I too have been going to Iowa Gas with a group of friends for the last 16 years or so and have always loved it. Yes, the start date has been slowly creeping up and when I arrived Monday afternoon I felt as I was late. I agree that there is a huge problem of people renting two spaces only to room vend or not vend at all. The show was sold out but people who wanted to vend got stuck on the south side where there is limited traffic. We always rent two spots, fill one spot up and the area in front of our trailer. The 2 spots next to us have sat empty for the last 3 years because he parks in the hotel parking and vends from his room. He wants to keep renting it so he has the same spot in case he changes his mind someday. Nice guy but it only hurts the show.
All these years I have never stayed for the auction, too far out from when the action starts and stops. I vote to have the auction start at 2:00 on Wed. Maybe only accept X number of items that can be sold in a certain amount of time. I am sure the auction house would do that. Everyone is already there with their trailers and cash, no internet fee and shipping issues. Most venders are heading inside by that time anyway. Tue-Thur, done! I seriously believe it would increase auction selling prices and interest as you would capture the whole Iowa Gas crowd. Change the BBQ to Tue as we are all there anyway, and don't allow official setting up and vending until 0500 Tuesday. There is no way to completely stop everyone from chating and looking in trailers, just part of the fun but setting up so early kind of hurts things.
Ok, there is my 2 cents. Overall an awesome show and a big thanks to the guys who make it happen. See everyone next year. Thanks, Todd.
