Greetings Fellow Border Batchers , As I now look out the window of the Hamm It Up shop and hear the wind blowing and the snow swirling , I realize another year of beer collecting fun is nearing a close . To say the chapter has had a successful year this year is an understatement . Our shows at the Schell ’ s Brewery and our 4th annual Bago Bash at the Bird ’ s Nest were a great success as I ’ m sure our show in November at the Kato Brewery will be also . Our membership has been increasing and our newsletter has been well done as always . Our bank account is in good shape , and I see nothing but good things for our chapter moving forward . And what can I say about this year ’ s Bago Bash ? We had people showing up on Tuesday already this year getting in on helping set up and get things organized . Seems like we learn something and ways to improve our show every year and this year was no different . The parking on Friday and Saturday went much better , especially the day of the show . Even though the next-door neighbors had erected a large building on the adjoining lot , there was still plenty of room to park people that weren ’ t vendors so many thanks go to them for the use of the lot . The Friday night hospitality went very well , shutting down a little earlier than in past years so there were less people sweating on the inside this year , both food trucks were popular , especially the pork chops Friday night . Lots of new faces this year too . Big Bird ’ s swag shop did a brisk business all weekend selling shirts , glasses and fun meters . Thank you all for supporting the show in this way since we don ’ t charge admission or table fees selling souvenirs help defray expenses a bit . The auction and raffle Saturday also went very well . Thanks to everyone that chipped in items and helped with that . One huge plus is this year NABA had offered to “ sponsor ” our show and all of the advertising that goes with it . If you are on the fence about joining any of the big clubs , I would suggest taking a serious look at NABA , especially if you ’ re into brewerania collecting . Their magazine that they publish is second to none and is worth the cost of the dues itself . Drop me a note if you have any questions or need a membership folder . If there were any negatives concerning the show , the only one I could see was the fact that North Star Chapters ’ annual big show was the weekend following the Bash and for out-of-town people maybe a little expensive two weeks in a row . Most of you know they had to move their show up due to the building they hold the show in putting the ice down earlier now and the show needs to be held before that happens . Sounds like the Guzzle show is going to be moved up a week in 2024 so that should help both shows in attendance . As always if anyone has suggestions on how to improve any of our shows , we welcome those suggestions . Speaking of shows , our annual show at the Mankato Brewery in Mankato is just around the corner on November 18th . This show has also gotten bigger every year and I ’ ve always asked , what better place to have a beer show than at a brewery ? Flyers and advertising are already out so hope to see you all there . Rumor has it an after-show party may be brewing at the Bird ’ s Nest . Have some great shows to start planning for already next year with the annual ABA show being held in Omaha and the NABA annual show in St . Louis . Both shows are within easy driving distance and should both be very well attended , being in the Midwest . Check the websites of both clubs for details . Hope to see you all at Mankato . Hamm It Up Steve
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