For the first time in its history, Cold Wars was impacted by Old Man Winter. Though there have been many winter storms during the past, this was the first to noticeably make a difference in attendance. The paid admission count was 1265, well down from the usual 1800+, some 200 pre-registrants never picked up their packets. Even some of the vendors and manufacturers didn't make it.

Those who did, however, report that business was brisk and most did not discern that much of a fall off in sales. The flea-market was the largest to date. It, along with the ancient toumeys, was held in the seperated tennis court building. It took a hardy soul to cross the parking lot from the warm hotel to the breezy tennis court, but most of the attendees to this Cold Wars WERE the hardy sou15!

The gaming was up to its usual high standards. One new feature was a series of games called March Madness, put on by The Courier and Old Colony Wargamers (the club where many of The Courier staff play). A series of small 15 minute to 1/2 hour "fun" games were put on for 8 hours each on Friday and Saturday. Players could choose among Western Shootout, Blow the Lahore Gate, Jousting, a submarine race, a rhino race, a tank race and many more. Over 250 gamers participated and all seemed to have a great time. Leo Cronin, The Courier's business manager, ran the games. Leo's helpers, unfortunately, were among those who were bested by Old Man Winter, but he perservered, running all the games by himself. As of this writing, some 3 weeks later, his voice has not yet fully recovered.

Scott Holder reports a small dropoff in Ancient Toumament players 42 players in 7.5, 44 in DBM, and between 30-40 in DBA. The 1/3 in each pattem of the last year seemed to hold. DBM and DBA held steady but there was about a 20% drop in 7.5 attendence. The DBA Midnite Madness filled up its 32 slots and although Armati attendence was disappointing (7 players), hopefully the tournament version will be out soon which might help things. Rich Novak, John Shirey, Dave Ray, Mike McVeigh,Tom Haslett and Steve Hemdon are all to be thanked for their umpiring.

Eric Turner won the DBM theme-specific sportsman award and Mike Mallamaci, die hard 7.5 player was the overall Sportsman winner.

Best Terrain (or our equivalent) was won by Tom Thomas for his streams, buildings and camp. Honorable Mentions went to Mark Huml, Tom McMillen, Steve Turn, and Rob Torres. Best Painted Army awards went to Rob White, Andrew Reibman, Mark Huml, Paul Georgian, and Tom Thomas.

Thistle and Rose, Colonial Connection, TCS, Falcon, Pass of the North, Terrain Masters, Pharoah's Amms, Quartermaster, Gladiator, Ral Partha, Pendragon, and Collonade Publishing all provided prizes.

Tournament Results

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