O.K.
First thing is anyone who thinks they want to go please copy this e-mail address:
drilldr@earthlink.net
In the event that the boards go down again, everyopne will have a way to contact me. IF you send me an e-mail please put Aquaria central in the subject line. I am possitively brutal with any e-mail I don't recognize the source of. In other words if you don't put AC in the subject line you will probably be deleted without being read and most likely be reported as spam so I won't get any more e-mails from that address.
On to the good stuff:
After several months of phone tag, Things are confirmed. We will have a large shelterhouse complete with large charcoal grill from 10:30-12:30, The behind the scenes tour of the aquarium will run from 1:30- 3:30. As far as the tour I set it up for 40-60 people, I'd like those who are absolutely sure they will be there to give me their names via e-mail. I will keep a running list in the event we get more than 60 people who want to attend the tour, I can make arrangements. Or worst case scenario I'll know who committed first, so I can be fair in leaving anyone out. The Zoo seems quite easy to work with (As well they should be for the price of a shelterhouse and tour) So if we have a high turnout, and I get numbers in advance, I'm sure we can make arrangements.
Standard ticket prices are $10 adult, $6.00 children, and $8.00 For folks RTR's age
I can get group rate discount tickets which knocks $2 off the price, Folks will have to let me know how many people are interested, I need 7 weeks notice to order the group rate tickets. I can be at the Zoo pretty early to pass them out or I can mail them to folks. Either way I'll keep a headcount and order tickets at the 7 week mark. This will give me time to get them and mail if necessary. They will not bill me for the tickets until they are redeemed but did caution me against ordering too many extra's as they do have some surcharges to prevent abuse. So if you are more than 85% sure and want to save $2 a head let me know. If I meet folks at the gate, I'll collect for tickets at that time. If I mail them we'll work out something acceptable to both parties.
I would dearly love to get AC t-shirts done up for this, but Would ASk for a volunteer to make that happen if anyone else thinks it's a fun idea. We would of course need Michael's Blessing on t-shirts. IF t-shirts don't work out we could all wear purple strings (In addition to normal clothing) I guess.
I will work out details on lunch, but I'm thinking simple like Burgers, Dogs and Brats. Veggie trays, fruit, and chips. Everyone can supply their own beverages . As far as beverages, when deciding what to bring, Please remember that Alchohol is not permitted in the zoo, I do not know for sure about the shelterhouse (Check the zoo website) and lastly this is a family event, so please use some discretion on the subject of beverages.
Any thoughts or ideas on lunch please let me know, and anyone willing to volunteer to help let me know. IF we have enough folks I could still cook a pig, but there is a lot of work that goes into that so we'll see what kind of numbers we get confirmation on. As far as funding, I have committments enough that I know we can cover cost (Two memebers committed to $250 each if needed), but We (JHJ) has volunteered to work on some local fundraising to help.
TornAngel is in charge of picking a spot (Bar/ Night club) for an evening get together. You do not need to be a drinker to socialize at the bar in the evening.
Anyone who needs information on local churches, hotels, travel info, or anything else please either contact the travel agent I linked earlier in the thread, or e-mail me, I'll help as much as possible. For anyone who wants to camp, Delaware state park or Alum Creek State park are probably the best bet, they are both less than 30 minutes from the Zoo. Information can be found at the Ohio Department of natural resources website. Ohio does allow you to reserve campsites in advance, and both Delawar and Alum Creek are excellent campgrounds.
If anyone is curious, the cost of tour and shelterhouse comes to $500 with a $200 non-refundable deposit due next week. Lunch costs will depend on how many people show up, but could add a good amount to the total as well. I am not asking for donations because I do not wish to conflict with the donations needed to run this sight, but if you have ideas for fund raising please e-mail me ar PM JHJ here on the boards. This is not a request for money , just a notice to let folks know what is involved in this get together.
Dave