Saturday Already?

Where does the time go? I can't believe we are only a day and half away from the end of this convention. It has been a busy few days and what with classes and events, time just flies by.

Design Show and Show and Share were well attended. Maggie Bunch put on a beautiful display for both areas and the centre piece was the Best in Show, a beautiful dress made by Eunice Hayes of Ohio, which she called 'Belle'. Eunice kindly modeled the dress on Thursday evening as she is not able to be at banquet tonight. Many other items had ribbons and congratulations to all who entered. The Show and Share was fun to see as members shared their completed projects with the attendees. There were lots of lovely items from baby gowns, to doll dresses and everything in between. Show and Share is a great way to inspire everyone and the white glove ladies did a good job showing the items to all who wanted a closer look.

Wednesday also saw the Teacher Showcase where members could see the SAGA approved classes offered by the teachers in person. It was also possible to talk to them about how to invite them to teach at a local chapter. Many members went away with business cards, class lists and the idea to host their own seminar or workshop soon (don't forget to apply for a SAGA grant!).

Friday was a half day and a more relaxed feel to the classes as members prepared themselves to attend a Round Table or Focus Group during lunch before resting a little and attending the event of the day-Market. As usual the crowd grew outside the doors to Market and once they opened everyone rushed in to be the first at their favourite booth. Lines soon formed to pay for the goodies and I know several people who made more than one trip back to their rooms with things and then went back to shop some more! It is so nice to be able to see fabric and lace in person and also get to buy those hard-to-find items, plus maybe a special treat for yourself, like a set of Dovo scissors or a silver charm. I don't think anyone left Market without at least one purchase. Thanks to Kate Westlake, Business chair for setting up another great shopping opportunity!

Hospitality has been busy selling raffle tickets as baskets have been arriving daily and even if you have placed all your tickets, there are always more baskets that you decided you need to win, so you have to buy more tickets. Raffle basket money goes to a good cause-it is used for the SAGA grants to chapters hosting workshops. Tonight at Banquet will see everyone listening for their name to be called at least once if not twice and maybe even more times. The cheers and shouts are always fun to hear.

Today we had a buffet continental breakfast as an anniversary treat. It meant getting up a little earlier, but it was well attended. Tomorrow is an early start to classes-always hard after the excitement of Banquet the night before. It will also be hard as we will have to start saying goodbye to our friends old and new. Still, it will soon be time to plan for the next great Convention in Norfolk, Virginia in 2010.