Scottie Collectors Convention 2013 ~ 30th Anniversary
Memories Friendships and Dreams
June 12-15, 2013
Held at the Doubletree by Hilton Cincinnati Airport(our first year at this location)
Paw Prints Pet Photography Fort Wayne, Indiana Pet Photographer
Serving Fort Wayne, Indiana and Northeast Indiana
To view the entire album and order prints please click on the link below and use the passcode: scottie2013
What a whirlwind… it always take me several months to get all these images ready for your viewing pleasure. Between playing catch-up once I return home(voicemails and emails), to continuing working with my local clients on their sessions. Plus, this 4 day event produces so many images to cull! Thank you for your patience!
This event is one of my favorite annual events – it is ALL things Scottie and it is pure bliss! If you have a Scottish Terrier or love collecting scottie collectables this is an event you don’t want to miss! This is Joel’s and my 4th year attending and has been the best year yet! Now that we have attended a few years we have really gotten to know some really great scottie people! This event is most fun because my folks(this was their 5th year) and The Boys, Duncan and Dylan come too! This is not just an event for “locals”; people travel from all over!
My understanding is that this club started their focus on Scottish Terrier “collectables” and antiques, but over the years have shifted their focus to include the furry, four-legged “live” Scotties in our homes. They of course still have a large focus on the collectable side – although I do enjoy the collection aspect, I much more enjoy the real live Scottie connection that this group has. The awesome part of this convention is that it is always held at a pet-friendly hotel and it is much encouraged that you bring your Scottie Dog to this event! Some people do not bring their fur-baby and others not only bring their boxy scottie, but bring their other fur-babies as well – mixed and other breeds welcome, we don’t discriminate 🙂 If you know anything about this breed you know that a typical Scottie temperament is not like a Golden Retrievers’…. that being said, responsible dog ownership does come into play – for as many scotties that roam(leashed of course) the grassy area to potty and during the parade(yes, there is a parade with a bagpiper – keep reading!) everyone really does get along well. Like any breed, there is a wide variation of temperament.
Every year there is a theme, this year was particularly special because this collectors club celebrated 30 years!
Since this was the 30th Anniversary I will give you a brief history. Each year we receive a directory of attendees, including a small head-shot, contact information and a few words about that person. The following historic information about this club is from this years directory. Also, in this years’ directory, Donna(learn more about her below) listed some fun facts about previous conventions, including: past convention themes and attendees.
In August of 1983 Donna and Jim Newton of Columbus, Indiana began organizing collectors of Scottie Memorabilia, soon to be named “Wee Scots”. Their first gathering was in 1985. Several years later “Wee Scots” was passed down to and headed up by David and Sydney Bohnlein and the proud tradition continued. “Wee Scots” continued until the passing of David Bohnlein after the convention of 2005 held in Cincinnati, Ohio. Knowing of the continued interest in collection of Scottie Memorabilia, a group of friends, living in the Cincinnati area, decided to continue the annual convention fellowship – now known as “The Cincinnati Scotty Friends”. We are all deeply grateful for the “Wee Scots” founders Donna and Jim Newton, followed by Sydney and David Bohnlein! This 2013 Collectors Convention was Dedicated to and in Memoriam of the late James Newton.
Currently the convention is lead by a wonderful team! Big THANKS to Gary and Peggy Moore, Vivian Graff, Julie and Bill Harrison, Margie and Van Jones, David Pike, Kathy and Marty Rose, and Pat Stevens! Every year you out-do yourselves and each year is sweeter and sweeter! Aarroooo
As you can imagine, this four day event is filled with so many fun things to participate in, including seminars on specific scottie collectables, games and the collectables display! There is of course some down-time throughout, not all meals are included with your registration so there is opportunity to get out from the hotel and have a meal or do some shopping(we like to hit a Home Goods, they have scottie stuff and Fort Wayne has no Home Goods – boo). This first evening starts with a 30 minute meeting for “newbies” – this gives those first-timers a chance to meet with a “mentor” or “oldie” to be informed about what to expect the next 3 days during this convention. Afterwards we all gather and receive our “packets”, which include our directory, information about local dining and local vets(we always pray that no one needs an emergency vet visit!), our badges and more general information and guidelines – for example – you are your own poo crew for your dog 😉 hence the scottie poo bags for sale!
Of course a gathering would not be complete with dinner reception to re-connect with those who we have not chatted with since last years’ convention
Then it begins… Room Hopping! Some of the best and most unique finds are made here. Anyone can, that evening, open their hotel room and have “a garage sale” of scottie items. Betsy Stevens, shown below, is obviously an expert – she has a rolling bag to carry all her purchased goodies and also keeps a handsome guy around to pay for these items 😉 It seemed this year there were less people selling at room hopping. I hope next year has an increase in participation because I too am always looking for that unique find! I love being greeted by these fur-balls during room hopping and they love the attention!
Loved seeing this little white fur-ball helping his/her momma, the hotel manager, run the hotel!
The next morning is such a treat! “Scotties on Parade” with a bagpiper! This is scotties doing what they do best; strutin’ their stuff! It is an amazing sight to see all these scotties walking around the grounds of the hotel following “their music” played by the bagpiper. Our Scotties, Duncan and Dylan, definitely remember the sound of the bagpipes! Throughout the year if they hear bagpipe music on TV they go crazy “aaroo-ing” and “singing” – it is too funny!
If you or your dog own a kilt, now is the time to pull it out and wear it with Scottish Pride!
Even as a professional pet photographer, it is hard to get this many people to look at the camera at the same time – I am convinced that getting all the dogs’ attention would be easier – LOL!
My folks get “Great Scots” Magazine publication – there is a section of the magazine where they have photos of people with their magazine all over the world! So we definitely thought is would be appropriate for the magazine to be at the scottie convention, and a photo with the bagpiper was a must! This photo was submitted and was published in the magazine!
As always, Gary and Peggy rocked their kilts!
Next is the “Opening” and Show and Tell. We are once again serenade with “You’re a Grand Old Flag” on the bagpipes. We also had “show and tell”: some very interesting scottie collectables and stories. Also, Kathy and Marty(Vanna White) Rose live in vicinity of the hotel, so they know the best of the best and are always full of great information about the best place to eat and get ice cream!
Donna Newton also took the stage and had the attention of all of us!
Through the years my wardrobe has collected many scottie themed items, some of them are so crazy that they are really only acceptable to wear at this “all things scottie” convention. Therefore, I bring all the scottie clothes I own(which is more than 4 days worth). This year mom and I had a new fashion to wear! We “made” these shoes! Inspired by something we found online, we created our own version by embellishing these shoes(I will have to take a better “detail photograph” of the shoes for you to appreciate them) – they turned out awesome! I LOVE them! Mom and I wore our coordinating shirts, matching shoes and ankle glitter-tattoos for the evening Auction!
The auction is another highlight of the event. There are usually several scottie items that I have never seen in my life and may never see again. The auction items sell at a range of prices from low to very high. We usually bid on several items and go home with a few goodies to add to our collection 🙂
The next morning is the Extravaganza Sale! Another great opportunity to purchase some great scottie goodies! After eating breakfast together, the crowd gathers at the door to the reception room ready to beat it down to get in! We are all well fed and ready to spend some money on the rows and rows filled with scottie collectables!
Friday evening is full of games; the famous “Scottie B.I.N.G.O.” lead by King and Queen Harrison! King Bill gets really creative with the variations! Not only is it fun fellowship, but there are prizes! Some better than others – scottie items get donated and used as prizes. This year was the jackpot for me – I was very happy with my winnings!
BINGO!!!!!
Now let me introduce you to the famous “Rowdy Girls”. They have made a name for themselves at this event and they keep this crowd upbeat and do some things that are quite rowdy! One of the perks to being a photographer is I have the opportunity to capture and document their rowdiness – no blackmail has had to be used yet 😉
Their “ringleader”, Linda, is actually a hoot and this group of ladies brings life to this event!
Saturday morning is the impressive “Collectable Display”, each year everyone has the option to bring some of their collectables to show off. Everyone always has a very creative way to display their items. It is a big commitment to participate in this and we appreciate all of those who do set-up a collectable display for all us to enjoy!This was probably my most favorite display this year! “Scotties Light Up Our Life” by Janet and Pete Petrakis displaying and lamps and lights of all kinds! It is always fun to talk with other collectors to find out if they collect anything and everything Scottie or if they focus on a certain kind of collectable/antique – like only scottie papers, scottie tins, scottie pins…
And of course, the Rowdy Girls have to make a statement with their very cute and thoughtful display of Scottie Umbrellas and scottie rain themed items! “Rowdies in the Rain!
Linda, the ringleader of the Rowdy Girls, had her eye on Joel since the start of this year’s convention – she is in charge of the “Fashion Show”(more on that later) and was trying to recruit him to participate. (my man is so darn handsome!)
Some other highlights from this convention included a “photo booth” by Maggie, Mary, and Katy! These are hand-painted backdrops! Everyone loved this!
Family Feud was also very popular this year lead by Krazy Kevin!
The last night of the convention is bittersweet, the Banquet is always such a classy ending to the event. Dinner was delicious, the fashion show just a hoot and the commemorative piece is always greatly anticipated! Everyone is always dressed to impress – this is the time to pull out that sterling silver scottie jewelry!
In honor of the 30th Anniversary, we were all surprised with a lighted Scottie Dog Ice Sculpture! It was ah-mazing! It was the “candlelight” that glowed throughout dinner. We once again were serenaded with the bagpipes to end our convention time together.
We of course are so very thankful for the wonderful hospitality of the hotel and their staff for allowing us to have our convention at their hotel!
Each year the banquet tables have a unique Scottie inspired centerpiece, and each member of the table has the opportunity to “bid” on that centerpiece to see who gets to take it home. All that money goes to Scottie rescue. Most everyone at each table donates some money to go to scottie rescue – I just LOVE that! The centerpieces are different each year and coordinate with that year’s theme. They are created and crafted by the Scotty Friends team of volunteers! I always look forward to seeing what creation they have come up with!
After dinner there is always a “Fashion Show” by the Rowdy Girls’ ringleader Linda. The intent is to get the newbies to participate to “break them in” but anyone can and does participate! Kids of all ages participated this year; show-stopper Kevin sported his wife’s P.J.’s(I am unable to post most of those images – LOL).
The Banquet night ends with the revealing of the Scottie Commemorative, a much anticipated reveal. Each year, each registrant receives a very special and unique commemorative item. Once again, they did not disappoint.
They commissioned the Rookwood Pottery Company to create these Scottie Dog pieces for us. They will start selling these pieces but they will not ever be offered in these colors(unfortunately, I don’t remember the official names of the colors – if you do, let me know! but the boys got the “blueberry” and the girls received the “raspberry” colored version)! How cool is that!
Scottish Terrier #30
The night closed by recognizing some very important people!
BIG THANKS to all those who made this event possible!
I can’t want to come back next year to see new and old Scottie Friends!
Turn your speakers on and hit play! 😉 It’s a long one… but so worth it!
*this video slideshow is viewable online as low quality, but if purchased for personal TV/Computer viewing it will be high quality(HD available upon request), contact us for DVD purchase information
To view the entire album and order prints please click on the link below and log in using the passcode: scottie2013
