I've been gathering a bit of info today, and have been exchanging messages with Balthezar. We decided it would be best to post our info here, so the following is a summary of our discussion.
Andretti's certainly sounds like a FUN place and
vaping IS ALLOWED, but it won't be as easy as simply gathering a group to meet, greet and share info.
I spoke with Shannon (Special Events) and described that we're interested in coming together as a group, to meet, eat and share 'play time' in their location. She suggests:
- We need to reserve a room with 50% deposit in advance, and fee depends on how many hours we want it for.
- With a guaranteed minimum of 15 to 20 people, we can get the SUPER SAVER'S GROUP TICKETS for $24.99 each (includes 1 Adult Race, and ONE GAME CARD for ONE HOUR). Including tax and service fees, each ticket will run about $32.00.
- With a guaranteed minimum, a buffet can be provided for ONE HOUR, at an additional cost of about $9.50 to $15.00 per person (not including tax and 20% gratuity), with 50% paid in advance, and ONE BILL presented at check out.
I tend to think significant expenses upfront (paid in advance by each participant) will reduce the number of folks who will participate in such a gathering. Plus, if we have vendors present, I would hope to have extra funds available to try some of their stuff, too.
How about this:
For a BIG GROUP of 30+ folks, I'm going to suggest a Saturday or Sunday AFTERNOON (reason for afternoon will be explained below), in a friendly, informal
vape friendly tavern (bar & grill) where we can gather, meet and order whatever we want, when we want, and even have the option to hangout and yak for as long as we want...plus get to know the local vendors and see/sample their wares.
Although it's nice to have other options for entertainment, it's not required for a BIG group; especially for folks traveling a long distance. I don't know about the rest of you, but MY main desire is to get some 'face time' with our Forum friends.
If we were to meet in the AFTERNOON (say 1:00pm to 5:00pm? at Sidelines or Manuel's), there would still be time for interested folks to plan an informal side-trip to Andretti's for the 'evening' - or even to a bowling alley (or BOTH). This would give everyone an opportunity to participate with minimum expense, meet the local vendors, plus give an opportunity for those who want to continue later into the evening, to break into smaller groups of more specialized interests. (I've never been, but I would be willing to continue @ Andretti's, if anyone would join me...don't want to go by myself!
)
WHAT DO
YOU THINK???
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In other news...
Balthezar suggested that since I'm going to be in the Marietta area this coming Sunday afternoon (December 11th), maybe some folks will want to meet at 'Sidelines' and see if we can brainstorm ideas and locations for the 'BIG
vape'.
ANYBODY interested in meeting me @
'Sidelines Sports Bar' in Marietta about 1:30PM, this coming Sunday?? (No reservations...just informally meet at the door and get a table...or a LONG table.)
In case you're wondering- nope, I don't know what I'm doing...other than trying to set up an opportunity to meet some vapers.
Always open to a better idea!!
)
