The TCA hinted at some big planning and special events for the October show to possibly extend the amount of days. So are there any preliminary thoughts or communications released by the TCA or Eastern Division?
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I was wondering the same thing. I want to book my flights and hotel, but need to find out. Joe, hopefuly your topic grows some answers. I myself, miss York alot.
The last I remembered did they plan on doing away with Thursday York??? Seems like ages ago.
According to York TCA registration it is three days for this event. October 21-23
I wonder if our ancient badges are still good for this show. 
From what I have read, yes, they are still good for next show.
Joe mentioned hearing about possible “Special Events” possibly affecting timeline. It would be good to get early confirmation from “The Meet” officials. With 6 months to go, I’m optimistic there will be a York, albeit with some tweaks I’m sure. I will probably book the hotel with a night extra on the front and back.
I can almost feel standing in the lobby with the National Anthem playing. Hopefully Dennis gets a stock of ballast 😊. That seems to be a hot commodity being sequestered for the last 13 months.
I'm sure that with enough of the railroading community beginning to ask these great questions that answers will be given in due time. With the California show(I think that's the convention, right) being green lit, probably a press release would be coming in June or July to go with the nasty thing we are still dealing with. If our badges from April 2020 are still good, I need to figure out where I had buried mine. Typically important things like that I put where I know to look for them, usually on my bookcase(where things sit as I grab stuff there to take with me to York). To my know, I somehow don't think it made it's its way upstairs and is sitting elsewhere in the house. It could be by the Canon that I will be shooting outside photos this weekend with, I'll have to check there.
My unused badge is still in the badge holder hanging on the hook in my train room. I expect the meet to be a-go in October, but it remains to be seen if I will be able to go. Yes, details about the meet should be available in due time.
Bryant, Standing with my hand over my heart hearing the National Anthem in the main hall lobby was a moving experience. I think I will be ready for some of that ballast when the time comes.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I wonder if our ancient badges are still good for this show.
@amflyer336 posted:From what I have read, yes, they are still good for next show.
I think so too, now I just gotta find mine!
I made my room reservations and have my pre-purchased tag from 4 meets ago so I am ready. I have nothing I need to buy but am ready to just get out and about.
I'm hoping for another big event in Strasburg like when 611 was down for York week. Remember that Skip? That would make for one **** of a week.
@superwarp1 posted:I'm hoping for another big event in Strasburg like when 611 was down for York week. Remember that Skip? That would make for one **** of a week.
I remember that Gary, we met waiting on line. I have a picture of Skip in front of me though he is about 8 or so feet away. He got the whole 611 cab your where as I was only able to get a whistle blow, but either way it was great. Managed to bang my head on 611 on the way out. So, if ever 611 comes up here again, be sure to look for the dent with my head impression on the engineer's side, lol. 🤪
Nothing has been shared since the latest announcement from the Eastern Division last month. For those who missed it:
-Greg
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If YORK does happen in October it probably will be the 2 dealer halls (orange purple). There isn't any way you can provide a safe distance for the sellers in any other hall considering the closeness of tables. Also I have concerns for those that won't get vaccinated. I know it's your choice but it has to be received by the majority of our country for this to work. Right now I don't see those numbers out there. I am in the over 65 group and I am looking forward to receive a booster in 6 months. Dave
I expect the October York meet to happen with a complete week of fun. Fairgrounds Thurs, Fri & Sat. "Bandit" meets Mon, Tues & Wed. Reasonable safety precautions should be expected though
Choo-choo barn, the TCA Museum, Strasburg RR and the Pennsylvania RR Museum can be in full swing too.
My friends and I have had our hotel reservations for months already, still have my April 2020 badge. Will be there from Tuesday through Saturday - 186 days to go!
Dave, be optimistic. Many people in the age group that attend York have already been vaccinated and, by October, I would guess that most, if not all, healthy people in that age group will be vaccinated. indoor train shows started on LI last week, good attendance, all tables sold out. Temps taken, masks required and hand sanitizers.
400 plus outdoor tables at Kutztown happened in March. Lots of happy people in attendance too. This will be repeated in mid May.
Individuals gotta trust their own instincts as to their levels of comfort. I, for one, am comfortable in going for the full experience. October will be more than a year and a half since the country shut down - IMHO, we gotta get our freedom back.
The Mrs. and I both had Covid 19 in November, so I know what it is about. The light is at the end of the tunnel, time to get back to normal.
I’m cautiously optimistic for all the reasons everyone stated above. I think there is a good chance it will happen, but I don’t expect Eastern Division and York Fairgrounds to announce anything for a while. The unforeseen setbacks certainly could happen.
I am an optimist. Just got off the phone wirth the Wyndham. Reservations set. Car next! Why? Since Covid most of the Car Rental companies have sold off inventory. 18 out of 20 major airports report no availability often. As a business traveler it was the last reservation in the past. Today - Car, Airline & then hotel. Just a perspective from a full time road warrior to his friends in the hobby.
The sun will come up tomorrow. Things will get better. Prepare to go to York with the anticipation of having a great time. Reservations can always get cancelled. FWIW, the manager at the Wyndham told me they are doing a brisk business of reservations for York. Locally, they are excited about it. We can let situations make our day. Or we can make the day as good as we can. This is a nice topic with alot to look forward to. Please everyone, please keep it here. See you all at York. 178 days or so to go
I am so ready for York and it will happen . My vision is halls will have different setup and to spread us out maybe even outdoors weather permitting and so what if you wear a mask live your life use common sense and let's have fun and companionship again covid and all disease are never going away.Ladies and gentlemen ready your wallets and start the countdown please!!
@dk122trains posted:I am so ready for York and it will happen . My vision is halls will have different setup and to spread us out maybe even outdoors weather permitting and so what if you wear a mask live your life use common sense and let's have fun and companionship again covid and all disease are never going away.Ladies and gentlemen ready your wallets and start the countdown please!!
This is pretty funny and along the lines of your post. I just thought to myself "what did I do with my York badge"? I always kept it in my glove box but got rid of my car in the past year as it was time and haven't bought a new one yet (because why do me and the missus need separate cars during a pandemic?). I keep it in a badge holder and when I located it, this is what I found inside:
Looks like I have $358 of money to spend that I didn't realize I had! 
-Greg
I am scheduled to get my second Moderna shot a week from Monday. I won't be making any reservations for a while, until I see what the back surgeon is going to do. Hopefully 6 months from now, I will be able to make the 4 1/2-hour car ride each way. PT, home exercise, and steroid injections just don't keep it manageable anymore. This isn't a plea for sympathy, I have been very blessed for 65 years. I'm just glad I am now retired and don't have to worry about work. This is a prayer that everyone who wants to go to York is healthy, able to make the trip, and has a great time as when we were younger. 
@Dave Nichols posted:If YORK does happen in October it probably will be the 2 dealer halls (orange purple). There isn't any way you can provide a safe distance for the sellers in any other hall considering the closeness of tables. Also I have concerns for those that won't get vaccinated. I know it's your choice but it has to be received by the majority of our country for this to work. Right now I don't see those numbers out there. I am in the over 65 group and I am looking forward to receive a booster in 6 months. Dave
If the October York Meet is held, and I think that there is an excellent chance it will be, I would fully expect that the Member Halls will be open as well. Heck, it wouldn't be a York Meet without the Member Halls being open. Also, the same concerns you have set out regarding the Member Halls apply in a similar way to the Dealer Halls. It is possible, however, that there could be some adjustments in the spacing, number of rows, etc., in both the Dealer and Member Halls, depending upon conditions at the time.
Pat
@irish rifle posted:If the October York Meet is held, and I think that there is an excellent chance it will be, I would fully expect that the Member Halls will be open as well. Heck, it wouldn't be a York Meet without the Member Halls being open. Also, the same concerns you have set out regarding the Member Halls apply in a similar way to the Dealer Halls. It is possible, however, that there could be some adjustments in the spacing, number of rows, etc., in both the Dealer and Member Halls, depending upon conditions at the time.
Pat
Allen, Alan or a show sponsor should have an idea of exhibitor pre-registration could give some insight on square footage commitment. Without MTH and some others, the spacing may work itself out. I have been told in some recent shows exhibitors have been encouraged to spread out for aesthetics. Exhibitor space used is also a function of what can be crammed into the truck to bring. Outdoor bandit shows in fresh air is really a draw. Hopefully weather, 🤞.
Making adjustments in the Orange and Purple Halls wouldn't be too difficult. Doing the same 6' distance in other halls is impossible without removing more than half tables in each hall. You would have to also put the seller behind his table to keep away from buyers. If you have sold at any of these member halls you would realize that closeness goes with the tables. Dave
@Lionelski posted:October will be more than a year and a half since the country shut down - IMHO, we gotta get our freedom back.
The Mrs. and I both had Covid 19 in November, so I know what it is about. The light is at the end of the tunnel, time to get back to normal.
I did not realize that we had lost our "freedom." I feel like my freedom is intact. LOL
But the sooner we all get vaccinated, the sooner things will get back to normal. I got mine as soon as I was eligible. I hope others have done/will do the same. I think that we are all tired of this.
@Jtrain posted:I did not realize that we had lost our "freedom." I feel like my freedom is intact. LOL
But the sooner we all get vaccinated, the sooner things will get back to normal. I got mine as soon as I was eligible. I hope others have done/will do the same. I think that we are all tired of this.
Hi Jtrain,
The lost freedoms I was referring to include: not attending my niece's wedding party that was cancelled, not having our usual large Christmas and Easter celebrations with extended family members, missing my Godson's Step up ceremony to NYC Fire Dept Battalion Chief (held virtually), Not seeing my Grandaughter's first HS band concert, not seeing my other Granddaughter's play wherein she had 2 solos - both of these kids worked hard for 6 months only to perform with no audiences, not being able to see a show, ball game, etc, no car or train shows. Restaurants, bars and even fast food joints - closed, Church closed for a long time (via zoom is NOT the same), 3 Yorks, cancelled, cruises, cancelled, road trip around Iceland cancelled, not being able to hug my kids and grandkids for months, my baby brother passed, and 6 months later so did his wife (not from Covid) - could not see them in the hospital and could not have anything close to funerals, etc, etc.
One good thing; I had a lot of time to work on Warrenville and run trains. Not quite the same when you can't share this fun with friends, other than thru this Forum or emails - monthly visits to each other's train rooms have not yet resumed.
I see the light and the end of the tunnel, I'm fully vaccinated on top of having antibodies from having Covid - and I want these freedoms back going forward.
We're all hungry for York. Let's just let this topic sit for a few months and wait and see what train comes around the bend.
I do like Don's idea of what it would be like, us spread out more. That might help some of us get the good deals.
The York Fair is on for this year in July, with a huge musical lineup in the works. A local train club I am trying to join up with will be exhibiting during the fair. The following is an excerpt from an email written by a fairgrounds official to the club president.
"One thing I'm interested in discussing is relocating the train exhibit from the PA Room to Memorial Hall East. That is where our commercial exhibits are, but we have the ability to create a large separate room with air walls in that building that can be completely secured overnight and we also keep overnight security in that building during the Fair. One of the main reasons I'm looking at this is because we made over $450,000 in Covid Mitigation Improvements to our facility, including Memorial Hall. We have installed UVGI in our HVAC system in that building, the Weis Market's Arena and our Admin Office where basically the air is sanitized by passing it past an ultraviolet light. We also converted all of the restrooms in Memorial Hall and Weis Arena to touchless with touchless faucets and touchless flush valves. We also installed some automatic doors at the entrance of those two buildings to provide guests fewer touch points......We also have the ability to sanitize an area with electrostatic hand held foggers that do not harm computers or electronics and we have ramped up our cleaning efforts in terms of keeping things wiped down with bleach products (door handles/knobs etc)."
I am not sure which building is actually Memorial Hall, but I thought you folks would find this interesting. If the fair happens I can't imagine the October tca meet not being allowed to happen.
Memorial Hall is the Blue Hall. Then they call the attached Silver Hall Memorial Hall East. Dave
I expect attendance to be down, buyer and seller both. there are three unused halls that can be used, yellow, gold, and brown. Also the green. and maybe the black. Plenty of room to spread out.
@gftiv posted:I expect attendance to be down, buyer and seller both. there are three unused halls that can be used, yellow, gold, and brown. Also the green. and maybe the black. Plenty of room to spread out.
Could be, but I'd like to think that attendance on both ends will be up due to pent up demand.
Only time will tell
@gftiv posted:I expect attendance to be down, buyer and seller both. there are three unused halls that can be used, yellow, gold, and brown. Also the green. and maybe the black. Plenty of room to spread out.
Really? With the huge pent up demand after what will have been two years without a York Meet, I expect precisely the opposite. We shall see.
Pat
Well, gloomy day outside so no pictures taken. Good news is that I did have the where with all to place my badge right where it should be, on top of my bookcase upstairs where some of the stuff I take to York with me sits as well. Still in the envelope unopened.
I did go see Tony at my LTS and we had been talking about the convention in CA being on and he had mentioned some show in Oaks PA that was being held this weekend if I took what he said correctly (flower show or such). He believes that York will be a go and as I had said earlier, we just have to wait. He believes it is setup Wednesday for dealers and such as always, and be Thursday, Friday, Saturday like it had been. Of course though, we'll all have to wait. Here's to hoping my fellow railroading brethren. 👍🙂
I'm interested in attending York this year... never have gone before.
From my understanding the Orange and Purple halls are dealers and the Black hall is layouts.
What exactly are in the Member Halls (Silver, Red, Blue, White)? Are these where people buy tables to sell as individuals (as compared to selling as a dealer?).
Getting these hall names from the FAQ's on the TCA website.
Yes Silver, Red, Blue, and White are the halls where TCA members set up and sell as individuals.
@Prr7688 posted:I'm interested in attending York this year... never have gone before.
It’s awesome, you’ll love it.
From my understanding the Orange and Purple halls are dealers and the Black hall is layouts.
Yep.
What exactly are in the Member Halls (Silver, Red, Blue, White)? Are these where people buy tables to sell as individuals (as compared to selling as a dealer?).
Correct.
@Prr7688 posted:I'm interested in attending York this year... never have gone before.
From my understanding the Orange and Purple halls are dealers and the Black hall is layouts.
What exactly are in the Member Halls (Silver, Red, Blue, White)? Are these where people buy tables to sell as individuals (as compared to selling as a dealer?).
Getting these hall names from the FAQ's on the TCA website.
It is a great experience, you will be in heaven with how much stuff you see, but it is the new friendships you make that are the best.
I'm really looking forward to York in October. There will be rules, rules, rules and more rules. And this for the group that has difficulty figuring out how to follow the arrows on the floor! I will grin, bear it, try to comply and will ABSOLUTELY have a great time. It's been too long and I look forward to seeing many friends in person once again.
Gerry
Gerry, Several stores here in Western Pennsylvania put in arrows to direct customers through the aisles. The big grocery chain even went so far as to employ security guards last April and May to tell people they were going the wrong way. After that, they would have public address announcements to follow the arrows. I noticed in the few stores I frequent that there were always customers ignoring the arrows. I thought of York many times while grocery shopping.
