One proven method of recruiting people to historical miniatures is to go to a non-HMGS gaming convention and run attractive, fun games -- show them what we're all about. We've done this quite successfully on a national scale at Origins for years, now.

I'm hoping to duplicate that success (on a smaller scale, of course) here in Columbus, this Fall. There is an active contingent of board gamers that put on Buckeye GameFest each year in October. They have a handful of miniature games each year, too. However, this year, the Columbus Area Boardgaming Society (CABS) approached me to see if I would get Great Lakes involved. I jumped at the chance.

Many CABS members play heavily tactical games like Advanced Squad Leader, so I believe they are fertile recruiting ground. I am lining up a slate of a dozen historical miniatures events for Buckeye GameFest. As of press time, I still have a few slots open, so if any GMs are interested in running a game, please contact me. I also encourage all Great Lakes members in the area to come out to Buckeye GameFest, this Oct. 3-5, and support their fellow members who are running games. Many of us play both miniatures and board games. So, this will be a chance for YOU to perhaps try out a new boardgame, in addition to helping our boardgame brethren out with tabletop tactics. And if you're not into boardgames, I have scheduled it so there are two historical minis events going on at all times.

To date, here are the events I have lined up:
"Battle of Culloden," 15mm Jacobite Rebellion by Mike Demana.
"Seven Years War," in 15mm by Lind Pratt.
"American Civil War," in 15mm by Lind Pratt.
"Desperado," 25mm Wild West by Terry Hollern.
"Die Foreign Devils!" 25mm Boxer Rebellion by Jeff Russ.
"Ace of Aces," World War I aerial combat by Rick Shirtzinger
"1920s Gangsters," in 25mm by John Pittenger.
"54mm World War II Infantry Skirmish," using Featherstone's rules by Gregg Pittenger.
(tentative) An excellent 25mm Piquet game by Chris Velas (likely either "San Juan Hill" or "Fallen Timbers").

I will have the full schedule with days and start times to pass out at Advance the Colors. In addition, I will be attaching a $5 off coupon for entrance into Buckeye GameFest for Great Lakes members only (bring your membership card). Oh, and one final note for rabid college football fans like me: It is a Buckeye "bye" week, so this GameFest was obviously meant to be!