 |
|
| Florida State Button Society "Noahs" how to Float a Big Show: by Ginny Flis |
More than 500 guests and 25 dealers participated in the show in Daytona Beach, Florida, a successful result to more than a year of planning. This broke the previous attendance record by more than 100.
In deciding on a show theme, FSBS tried to incorporate buttons and props that were readily available. Both Sue and Ginny Flis collect Noah's Ark items and from there, the ideas started to flow. At the show, there was a life-size talking Noah and a 5 1/2 foot giraffe statue to greet everyone, along with baskets for the registration area and 24 handmade (by Sue and Scott) lighted wooden Noah's Ark centerpieces, one for each banquet table.
About a year and a half ago, Diana McClure Bagford (of
Mud, Metal & Fire Button Studio)
submitted her button for consideration as the show’s favor button, and it was chosen.
 |
Kathy O'Neal, vice president of the Florida Society and a real authority on oriental buttons, presented a talk titled "Noah really landed on Mt. Fuji." She showed an informative slide show of examples of all kinds of Oriental buttons. About 170 people attended.
The show even made time for Button Bytes members. Eighteen people tore themselves away from buying buttons to introduce themselves, so those present we were able to put a face with a few names. There were more BBers at the show, but many were not able to make the meeting.
The button auction and charm string raffle were two of the biggest fund-raisers for the show.
Buttons for the charm string were donated by members of the Florida group, and Jane Leslie, president of National Button Society agreed to draw the winner’s name. She joked that she would put her name back if she drew it by accident. Imagine the surprise when she really did draw her own name to win!
EDITORIAL NOTE:
Ginny kindly submitted the information for this story, and it was rewritten. Much of the personal information was removed, but Ginny deserves to make the following "Editorial Comments" for all her kind work at the show, and for us at BBLight...
"The crew of ‘they came ...... two by two’ did an extraordinary job... Diana McClure Bagford was a delight to work with and so dependable. My hat is off to her -- Thanks Diana.Thanks Ginny! -- ed.In closing, I would like to thank my dear BByte friends who came long distances to this show. I truly appreciate your understanding (my time was so limited), your help, loyalty and support -- Jane, Barbara, Pam and Monica -- special thanks to you!
I hope everyone on the list will someday have the opportunity to attend a button show. The experience is very educational and rewarding. The show was so much fun and I was delighted to help organize it."