The past few weeks have been completely nuts for myself and the shop. We had an avalanche of work going and had the big computer crash that I posted about last month. I managed to work through that and got some really, really cool stuff made for Fangcon. We were taking the Allegro motor home and my car and trailer. The motor home was being driven by Draconis, who had gone on ahead while I was packing the trailer with the remaining con stuff. I get a call and I find out the motor home had an engine fire and had half burnt. Everything that wasn't burned or melted was smoke and water damaged. Luckily, a lot of stuff was in bins in the back and were relatively unharmed. We lost a lot of stuff though. The RV was a total loss. We lost registration computers and monitors along with most of the con theme stuff we had made that Draconis had worked so hard on. The audio/video equipment was mostly with me though, so it was safe. Anyway, at the con, we had lots of volunteers who helped wipe down all the con stuff. Even so, there was a smokey smell that pervaded the con for the entire weekend. It wasn't too bad though. We all pulled together and with some spit and polish and last minute elbow grease, the con went on without a hitch.

I was so proud of all the attendees for making our first year at the new hotel so stress free. Other than a couple of noise complaints and a fursuiter getting a bit dehydrated, the con went super smooth. The raves with DJ Dadius was off the hook with the room reaching maximum capacity and having a waiting line. Charlie and the other DJs were super great, too, with the dances full all weekend. Next year, we are getting more room for the dances, just so you know. The Dance competition was very well attended, too. KJ did a great job there. Attendance went way up to 427 and I think the number of fursuiters in the parade was about 132 to 137. I don't remember exactly, only that I remember it being a bit over 30%. The fursuit walk on Market square on Thursday was very well supported and we had several lanes of furries bowling on Monday evening. This year was pivotal for Fangcon as everyone had such a good time and was so supportive in the face of the fire adversity. Hugs to all!!! Oh yeah... I almost forgot. I got my face shaved again at closing ceremonies. I had let my beard grow for several months, so I was quite the shaggy Sabertooth. I think just the shaving itself raised $450 for Tiger Haven, our charity. I have to get with Kevin for the final charity numbers as I don't recall them at the moment.

We made it back to Memphis after Fangcon and only touched base for about a day and a half before we left for Central Plains Fur Con in Wichita, Kansas. My print shop did vending there, but a lot of my stuff had burned up in the fire, so I didn't have a full compliment of items to sell. Pan Pan, Nash the Red Panda, and Ozark Foxx accompanied myself and Draconis. If you live anywhere near Wichita, you need to go to this con next year. The hotel facilities are really great. The rooms are a little pricey, but you get a FULL breakfast (a good buffet) and dinner, too. You also get a card for each room member for three alcohol drinks each evening (age permitting). Jim Dale Fox and Merkindesr put on a really good con. It deserves a much higher attendance than what was there. I am going back next year.

Anyway, I'm back in the Sabertooth den (print shop) now, and have several hundred books to get out in the next couple of days. I just wanted to let everyone know I was alive and to thank everyone for their help at Fangcon. I haven't mentioned everyone who helped, but they know who they are and I love all my staff. I am going to catch some sleep now. Later everyone.