Tracy Mellow founder of Iron Gate posted this today: "All HEMA friends:
I am beginning to contemplate a large event here in Visalia Ca. For next year.
I just talked to the manager of the Visalia Convention Center (A beautiful venue) and the rates are reasonable and doable if I can get attendance.
We are centrally located between Northern and Southern California, Right at the entrance to the Sequoia National Forest. One block away is our downtown area with tons of restraunts and shopping, and of course bars and breweries.
Visalia is a quaint small city, and is relatively quiet compared to cramped big cities.
I am looking to offer Tournaments, classes, lectures, hopefully some antique showing, merchants etc. And hopefully some cool new idea that would draw in people.
There is a Marriott connected to the convention center, and a Comfort Suites directly across the street connected to the Convention parking.
In order to begin seriously planning an event like this, I need an indication if the attendance will cover the costs of the event. I will need approximately 200 people to make it work.
Please let me know if you would be interested in my event. Please share this and tag me in it so I can be notified of other's interest.
Thank you."
It is 174 miles from the park. Approximately 3 hour drive.
Added bonus, we might get to hit Brennan again! 😁
Here is the venue:
Visalia Convention Center