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So, as some of you are aware, I started making some efforts to organize a Shopsmith user event at the Dayton, OH factory location to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the release of the original Model 10-E SHOPSMITH last fall. For a variety of reasons, I was unable to bring this to completion. However, I’ve recently restarted this effort in collaboration with the Folkerth family (owners of Shopsmith, Inc.), and with sufficient progress being made in the planning, I need some input from the community to gauge interest.
So, here are the details:
Date: Friday/Saturday, October 6-7, 2023
Location: Dayton, OH
Activities: the Folkerths have offered to host the attendees in a number of smaller groups at the factory for a combination of factory tour, [new?] product demonstrations, and panel discussion. These sessions are at no cost to attendees, but you’ll likely have opportunities to purchase Shopsmith- branded merchandise and/or products while onsite.
Other activities: depending upon attendees’ willingness to pay for additional activities, we could also organize:
- A cocktail reception on Friday evening (cash bar, and possible contribution to appetizer selection)
- Outing on Saturday (National Museum of the Air Force - https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/- is a great option with no cost [small donations appreciated])
- Closing banquet on Saturday night (still working on potential cost for this; obviously dependent on level of interest)
Accommodations: the Shopsmith, Inc. team is working on group rates a local hotel. Details TBD.
What I need at this point is to gauge interest, so please comment whether you’re interested in participating so I can start to get an idea of headcount. There is a practical limit to the number of participants based on the capacity of the factory events, but I believe that will be within the scope of those who are willing to commit the time and expense to take part.
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