2005 Convention Wrap
by Catherine Ohl

Some have said that the 73rd Far West Convention was the BEST ever. I am inclined to agree but then I may be just a bit biased. But that's exactly what the great LA Council convention team set out to do- to make sure this convention would not soon be forgotten. With close to 300 registered delegates and hundreds more as guests, this convention is one for the record books.

As usual, the fun began Thursday night at the Pub Crawl with Britt & Dolly Johnson [South Bay] leading about 120 happy revelers crawling up and down Pine avenue while enjoying tasty foods and mighty fine drinks at four great bars.

Friday brought some very special optional events to the convention as we took full advantage of our unique surroundings. The golfers gatherered at 6:30 AM in the lobby to head over to Recreation Park for a round of 18.

Barbara Kedwards [Auslich] led more than 60 people in the kayaking armada with help from Karyn & Marty Purmot [Wailers], Donna & Chile Holtz [Auslich], Susie Yarian [Auslich], and Joanne Seebach [Balboa].

Mary Albritton [Tri Valley] took more than 40 others to the Queen Mary for the “Historic” and “Ghost” Tours. The Ghost Tour guide definitely gave an academy award winning performance! Would you believe, one lady in our group had sailed the Queen years ago and still remembered her room number!?! [We did notice that some of our group had trouble remembering their room number at the Westin.] After touring, everyone enjoyed a fabulous lunch on board in the Promenade.

Melanie Dietz [Auslich] took about 20 people for a private guided tour of the Aquarium of the Pacific ending at Bubba Gumps for a delicious lunch.

The convention officially kicked off Friday night with the annual Silent Auction and, as always, there were many amazing deals to be had on trips and other items. Once again Jane Wyckoff [Single] and Barbara Razo did another great job. Our advertising paid off as there were more than 300 walk-ins in addition to our delegates. This explains why LA once again set a new record for sales revenue.

Our thanks to Grady Smith [and his wife Shelly] for serving as auctioneer on his wedding anniversary. What a night! The “Welcome Party” was sponsored by Big Mountain and Grouse Mountain Lodge and the fine ale was donated by Firestone Walker Brewery Company.

As part of the 75 year celebration of our snowsport history, museums, resorts, organizations, Far West, clubs, and councils had amazing displays of ski history. Unfortunately, one would need a week to read everything that was so carefully researched and recorded. It was quite a kick to see so many of our friends, old and new, then and now, in the photos recalling our glorious past.