I just want to post a hearty *THANKS* to all the volunteers who worked so long and hard to bring the Int. Mead Festival to its very successful showing this year. The efforts that all (both here and all around the country) who put this massive effort on every year are greatly appreciated, and I just want to extend my gratitude.
For all who may not be familiar, the IMA is staffed *entirely* by volunteers, who leave their jobs and families to come to run this thing. Many come in months in advance to do setup and coordination. Dozens of people in and around Boulder work 2 and 3 jobs to make sure all gets done.
All the speakers are volunteers, and many bring their own props (like Ken Schramm, who donated several bottles of wine for tasting at his seminar this year).
Because of the dedication of the people in our industry, we can bring in 'big names' like Ken (we're not worthy .....and you can stop rolling your eyes now, Ken), and people like White Labs, Makana Meadery and Intermiel Meadery. The talks this year were phenomenal, and much was learned.
The volunteers stuffed envelopes, hauled dozens of boxes all over everywhere, and made sure everyone had a place to set up and show their wares for us to drink. They made calls, got sponsors and talked to hundreds of people with questions.
A big thanks to David Myers of Redstone Meadery, who funds the effort every year up front, and hopes we break even (we haven't yet, btw, but we're getting there).
Also, claps and kudos to the GM-IMA Hobby Committee volunteers, who defied all odds, managed to juggle together the IMA Home-Meadmaking Competition in record time, and who worked hard to make it all happen. We did it, folks! You guys did us proud, and I'm honored to call you friends.
There are too many people to thank them all individually, you know who you are.
Vicky - who will end this year's efforts with stuffing envelopes with results and medals tomorrow, then start on the '97 Festival prep
For all who may not be familiar, the IMA is staffed *entirely* by volunteers, who leave their jobs and families to come to run this thing. Many come in months in advance to do setup and coordination. Dozens of people in and around Boulder work 2 and 3 jobs to make sure all gets done.
All the speakers are volunteers, and many bring their own props (like Ken Schramm, who donated several bottles of wine for tasting at his seminar this year).
Because of the dedication of the people in our industry, we can bring in 'big names' like Ken (we're not worthy .....and you can stop rolling your eyes now, Ken), and people like White Labs, Makana Meadery and Intermiel Meadery. The talks this year were phenomenal, and much was learned.
The volunteers stuffed envelopes, hauled dozens of boxes all over everywhere, and made sure everyone had a place to set up and show their wares for us to drink. They made calls, got sponsors and talked to hundreds of people with questions.
A big thanks to David Myers of Redstone Meadery, who funds the effort every year up front, and hopes we break even (we haven't yet, btw, but we're getting there).
Also, claps and kudos to the GM-IMA Hobby Committee volunteers, who defied all odds, managed to juggle together the IMA Home-Meadmaking Competition in record time, and who worked hard to make it all happen. We did it, folks! You guys did us proud, and I'm honored to call you friends.
There are too many people to thank them all individually, you know who you are.
Vicky - who will end this year's efforts with stuffing envelopes with results and medals tomorrow, then start on the '97 Festival prep
