Iowa?!

deegee · Joined: Mar 26, 2003 Posts: 1

Just imagine how successful it could be if it weren't in Iowa? Seattle? New York? Disney World? Disney Land? I would have gladly paid hundreds to go - but can't justify a trip to Iowa. I know that sounds bad - and it's not meant to be an idictment against such a wonderful state, but seriously.

turtle · Joined: Dec 04, 2002 Posts: 59

This is just my opinion. Sorry if it sounds a little harsh.

Are you saying that you won't go to Iowa (for $99 + transportatin) because it doesn't have a lot of pollution/traffic/crime etc. Gnomedex I & II were both held in Iowa. Why not keep it true to it's roots? Having it in Seattle/New York etc. is going to raise the cost A LOT too. So in my opinion Iowa is a great location. Keep up the good work Chris et al.

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

Des Moines doesn't have many tourist locations. Would your visit to Gnomedex be a part of a vacation?

Dooke of Bertox · Joined: Dec 26, 2002 Posts: 123

Ohio > Iowa

I mean, you can look at the Big 10 rankings and see that... muahaha!

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

You may have won the NCAA, and I do congradulate you for that miraculous victory over a team I thought would cream you. My hat's off to the Buckeyes. But I believe that if you had played the 2002 Hawkeyes, we could have handled you. But we'll never know, will we...

trstno1192 · Joined: Mar 27, 2003 Posts: 3

Me being a "Gnewbi Gnomie", I'm looking forword to going to Iowa for Gnomedex III. I've done everything but book the hotel room. I think $99 for a tech convention is a good deal. Since I'm from Michigan, I'm glad it is in Iowa. I missed the last one, and when I heard the rumor that it might be in some other place I thought I might have to miss this one to. See you all there...

Polock · Joined: Dec 11, 2002 Posts: 18

Krogue · Joined: Apr 07, 2003 Posts: 1

You would be amazed at the tourist attractions and family things to do in the area....

"Adventureland" is a 6 Flags sized theme park right outside of Des Moines. The Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful sites anywhere. People come from all over the world to get married in the Gardens. The Des Moines Art Center and the Blank Park Zoo are two other great family locations to check out.

If you are willing to drive just a little, the world famous Amana colonies are only 1-1/2 hours to the east.

I am not an Iowa native, but since moving here only 2 years ago, I have been amazed at what this state has to offer. I think Des Moines is the perfect place to host a convention such as this. I think more convention planners would be smart to think of this area as a mid-point to the U.S. Halfway between both coasts means less travel time for everyone.

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

You make some excellent points there, as a native I often overlook those places. The botanical gardens is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. My son loves to visit the Science Center, and in the Summer, there always to be one festival or another going on in close driving distance.

I guess I didn't think about these things because the grass is always greener elsewhere. Iowa rocks!

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

I did read these posts. They were a great way to show what all Iowa has to offer, but I guess this thread showed them as more than just places, they became attractions. Or perhaps it was the present mood. Either way, the more we look at what there is to do in our state, the less we consider what there isn't to do, if you take my meaning. Let's keep the Iowa attractions coming!

johnniecanuck · Joined: Apr 05, 2003 Posts: 505

The One thing about Iowa...You're not in Kansas anymore!

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

That's right, Toto! Smile

If anyone has a special interest, post it and us Iowans will do our best to accomodate. I think there's a lot of gnomies that could be pleasantly surprised by what Iowa has to offer, but it's easier to make reccomendations if we know what you enjoy.

Polock · Joined: Dec 11, 2002 Posts: 18

I think the festivities are earlier in the summer this year also. That's a big plus cause the corn won't be so tall and you'll actually get to see some of IOWA. :rolleyes: Very Happy

Polock

I stand corrected Surprised

The dates are the end of July, not June, so if the rain comes the tassels will be waving in the breeze.

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

I can't wait for the roadside stands to start selling corn directly from the fields. I like the peaches and cream variety, boiled, but not cooked 100%, and dripping in butter!

gsterry · Joined: Dec 05, 2002 Posts: 6949

Oh, that brings back memories of the corn pots in Gaza along the Mediterranean - 3 for a quarter!

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

Corn cob holders are for sissies! I eat a handhold off each end and dig in! Hands are washable.

:oink, oink: !

Polock · Joined: Dec 11, 2002 Posts: 18

Coffeeswirls · Joined: Dec 06, 2002 Posts: 1233

Is Charmin a sponser? All that corn will keep you... um... regular.
:rolleyes:

Dooke of Bertox · Joined: Dec 26, 2002 Posts: 123

I'm actually glad it's close to home. Well, it's still going to take me 12 hours to get up there, but it could be worse. They always look for the biggest and "best" place to hold these conventions, which eliminates alot of people that wanted to attend. Either because these big cities are too expensive, too far to travel, or booked up for other reasons.

It's nice to have something available to the Mid-West crowd.

Look at it this way, at least it's not in Michigan.. Razz

Spazoid · Joined: Dec 19, 2002 Posts: 51