NOTICE
Short version:
The Forum Building #2 location is canceled.
I have arranged our return to the SOS Brothers (under the yellow balloon), same place as last year.
Long version:
Last Thursday we approached an executive level EAA staffer about using Forum #2, as the planned Homebuilder's Pavilion in HBC didn't get done for 2012. The answer was "There is no issue with using the forum buildings after hours." We were very specific about our plans....
OK, done deal. Forum Building #2, the one closest to the Vans display tent, Monday evening starting after the airshow. No catering required. An anonymous donor is ordering draft New Glarus Spotted Cow and Fat Squirrel. Soft drinks (and any food items) are BYOB. We are responsible for cleanup; I'm camping with the airplane and rise early, so I'll check it/police it at dawn Tuesday. Cool?
.....which were accepted, and the announcement here came shortly after.
Fast forward to yesterday, Wednesday the 11th. I was asked to contact Mr. John Dorgan at EAA HQ, Manager, Event Sales and Services. Mr. Dorgan informed me we were welcome to the forum building only if our beverages were supplied as a catering package from the authorized EAA beverage service supplier, Supple Group Events, aka Fox River Brewing. No Supple Group, no building.
I contacted the Supple Group representative for a quote. The total was $1,466.85, Fox River brands only, 4 kegs with setup. In contrast, 4 kegs of our choice from the local distributor was $480 plus tax, with free support equipment. We would need to supply our own ice and cups, and haul our own kegs.
I have declined.
FWIW, we are allowed to bring food and beverage into the camping areas. I have declined that option also. We cannot put 250~300 people in an HBC campsite without disturbing campers who wish to sleep, and we're not going to be "those people". There are also issues like seating and weather.
Sorry guys. I had hoped to offer a nice get-together in a semi-private location, with better beer at little or no cost. It's not worth arguing about; we'll take the high road and hope for a dedicated pavilion next year. Until then, it's a bigger and better private SOS beer tent for us. The four Sosnoski brothers are good guys.