Pin Trading by the Pond
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At noon, the visits to the pond and the big pin board at Tom's house began. There was a sign-up sheet for 25 people per hour to go to the pond.

Tom Tumbusch at event

While people were milling about the mall space, Anita, the President of the Plane Crazy chapter, continued to hand out prizes all day for people who could bring her the correct pin. For example, traders were asked to bring her a pin with Jane from Tarzan on it or a pin with Lilo and Stitch.

At 1:00 p.m., Morehouse Collectibles sponsored Pin Trivia. Twenty or so brave souls lined up against a stark white wall. They were each asked one pin question. A correct answer permitted you to stay for the next round; get it wrong and you were out. Even those who were not brave enough to participate gathered ‘round to see who would win. No one left empty handed. Each participant received a pack of Disney collector cards. That put a smile on everyone's face.

At 3:00 p.m., a white elephant pin exchange took place, sponsored by Albert Family Jewelers. Everyone had to put a pin valued between $10 and $20 in a sealed envelope which was placed in a box. Mar-c stood in the middle of the room with box in hand. As you picked a pin, you had to hold it up, just in case someone wanted to steal it. Over 100 people participated in this event and the stealing got ugly! We can't wait to do this one next year.

An intense pin trade between Jim and Drew

Around 4:00 p.m., Mar-c introduced a game called Identify That Pin. This event was sponsored by SACC Collectibles. Players had to write down the identity of a pin by its' silhouette. This proved to be tougher than everyone thought. Lots of groans were heard when the answers were read.

Pin trading continued until nearly 9:00 p.m. that evening. Then the tables got moved in preparation for Sunday's strictly disneyana show and sale.

Come Sunday morning, there was a long line of people waiting. The first 50 guests received a free Disney VIP pin from Stepupdj Auctions. While they were waiting for the gate to raise, everyone in line got to play Let's Make a (pin) Deal.

Chicken Jeff and his pal Rufus

When the gate opened at 10:00 a.m., everyone rushed in to see all the wonderful disneyana merchandise that the dealers had for sale. There was also a restocked pin trading board provided by Mar-c and lots of raffle opportunities to win some great prizes. Several people donated items which were auctioned off by the crazy man with the microphone, emcee "Chicken Jeff", a member of the Plane Crazy Chapter and who works for Chick-fil-A in a marketing capacity.

One thing is for sure - Pin Trading by the Pond will return in the summer of 2005. It promises to be bigger and better. Stay tuned for details.

Robbie from Morehouse Collectibles