THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

 

“Every year when summer comes around,
They stretch a banner 'cross the main street in town.

You can feel something's happenin' in the air
Getting ready, for the county fair!

“County fair, county fair,
Everybody in town'll be there --
So come on, hey we're goin' down there. . .”

 

I don’t know about you, but lately, I just can’t seem to get those Bruce Springsteen lyrics out of my mind.  Not since we announced the “County Fair” theme for this August’s 16th annual CAS Collectors Convention, “An All-American CAS Celebration”!  I hope you’ll make plans now to join us in Madison on August 28th, for another nostalgic and fun-filled tribute to Betty Harrington, Reuben Sand, and all the folks at Ceramic Arts Studio.

 

Once again, your Board is working overtime to develop an exciting Convention.  I don’t want to give away all of the surprises, but you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped onto the grounds of your most memorable County Fair.  “Blue Ribbons”, “The Mighty Midway”, and “Finger-Lickin’ Fair Food” are just a few words that come to mind to in describing the atmosphere you’ll experience at the Howard Johnson Plaza!  All the fun of a County Fair without the heat, the dust, (or the hog barn!) 

 

Why not make your 2010 Convention reservation right now?  A Convention registration form is included with this newsletter, so there’s no time like the present to register!  Remember, your registration fee (still just $60) includes all our Convention-evening activities and a delicious buffet dinner, plus our super-secret 2010 Commemorative. And here’s an added incentive: by popular demand, we’re bringing back the “Earliest Earlybird Contest”.  All paid Convention registrations received by May 31st will go into a drawing for a fantastic CAS-related prize!  You could be the lucky winner – but you have to be an “Earlybird” to win, so send in that registration today.  (If you have friends who might also be interested in attending, let them know that registration forms are available on our club website, www.cascollectors.com)

 

And, don’t forget our annual “On Display Contest”.  If you haven’t entered in the past, definitely make this the year to do it!  So many CAS figurines lend themselves perfectly to our “County Fair” theme, which should lead to many creative displays. A list of this year’s “On Display” categories will be announced in our next newsletter, so plan on getting creative, and having a good time, too. You might even walk away with your very own blue ribbon! (As a special 2010 “bonus”, all those who have at least one entry in the contest will also be entered in a drawing for a special CAS prize!)

 

Now’s the time too, to plan on getting in on the “auction action”. Start thinking of items you’d like to include in our annual Club Auction at the Convention, once again called by professional auctioneer Shirley Baumann. It’s a great way to help support your club – and pick up some extra cash for your own Madison purchases!

 

Before closing, I’d also like to ask each of you to take a moment to check the renewal date on this newsletter’s mailing label.  If your membership has expired, please renew today.  Remember, we depend on your memberships to help sustain our organization, this wonderful and informative newsletter, and our Convention  So, if it’s time to renew, just fill out the enclosed handy renewal form, and send it in at your earliest convenience. Your CAS Board and fellow members thank you!

 

Well, that’s it for this time around!  Hopefully, February Valentines helped warm your heart this month, even if Mother Nature wasn’t providing much in the way of warmth!  Better yet, thinking about our good old-fashioned “County Fair” this August should give you a glow that will carry you through until spring!  I look forward to seeing each and every CAS Collector in Madison, for the “All-American CAS Celebration”!

 

Hank Kuhlmann         

President