WONDERFEST 2021

Ok, here is my tale of WF2021 from my own perspective.
For those who do not know, that is me on the right and my daughter on the left.

FRIDAY
Before I start getting into the events during the show, I want to take a minute to talk about this show, and the circumstances surrounding it.
The 2020 show was canceled.
Twice.
So there was much concern that this years show wouldn't happen either. There was much hope, but not a lot of faith.
Many of us thought, that if it did actually happen, it would be scaled back. Both because of lack of time to prepare, and a lack of those willing to take a chance to attend. So,much of the discussion early Friday was about expectations. That, and how happy everyone was to see everyone, get away from home, and away from work. Many of us had been cooped up for the year, and overworked for much of that time.
On top of all that, the hotel itself was pretty scaled back. Things in Kentucky were just starting to open up and this was the first event at the hotel.
Which was very short staffed, but still did very well. We were informed at check in that due to staffing issues that housekeeping was only cleaning rooms after guests checked out, and if we needed clean towels to just let the front desk know.
It was strange seeing the show area already set up for WF on Thursday night, and Friday morning. Usually they are still accomodating another show and changing over for WF.
It was also a little odd not seeing a bunch of people lining up for breakfast in the morning, but the hotel restaraunt wouldn't be serving breakfast until Saturday. They also had a very limited menu. At least that is what we heard from other friends, as we never actually hit the restaurant this trip, and there was no room service menus in the room.

Now that that is out of the way, back to my experience. We called it pretty early on Thursday, so I was up pretty early on Friday. Also, I didn't sleep that well the night before. The blanket seemed thinner this year, and there was no comforter on the bed. Combined with the AC setting we had in the room, I was kind of chilled. I solved that the rest of the weekend by folding the blanket over and having 2 layers to cover with.
Anyway, I got dressed and headed up the road to McD's for breakfast while Britny slept in. Then I wandered the hotel seeing who I would run into. Peaked my head in the AFM class, which was pretty packed, as it was the only class for the day this year. Then back to the room to relax and watch some South Park while visiting with Britny. Later we made a couple laps around saying hi and visiting with people. Then she headed back to the room for a while. She works retail, so this past year has been crazy for her. So having a day to just sit and do nothing was an amazing relief.
I on the other hand have been cooped up with my wife and only really saw the people I work with, and the ones who work at the local stores I frequent. So I was happy to see friends and visit.
We decided on an early dinner, so we could be back in time for them to open the registration, and dealer load in.
We went to our favorite pizza place nearby. Hometown Pizza
Had a nice meal, and brought leftovers back for lunch the next day. Then went down to see what was going on.
WOW!
The line to get your badges and contest entry forms went almost all the way to the lobby!
We are used to seeing lines like that for the dealers room to open Saturday morning, but not for Friday admission purchases.
Looks like this year is going to have a good turn out.
We ran into lots of friends, saw lots of cool stuff being hauled into the dealers room, found out which room Cult was in so we could stop in and visit.
There was no meet-and-great this year so everyone just kind of hung out in the hallway visiting and catching up.
After that, it was party time. Sort of. Without the Canadian Embassy things were a little different. Since the Canadian border was still closed none of our friends up north could attend. So we had no set hang-out for the rest of us from that group. We kind of roved around. Hanging in the lobby with Chinxy and Rick. Hanging in the parking lot with whoever happened to be out there. Running into friends in the courtyard and up on the patio.
As well as a nice visit to the Cult-suite. It was low-key, and kind of perfect. After a year of isolation, neither of us were really looking for large social gatherings. Smaller groups with quiet conversation was just the ticket.
Can't remember for sure, but I think we called it a night somewhere around 1 or 2.

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