makes it really easy for people to remember when it is every year. Also, the three day weekend gives us more time for extra events like a track day and also provides extra days for the party in case of rain.

 

charge for the party I say!!! but if that happens there really needs to be reason to stick around for a while. I know I left for a few hours cause after two hours of looking at the same cars I got bored and went home until the raffel. I think the cruise should maybe start earlier also. things seemed to be falling apart and I wasn't sure if there would be one so I left again. I am more than willing to map out a cruise plan as I live right here in crete. I think it would be cool to roll through downtown areas and make a few stops on the way. as far as food the only thing I would change is start off with food, was a bit hungry by 12:30 but food wasn't started yet. other than that it is a great time.

 

I like the idea of the the car award and voting on them. But since these are third gens what about most ******* car?

Kevin

 

Easy way to do the awards is, when the car arrives and pays for the admission and raffle give that car their info card, but put a BIG RED number on it in, and people can vote by number instead of saying the red firebird with the Cragars on it or peoples names, not everyone knows what everyones names are, even if its on the car! I wouldn't mind paying to attend next year either, but what happens to the people that don't bring a third gen to the fest? Also, USA Fest is a good idea, for the cruise and the show on Monday! Andre' has my vote for cruise director too.

 

I like Sox 19's idea about the numbers. Keeps everythimg simple. And actually to print up those cards are cheap or can even be done on a personal computer. I have software on mine to do it.

As far as cruises I would love to do a Friday nite time cruise thru the lakefront, especially if there are out of owners, maybe hit North Ave, Wrigleyville and back down the Dan Ryan past Sox Park if the construction is not bad and maybe even hit the Orland area on the way home. We could online vote on the areas of interest. Saturday afternoon a quickee thru USA fest, Crete, Homewood, Chicago Jts and back. And that nite of couse east Indiana and on to Miami subs. What does everyone think.

 

Sounds good to me.I just hope gas prices come down.

 

rt 41 only rents the track out on saturdays :-)

keep that in mind

later
JEremy

 

Denny- some advice, just pick the route you want to go and do it. If you start asking for opinions it will only frustrate you. If you have to charge money by all means do it. If people want to come they'll come.
For Nats it was a bit pricey for what it was, but costs just kept popping up, but I had to do it. Set the amount and made it that. Anyone that couldn't afford didn't come.

Best of luck to you next year as well.

 

denny,
i couldn't and didn't make it this year but i wanted to. i support you for any charges you set for next year. i would have gladly paid the same amount this year,,,last year you wanted $50 for the raffle,,,,,and for next year maybe $40 for food, etc and the raffle, not to mention all your effort, time, etc,. etc. i'm in phoenix, arizona and don't by any means have much money but wouldnl't let a $40 fee stop me from going all that way for the gathering when i can **** away $40 in one day on beer, food, etc. if i show up at all next year with my TA, i'll be in debt up to my nose, but $40 for entry would be a pittance, and the complainers on that shouldn't bother showing. i almost offered to mail a few bucks to the guys that couldn't afford 10-20 bucks in gas to drive down the road to you,,that was funny considering i'm going/willing to drive from phoenix. oh well, i admire you for willing to put this event together which is worth bucks and time which neither of the complainers have. i support you whatever your price/limits are. keep up the good work.

 

ideas
I don't know how many people show up to the third gen fests but this is the itinerarry(sp?) for berettaFest.....
THURSDAY
11:00AM - 3:00PM Registration at Park and Hotel Check-In afterwards.
3:00PM - 5:00PM Settle at hotel and Dinner
5:30PM - Close Go Karts, Laser Tag, and other such fun at Boondocks Fun Center
FRIDAY
8:00AM - 10:30AM Wake up, Eat breakfast and prepare for trip to Drag Track
11:00AM - 1:00PM Leaving at 11:00 SHARP for PMI Drag way
1:00PM - 5:00PM Drag Race at PMI
5:00PM - Stay for PMI Friday Night Drags (5-12) or eat dinner and head back to Hotel
SATURDAY
11:00AM - 2:00PM BBQ at City Park
3:00PM - Free time to explore the city
SUNDAY
9:30AM - 10:00AM Wake up, Breakfast and goodbyes!

Registration will be $45 per car (includes driver) and $5 per passenger. Registration is required and will include:

Substantially discounted rate at hotel (64 a night)
Official Bfest 2004 Sticker
Bfest 2004 information packet (maps, directions, etc - everything you need to get around town for the weekend)
Unlimited food and drink at the Saturday BBQ
Entry into PMI Drag Way on Friday where we will have the track to ourselves for unlmited drag racing
Entry into all drawings for sponsor-donated items
And more!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It sounds like crete is by chicago so i'm sure there is stuff to do around there..I live 2 hours south of chicago so im not sure where crete is...
Maybe instead of a hotel a group stay at the campsite mentioned could be worked out....I think that if it is all well organized and enough stuff is scheduled to keep people happy it would most definitely be worth $40..especially since it is per car....BerettaFest costs more and hundreds of people show up.....I'm only 19 and I can definitely come up with $40 especially since we all know so far in advance....Would getting companies to donate other items for the raffle be possible? And maybe offering some kind of vinyl decal for the event to the first 20-30 registred would promote early registration...I'm assuming that the last few years the guy holding the event footed the bill for food, I'm not one to turn down something free, but that's just not cool....AND if he is buying this pace car to raffle off...$40 is the least we could do....It's not like he's trying to turn a proffit...I'm sure any money he makes will go towards bigger and better events/prizes for years to come....So, think of it as an investment in the future :-)

 

Looking forward to meeting Denny. I've bought some hard to find goodies from him, always very fair with his prices and ships quickly. And a good source for odd tech info as well.

So, I'm going to make the drive from Beverly Hills (LA), CA for Third Gen Fest '05.

To those who can't swing the $40 - it's a good deal, considering the food, beverage and raffle. But, if you're scraping by financially, maybe we can start a scholarship fund for you!

Anyone else thinking of making the drive from the West Coast? It would be cool to have another car or cars to cruise with.

My wife's gonna kill me...

 

Man if your willing to drive that far,You shouldn't have to pay anything. It's gonna cost ya more than $40 in gas to get there.

 

2000 miles, and it's $2,39/gallon for premium unleaded where I live - I guess that's about $191 each way, or $382 round trip in gas, not including what I use cruising around Illinois. And sunscreen so I can cruise with the t-tops off and get a red neck suntan!

If I wanted something economical I would buy one of those stupid Honda Civic's with a big, noisy muffler like most of the guys in Los Angeles do.

For me it will be worth every penny.

Hey, Denny - do I get a discount on parts if I bring some recruits from Southern California?

See you guys next spring!

 

another opinion here, haha.
this year's gathering fest was great...i thought..and it was my first time..
but to make it a whole weekend ordeal will be even better!
now i can see putting 40 or 50 bucks for a whole weekend on a package deal...but for one day..i couldn't see it happening..
i go to alot of car shows around the area and the most they ask is around 20 bucks for the bigger car shows...but you a goody bag that can contain anything from a tshirt to can coolers to cleaning solutions, dash plaques and such..now i'm not saying get something like that going but i'm just simply pointing out that as someone previously stated, i would like to get something out of it..other then a raffle for a car, especially since i don't even have the extra space for another vehicle...
the idea of crusing along lakeshore drive is an awesome idea...
to get a bunch of thirdgens out and showing what we got is a cool feeling! especially in groups!
a track date is another good idea, and so is the trophy thing...

the only suggestion i can come up for next year is that, we should make out name tags for the owners of the vehicles.
i'm sure not everybody knows everybody!....having they're name printed on, with their screename from the boards in closed captions and an icon on what they drive would be a nice touch to a name tag...heck you can just make the driver just do it themselves and just hand them a blank tag....
well looking forward to next years gathering...
will keep checking this area

 

The only way I'd be willing to pay $40 is if a US 41 dragstrip rental was included the next day, or the same day. $40 for a day with other thirdgen owners is far too much money. I'd sooner call up the Local NW crew and setup a small gathering for the people I KNOW will show up.

I'd be willing to fork out up to $15 as a registration fee to help cover the cost of food. I have had a great time at both the 2nd and 3rd gatherings.

 

Denny,

You know I'm one of your biggest fans, but I feel dissention in the ranks on the raffle thing.

I'm going to share my thoughts on the admission price:

I, personally, having a decent income, don't really care what you charge, I'll be there regardless.

However, some of our younger members, or those not making a ton of money might not go because of the price of the combined party/raffle tickets. Some guys are concerned about the gas money to get there...

I think the raffle is a great idea, I'd probably buy more than one ticket if you sold them separately. But I think maybe the raffle should be separate.

Maybe separate the raffle and the party tickets as fun and business. The party as a meet for third gen guys with the tickets deferring the cots of food/drinks, and the raffle to bring attention to all the cool parts and cars you have for sale. I doubt very many of us will leave the 'Ranch' without buying something, especially if you can find a way to display parts and goodies.

As I said, I'll be there either way, but we want to get as many guys there as possible. Maybe a few of us could even pre-buy some raffle tickets to offset the cost for those you really can't afford it?

Tell me what you think...

 

Do we have anything lined out yet???? I might make this again..I had fun

 

I guess I need to go to thirdgenranch.com and check out the latest news. I now have a full time job (I had always been a consultant, and could set my own hours). I hope I can get the time off, it would be a really fun trip.

Any else going?

 

count me in. I went last year and it was my first year. It was pretty cool to compare mods and such. may seems like a ways off but it will be here before ya know it

 

Depending on where I am at the time (may have to move out east) I plan on attending. Not sure what kind of shape the Camaro will be in or if it will be there, but I sure will

 

Count me in...

I was living on Long Island up until Sept. 04, now I'm in the Albany Area... If anyone from LI or Albany wants to cruise with me, let me know, I can meet up with you at a rest stop on I-80 in Pennsylvania...

I'll go if the car runs or not, I have a single car open trailer with a winch, and its gonna be towed either way, so let me know.

Is it okay if I bring a motorhome? I just want to make sure I have room to park it, its a 29 footer, C-class (extended van chassis). I planned on towning my car with the winnebago and sleeping in there overnight.

Around when is this going to occur?

Also if you need any help setting it up, let me know, I will be glad to help. I'm a die-hard 3rd gen fan and I can't wait to go!!!

 

Due to a new job, I don't have much time - I might be able to fly out for a day or two. I really want to make the drive, but I don't think I will have the time, which is too bad, because I would love to have my car there.

I now longer have the time or the 'decent income' that I had last year when I said I would drive out.

What the consensus here - how many people are going?
How many are planning to fly in?

Just wondering.

 

when is this happening and is there and set price?? plus if i decided to go anyone from Wi wanna drive down with me??

 

Denny will post info soon, don't worry

And once theres more people intereted in caravaning, I can put up stickies for caravans coming from different directions

 

Are people from NY allowed to attend this event too? I know I don't currently own a 3rd gen F-body, but I know that will change in the very near future. I have several prospective F-Bodies lined up, I just have to decide which I want, an IROC or a GTA.

Brian

 

Everyone is invited no matter where you live

 

OK, Cool. Right now I am really searching hard for a decent F-Body. I have found a few viable candidates but I really need to sell my Monte SS's before I can invest in another car.

Brian