My memories and thanks- NJ Epic Mini 2011

[Tim P]

My impressions of the NJ Epic Mini are, as usual, FANTASTIC! I know a lot of exaggerating and joking takes place on some posts, however I am stating my observation. First off, I would like to thank Andy and his family for allowing us to have this affair/mini/gala/blowout/riot/ball/frenzy/ bash/social at his home (any description would work). Also, all of the individuals who were involved with the planning, set up, and execution of this hoopla. Here are some names that come to mind, Andy, Chuck, Dano, Ken and I’m sure there were more that I am unaware of. The point of me writing this is to share and kinda paint a picture for the rest of the holiday lighting enthusiasts, reflect on an awesome time and to “give thanks” to all who attended.

Two hotel lobbies, one house with 117 acres of land and a beautiful pool for the festivities made for a refreshing and convenient 3 day stay. I think many enjoyed the fact that there was a breakfast served, a lunch AND a dinner. Oh did I mention some adult beverages also provided. NICE work!

There are just too many things and people to remember but I’ll name a few stand out people and moments. Everyone practicing there heckling and comedy skills, all the demos that were given by VERY TALENTED individuals from around the US, the plentiful and generous door prizes, the sequencing contest, the night time lighting demos with some amazing and advanced products, the red cup socials in the hotel lobbies, and so much more.

I would like to give a special thanks to all the warriors who traveled from the farthest points of the US to be with us. We had people driving and flying in from all parts of the country. We had attendees from DE, MD, NY, PA, Ma, OH, VA, and more. There were some who took the time out of their schedules/lives to be with us and at their own expense for over 3 days : John B from Tennessee, Carrie, William, Chuck down in FL, and the extreme travelers were, Jim from Washington state, Annalisa from Texas and Michelle flying all the way in from Cali by herself, and it is her first mini. That takes guts. Oh, and lots of money. These are some extremely talented and passionate people, I thank you.


We must not forget about the 3 sequence contest winners: Reg intruding the scene and strong-arming 1st place, while George takes 2nd place in the advanced category. Then of coarse, we have Michelle stealing 1st place with ease in the beginner category. Congrats to Michelle taking home (2) 16 channels LOR controllers, door prize and the earned sequence contest winner. What else could you ask for, a humble and talented newbie with their newly acquired controllers.

I still have the vision embedded in my head of all the people walking and sitting down, just looking at their phones and laptops with such intensity. One might think they were reading something of great importance, and for each individual it may have been. My bet would be that most of us were looking at a holiday lighting forum, a post of some sort, looking at pictures, videos or simply just texting someone.

I enjoyed some of our obstacles too. We were among some of what appears to be electrical geniuses and engineers, yet somehow we found ourselves trying to run a contest while continually fighting a tripping breaker and hooking up cp speakers. Lol . We had sweaty kids running around making noise, A threatening thunderstorm every 20 mins, and cats on the loose. Thank gosh for Animal Control, the cats were cornered and returned. Thanks to Michelle for stepping up and going to war in order to retrieve the cats. Although Michelle morphed into a contortionist and slid in between the back steps, she returned to normal with 2 cats and only a scratch on chest. One obstacle I didn’t enjoy- Sorry Andy and Chuck, wasn’t into skinny dipping with you guys, but hope you guys had a grand time. Kidding!

I saved one of the best laughs for last…….. S3 and the “Auto Sequencer”. This was (in my opinion) a very funny joke and brought about 38 hours of laughter to many of us and counting. It is true that MOST had a chuckle or two or 3 or 4, but some did not. I will apologize to anyone who did not find it funny or true. Ok back to laughing!! LMAO

It was a pleasure to meet some new people and reunite with some old friends. Andy, Chuck N, Frank Tim, Dano, Jeff Millard, Ken, Michelle, William, Annalisa, John B, George S, Ed P, Carrie, Roy Chuck H, Dan, Jim W, Steve and his rifle case, Mr Young, Reg and wife, Tom S from Virginia (hope ur feeling better), The cake maker female and husband (sorry, drawing a blank), BIG THANKS!! Treats were great, Little Ben and Dad from New England, and so many more. Please keep in mind the above names are from memory only, so if I missed anyone, I’m sorry.
I have been very busy since I return from the mini, and I’m sure I’ll think of more stuff later. I really rushed through this, but I think you get the idea. I enjoyed myself and thank all of you. So, feel free to write your reflections and memories. Oh, why didn’t we get a “GROUP” picture?? You know a pic with ALL of us in the picture??

Take care
Tim P

[Greg Young]

Tim, it was great meeting you as well!

You are right, we should have gotten a group shot early Saturday, before some folks had to leave. With everything going on, it apparently got lost in the shuffle.

Usually I do video/still shots, but this time I thought there would be enough folks doing same, so I left the cameras home.

Will just have to bring them to all future events..

Greg

[jimswinder]

Tim P wrote:

I enjoyed some of our obstacles too. We were among some of what appears to be electrical geniuses and engineers, yet somehow we found ourselves trying to run a contest while continually fighting a tripping breaker and hooking up cp speakers.

I think this was the LOR Gods (I guess Dan REALLY did show up!!! LOL) getting even with us for the S3 hoax...

[Dan Ancona]

Jeff Millard wrote:

The electronics just keep getting better. The decorations just keep getting cooler. The colors created by these RGB devices are astounding.

I'll finish this tought for you, Jeff:

And the motorized things, well, what can I say but they are getting to be beyond belief!!

[Guest wbottomley]

jimswinder wrote:

Tim P wrote:

I enjoyed some of our obstacles too. We were among some of what appears to be electrical geniuses and engineers, yet somehow we found ourselves trying to run a contest while continually fighting a tripping breaker and hooking up cp speakers.

I think this was the LOR Gods (I guess Dan REALLY did show up!!!  LOL)  getting even with us for the S3 hoax...

When did that happen?

I could start even a bigger rumor than the S3 Hoax.

[jimswinder]

Mountainwxman wrote:

jimswinder wrote:

Tim P wrote:

I enjoyed some of our obstacles too. We were among some of what appears to be electrical geniuses and engineers, yet somehow we found ourselves trying to run a contest while continually fighting a tripping breaker and hooking up cp speakers.

I think this was the LOR Gods (I guess Dan REALLY did show up!!! LOL) getting even with us for the S3 hoax...

When did that happen?

I could start even a bigger rumor than the S3 Hoax.

We must have started the contest at least 5 or 6 times times due to a GFI tripping...

[Tim P]

I you didnt book a return flight for the same day, and you stayed for night time festivities, maybe you would have witnessed it. 3 years in a row with a one day fly in and out. No more or you will be suspended from the NJ Mini. Got it!

T