I have been to both Dixon's, and to Friendship many times in the past 40 years, and I commend both sites to MLers. Friendship has something for everyone.
Nothing is as " Good as the old days". Memories are always better than current experiences. We constantly see a change in dealers on Commercial Row, simply because of death( too many), illness, and retirements. Businesses are bought and sold. Some businesses just close. Not all businesses find that parking at Friendship is the best investment of their time, but that is often based on the competitive market place at Friendship, and knowledge that some event closer to home has less competition, so sales will be better, even if its in a smaller venue.
I was at Dixon's in 2003. It was terrific, but Darn HOT! I have to be careful about heat stroke. That is the only deterrent from going to Dixon's annually. The people there are terrific. I even met the man who rehabbed an original powder horn for me there, all the way from Bloomington, Illinois! I think he was as surprised to see me as I was to see him. The seminars at Dixon's are outstanding, as are the exhibits.
I am told that this situation has gradually improved over the years as the reputation of the event has spread, and more an more gunbuilders have put it on their calendars. This may be a case where " the good ole days " are here, NOW, and people should try to enjoy them while they exist. Again, time changes everything and change is inevitable. When an event is at its best, change often will mean that it loses some of it bright notes. Then you will hear people talking about those " good ole days " in the past tense. :hmm:
I encourage all Mlers to attend as many of these type of events as they can. Jethro has noted that the Midwest Rendezvous is taking place this July at Rockhome Gardens, near Arcola, Illinois.
Rockhome Gardens began inviting local gun clubs to put on demonstrations several years ago, and the management has used the experience as a training aid, to learn how to host even bigger events. They have asked questions of the MLers who have attended, and who have hosted their own Rendezvous, or helped with the larger such events around the country.
Rockhome gardens is located in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, so visitors are already " dropping back in time " do to the plain ways of the Amish. The Amish own most if not all the farms along the roads leading to Rockhome gardens, and they supply many of the workers there. There is a restaurant on the grounds, as well as a " rock " shop, ( lapidary arts), as well as a souvenire shop. I am sure that other temporary vendors will be present for the rendezvous. Participants will be camped away from the formal gardens, but the shooting takes place within a short walk of the other attractions. For those who live in the Midwest, this will be a nice short event to attend.
