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Author
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Topic: Spacefest III, June 2011, Tucson, Arizona
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Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 02-28-2011 04:20 PM
   
60 days (April 29) until discounted hotel room ($119 vs $225) cutoff. Three months until the event. Southwest Airlines has the lowest fares, but have doubled in the last months.Ticket prices, exhibitor booth prices go up March 31. Hurry and make your plans NOW for Spacefest III. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-08-2011 07:06 PM
Apollo 9's Rusty Schweickart is coming to Spacefest.Geoff Notkin of the Science Channel's METEORITE MEN series, will be at Spacefest. He will be selling, speaking on how to find Treasure from Space, and signing his new book of the same name. |
DChudwin
Member Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 03-08-2011 07:19 PM
Good news that Rusty is coming. So that makes for the entire Apollo 9 crew-- McDivitt, Scott & Schweickart. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-13-2011 10:46 PM
Only two spots remain on Tour #2 (Pima A&S, USAF Boneyard, Titan missile Museum). |
kosmo
Member Posts: 388
From:
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 03-16-2011 09:07 AM
Would be nice to be able to take advantage of those low airfares, but it would also be nice to know what quests are going to attend that you haven't announced, i.e. Frank Borman etc., before committing so much money to a show where you have seen everybody before. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-17-2011 01:13 PM
Spacefest is so much more than a mere autograph show. If you're one-dimensional. you'll miss all the fun. The low airfares are history now.
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kosmo
Member Posts: 388
From:
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 03-17-2011 01:29 PM
That maybe so, but the closer we get to the event, the higher the prices are typically going to be. I'm hardly one-dimensional, I've enjoyed plenty of shows, but I set out 10 years ago to try to meet all the surviving astronauts from the Mercury thru the Apollo programs and Frank Borman is the only astronaut I have yet to meet. |
4allmankind
Member Posts: 1043
From: Dallas
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 03-17-2011 01:41 PM
Kosmo, you would rather Kim post an astronaut name as being an attendee just to convince you to buy your flights? I would prefer he stick to the current route of only posting astronauts that have actually committed to attending. It seems like you are expecting Novaspace to predict the future. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 03-17-2011 02:09 PM
I think an important note is that, as Kim noted, Spacefest is way more than just astronauts. Spacefest 2009 was my first opportunity to meet ANY astronaut, but I also came away with great memories of chatting with awesome scientists, some of whom I still talk to. It's cool that you want to meet all those astronauts and I think we all would, but you're truly missing out if that's the only reason you're going to Spacefest. You have to expect the unexpected and enjoy.  |
kosmo
Member Posts: 388
From:
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 03-17-2011 02:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 4allmankind:
Kosmo, you would rather Kim post an astronaut name as being an attendee just to convince you to buy your flights?
Nooo! I have a finite amount of finances and would like to attend a show that Frank Borman is going to attend and Kim has alluded that "Borman's willing". I'm assuming that if Kim posts an astronaut's name as attending, that he/she has actually committed to attend! I do realize things happen, I have attended all of the Spacefest shows, so I know what happened at Spacefest I. It would just be nice to know before "April or so" to make as cheap arrangements as possible. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 03-17-2011 03:06 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kosmo:
It would just be nice to know before "April or so" to make as cheap arrangements as possible.
LOL Do you think he's withholding information? Believe me, if Borman was confirmed, Kim would be telling everyone. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-17-2011 03:15 PM
Well, Borman's a problem. He signed on enthusiastically to the first Spacefest, only to back out at the last minute. I understood the reason, but a lot of folks never forgave us. Now we're both skittish about making an early commitment.I asked him again a few weeks ago, and even though Tucson is his hometown, and he has a lot of friends here, he begged off. There's an illness in the family, he's 83 now and insists on flying his own plane (from Montana) when he comes. A grueling trip. Jack Schmitt doesn't want to sign anymore. Face it. You'll probably never meet Borman. Many regular folks call the astronauts friends, meet them as often as they can, and don't dismiss them as "been there, done that." |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 03-17-2011 04:46 PM
If Michael Dorn was there you could meet him and ask him about Borman buying his plane. Look, my soon-to-be 88 year-old grandmother gets confused and calls me "robert". never mind that i'm a girl. I think we're extraordinarily lucky that we have any chances at all to meet, chat with, and share a laugh with these amazing heroes. stop being picky!  Seriously, you could always try writing to Borman, not for an autograph, but just to say thank you for all he's done. |
kosmo
Member Posts: 388
From:
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 03-17-2011 04:50 PM
Thank you for the info Kim. I am by the way, very much regular folk, have never "dismiss them as 'been there, done that'" and while some may call the astronauts friends, I have no illusion as to why the astronauts do these shows, i.e. to make money signing autographs! I'm just more interested in meeting them, shaking their hand, getting a photograph. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-17-2011 06:01 PM
You might be surprised to know these guys enjoy the social aspect as much (most of them anyway.) Being with old colleagues, and new friends who appreciate and adore them.They can make more money speaking for an hour, or in Bean's case, painting. Although their travel, lodging, and food are paid for, they get no honorarium or payment to appear. |
328KF
Member Posts: 1234
From:
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 03-17-2011 08:22 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
Face it. You'll probably never meet Borman.
I think you might have better said, "Face it. You'll probably never meet Borman at Spacefest."He actually does get out and do other events and speaking. I have met him several times over the years, most recently at the Apollo 8 reunion at the National Air and Space Museum as part of the 40th anniversary. There is always a chance for someone who has never had the opportunity to shake hands or maybe get a photo to do so. I am more concerned by your claim that Schmitt "doesn't want to sign anymore." I have a particular item I would like to have signed by him, and this would be troubling news, if accurate. But I rest assured in the fact that many times, one or another astronaut said "never again" and was eventually swayed to change their minds. |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 591
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 03-17-2011 08:28 PM
These guys are the heroes I looked up to as a kid. They are still my heroes. Do some of them have clay feet? Probably, but you know they have still accomplished things and flown in space and I will always admire that. I choose, deliberately, to ignore the slight human failings and look at these guys as the sum of their life's work and am deeply grateful for the chance to meet them and be treated as worthy of their time. Charlie Duke spent much effort at Spacefest II being exceptionally kind to several groups of children. Richard Gordon and his wife treated me with genuine warmth. I value the autographs, but not as much as seeing these heroes acting like the men I admired as a kid. I regret I will never get a Neil Armstrong autograph. I probably will never afford a John Young jump salute. But... I have met Michael Collins and Gene Cernan and that wasn't too shabby. All I can say is thanks to Kim and the astronauts for making this possible. |
steelhead fly fishing
Member Posts: 29
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 03-18-2011 12:47 PM
Will the astronauts be furnished with same silver paint pens used in your private signings? They seem to provide a much brighter and bolder image than silver Sharpies. At another event I attended it seems Sharpies were provided. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-18-2011 01:20 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 328KF:
I think you might have better said, "Face it. You'll probably never meet Borman at Spacefest."
True. But that was widely publicized, and Kosmo didn't go. I suspect his limited funds will keep him near Michigan. Borman lives in Montana, continues to age and probably won't fly his plane to Michigan. I stand by my statement.And Schmitt may indeed change his mind. I certainly hope he does. He has before, but he takes pleasure in being stubborn, and he'll probably cost more. He will also probably outlive me. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 03-18-2011 01:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
True. But that was widely publicized, and Kosmo didn't go. I suspect his limited funds will keep him near Michigan. Borman lives in Montana, continues to age. and probably won't fly his plane to Michigan. I stand by my statement.
I wouldn't put it past Borman to make an appearance at the Oshkosh EAA Fly-In in the foreseeable future...easily within driving distance for Kosmo. I know he made another speaking appearance in Wisconsin in 2009 (and signed autographs for people after his talk), so I would caution about being too pessimistic. Also, Michigan hosts one of the nicest warbird airshows in the country (Thunder Over Michigan)...and I've seen at least one of Borman's planes fly at that show in the past. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-18-2011 04:26 PM
Borman sold all his planes. He only has a SIAI-Marchetti single engine now.What's keeping him from doing Spacefest will also keep him from going to Oshkosh, b'gosh. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-20-2011 03:38 PM
Looks like our Lovell mail-in signing will happen after all. Details soon. quote:
Originally posted by steelhead fly fishing:
Will the astronauts be furnished with same silver paint pens used in your private signings?
Yes. |
seniorcitizen
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 03-21-2011 05:28 AM
Mail in service for Stafford and Lovell is excellent news. That really is looking after the interests of those who cannot attend Spacefest. Thank you Astronaut Central. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-21-2011 01:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by seniorcitizen:
Mail in service for Stafford and Lovell is excellent news. That really is looking after the interests of those who cannot attend Spacefest. Thank you Astronaut Central.
Yours is the first request for Stafford who now has to leave earlier. Its only Lovell this time. Get a hold of Steve Gruber (steve.gruber34@yahoo.com) he's coming, and taking other's things. |
arjuna
unregistered
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posted 03-21-2011 02:34 PM
Great news about Lovell. Thanks for arranging this. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-21-2011 03:13 PM
Just for the record, Lovell and Stafford WILL be at Spacefest all three days. |
SteveG
Member Posts: 48
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 03-21-2011 09:27 PM
I am getting several emails a week from folks looking for help getting items signed at Spacefest. I am still taking orders and am glad to help out anyone that I can, as long as the requests are "reasonable."Also, you must send me the item to be signed. Feel free to email me with any questions -- stevegruber34@yahoo.com I've responded to every single message that I've gotten within 24 hours as to not keep people hanging. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-25-2011 03:24 PM
All autograph fees have been posted on the website. |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 03-25-2011 03:47 PM
Kim, I see that each astronaut's base fee is listed, but then there is just this:
"Price given is for autograph only. There is usually an EXTRA CHARGE for hard to sign items (like baseballs, models, globes, etc) COMPLETIONS (autograph completes a full crew) or INSCRIPTIONS (anything written in addition to the autograph)."You'll be posting specifics later, right? Seems reasonable for people to know what they'll be expected to pay before they travel all the way there. It will help people decide what things to take - items signed by other crew members, large prints, models, etc. Weeks before each ASF event they have this posted online - in fact you put a link to that in a January 28 post here. It should just take a couple of minutes for you to confirm these fees with each astronaut. If they can tell ASF ahead of time, surely they'll be able to tell you. I'm asking because I think anyone planning on getting autographs will want to know; and because while I can't attend, I hope to have a cS member bring some things of mine to be signed. I haven't mentioned posted anything else about this event yet, so I'll say here that it looks great. The events and lectures at the central location, the day trips... fantastic. |
DChudwin
Member Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 03-25-2011 04:57 PM
Based on Kim's posting, here are the base fees of the Apollo astronauts by mission: - Apollo 7-- Walt Cunningham $75
- Apollo 8-- James Lovell $175
- Apollo 9-- Jim McDivitt $95, Rusty Schweickart $95, Dave Scott $195
- Apollo 10-- Tom Stafford $250, Gene Cernan $175
- Apollo 11-- Buzz Aldrin $400
- Apollo 12-- Alan Bean $145, Dick Gordon $80
- Apollo 13-- Jim Lovell $175, Fred Haise $125
- Apollo 14-- Ed Mitchell $100
- Apollo 15-- Dave Scott $195, Al Wordern $80
- Apollo 16-- Charlie Duke $100
- Apollo 17-- Gene Cernan $175
Six of the nine living Moonwalkers are scheduled to be there (one from each mission)-- Aldrin, Bean, Mitchell, Scott, Duke, Cernan. To get an item signed by them will cost $1,115 plus any completion or multi-signed fees (always have Buzz sign first). Personally, while I will get a few autographs, I am going to spend most of the show at the outstanding lectures being presented this year. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-25-2011 06:15 PM
The reason I just posted base fees was for the sake of brevity. Many of the astronauts say "negotiable" on inscriptions, completions. etc. While a few others have chapter and verse on every little permutation. Others reserve the right to change (Depending on the item.) I just went with the least common denominator, the base fee. ASF doesn't publish a list of minutiae, either. If you're trying to budget to the penny, forget it. There are too many variables. Set an upper limit and improvise
when you get there. You might see a piece of art or a meteorite you can't live without. If you have a particular astronaut in mind, let me know and I'll try to elucidate. |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 03-25-2011 07:48 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
ASF doesn't publish a list of minutiae, either.
I do appreciate the offer to elucidate - there are two things I'd like to get signed that might be above the base fee, and one that I know will be. But the fact is that ASF does publish a complete list. If you click on the link in my post above, you'll be sent to a page they had up before their last event, with all the astronauts' fees (if any) for additional inscriptions and crew completions on one convenient table. Since most of the Spacefest III astronaut attendees are on that table, I thought they'd be able to provide the same information to you. Actually, they did provide that information for the last Spacefest. For example, here is the page with Buzz Aldrin's specific fees. Are you sure you can't get that same information this time? I really don't think it's picky and unreasonable to want to know the cost for specific, commonly done, predictable things. Let's put it this way: when we send things to Astronaut Central-arranged signings, we don't do it blindly, then have the astronauts look at each of our items and haggle with us over pricing. You've found out ahead of time the specific fees and posted them a couple of months in advance. I don't see why an in-person event would be different. Finding out only when one gets face-to-face with the astronaut that he is going to charge extra for some reason would make dozens of encounters less pleasant than they could have been. There's still months left to get those details figured out and posted. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-26-2011 12:32 AM
quote:
Originally posted by stsmithva:
Actually, they did provide that information for the last Spacefest. For example, here is the page with Buzz Aldrin's specific fees.
Most of us know he didn't strictly adhere to that list, even though it was contracted for.
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JasonB
Member Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 03-28-2011 12:41 PM
Anyone know how much Lovell charges to sign "Houston we have a problem" on things? Thanks |
jamato99
Member Posts: 147
From: Leesburg, VA USA
Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 03-28-2011 01:10 PM
I had Lovell sign a photo and add "Houston, we have a problem!" in 2007 and the fee was $5 per word, so it was $30. I'm not sure if his fees have changed since then. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-28-2011 05:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by JasonB:
Anyone know how much Lovell charges to sign "Houston we have a problem" on things? Thanks
Wouldn't it be better to ask him to write "Houston, we've HAD a problem", which is what he actually said? |
JasonB
Member Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 03-28-2011 05:33 PM
If I remember right, he was signing "we have" at the last Novaspace signing he did several years ago. I cant recall what he was charging for it though.The photo I currently have is signed that way.Maybe he prefers the present tense they used in the movie to the incorrect past tense he actually used, or maybe he doesn't care one way or the other. Its not all that different really so it doesn't bother me either way but it is better known as "we have" instead of the way he actually said it due to the movie. Maybe people will also start asking Tom Hanks what Jack Swigert was really like too! |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 03-28-2011 07:16 PM
quote:
Originally posted by jamato99:
I had Lovell sign a photo and add "Houston, we have a problem!" in 2007 and the fee was $5 per word, so it was $30. I'm not sure if his fees have changed since then.
At the last ASF show, I noticed Lovell had a special fee for signing the famous quote. I don't recall what it was, but it wasn't cheap. Perhaps he's tired of signing it. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-30-2011 02:18 PM
Prices go up on almost everything Friday (Apr. 1) Pre-register for Spacefest today! |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-30-2011 04:08 PM
Ron Barber, Gabrielle Giffords' district director (who was shot twice) has started the Fund for Civility. Their initial fundraiser was an amazing concert last month. They will have a booth at Spacefest, giving out information, selling t-shirts, and accepting donations. |
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