Rendezvous 2011

IT IS OVER AND IT WAS GREAT!!!

If you missed our 2nd all Trad Archery Rendezvous, you missed a fantastic weekend. NO RAIN...NOTHING!!! night or day for all three days.  So if you stayed away due to the weather report it was a shame because we saw only sun and a full moon at night with shooting stars while sitting at our bonfire eating corn.

We more than doubled our campers.  It was a good thing I opened an over-flow area.  It worked great for drive through for a couple of larger R.V. units and others.   All our ranges were put to use.  The toddler range was busy popping balloons with powder in them.  The long distance range gave an opportunity for some to watch their arrow fly, and of course the best 3D course in Canada gave everyone a very relaxed fun time.   On friday there was free instruction on Rick Welch method of shooting by me.   Our night shoot Saturday worked even better then last year as we had use of 4 generators to help light up the bush with Christmas lights. Thanks to Ken Parkhurst and Dave Yurichuk. Thank you to all that helped with the stringing of the lights, it only took 30 minutes and all was up and ready to go and those that took them down, thank you, much appreciated, I took them down myself last year after all were gone.

What a BALL.  The focus was up and great shooting resulted.  Great informative workshops held by Calvin Hume arrow making primitive, Dave Cartwright, and Steve Thomson (bow making).  Lots of positive feedback job. Well done guys. Watch for these guy next year as they will have great things to teach I will keep you informed of what we are already talking about.   Eagle eye shoot and qualification went very well for the first try.  Fifteen qualifiers with a 50/50 split of money collected which gave a $100 prize money to the winner who turned out to be Robert Marks.  It was close right to the end and entertaining to watch as we all goofed around. Congratulations Robert, a job well done.  Robert grew up with a bow in his hand due to his dad Bill Marks owning Maple Grove Archery for 25 years.  We have photos.   The winner for the donated bow by Rodney Wright again this year a Stalker valued at $645 was Brian Wilson.  Brian was there at the time but is deaf and didn't know he'd won.  I caught up with him as he was leaving around 3:30pm Sunday and told him he won.  He was very surprised and grateful.  Said he has never won anything.  It is great because Brian was here last year and came back with friends and wives to camp and shoot and again this year was here with same friends in July camping and shooting.  They have a nice trailer.  Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.   Congrats Brian. We have a photo.

I now have more products on consignment as John Post's board bows and leather work is here, the Stickman left some walking sticks, and I now have a fantastic saving for you with gold tip arrows fully fletched 500, 400s. Come and get them while they last. $75 a dozen plus tax.   Unfortunately our running boar broke down but it will be up and running again by next year.   Special thank you to Ted Robinson and Gwen for the music at our bonfires.  Next year let's see if we can get some more musically inclined jumping in.  Variety is the spice of life.

Speaking of variety we are starting to put our collective heads together for next year so thing continue to grow and change. We don't want people to feel that coming a couple of times is enough because it the same each year. This year we expanded in many areas.  Our test or warm-up range was expanded and moved.  An additional range set up for the Atlatal throwing and is now there to use for regular shooting.  Our vendor area is away from the store and gave lots of room and will be doubled next year again can now be used as a picnic area.  Our camping area doubled.  So huge changes and great support and great weekend on all counts.  and our shop has grown as a result of the weekend as well.   Oh, on Friday I had a sales representative stop by from Monsens Archery Supply in Peterborough which I am a dealer with, and we have opened a business relationship which can only help as we grow.  One obvious area is sponsorship next year as a possibility.

Oh, I need your help.  I over estimated on t-shirts.  Thought I would sell more then I did so I have a few left to sell off at my cost $15.  Great deal for gifts even get a couple to change into.   Embroidered, not silk screened.  They are here at the shop great Christmas gift!!   Hope to see many of you again soon.  Remember it does not have to be a special event for you to come by shoot and shop and camp or just visit.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOU SUPPORT AND COMING AND SPENDING THE WEEKEND WITH Cathy and I and all our traditional shooting archery friends.  I look forward to next year, (well maybe after a few days of rest :) ) BIGGER AND BETTER You can do your part by telling your friends and bring them along.  Put a bow in their hand and watch their excitement grow. Kawartha Traditional Archery Center was set up to grow our focus on Archery.  It is here as a venue to take advantage of as a support facility.  Please don't see us as a threat in any way.  We are here to help your trad archers get equipped and have another place to come and shoot and play with their bows.  I have never had anyone come here and shoot our range and not say they had a "blast".  We are just another option never instead of, but as well as,  is my motto.   Check out our website for photos in the next week.  If anyone has some interesting ones please forward a copy to us so we can put them on our site.  Thanks. Enough for now.  Sorry if you missed it but there is always next year.  At least this is what we like to think.

Fred  

Our Eagle-Eye Winner

Robert Marks

Winner of Custom-made

Rodney Wright Bow

Brian Wilson