This year, Little Wars in Chicago was bigger and definitely better. Little Wars celebrated its 20th anniversary in its home for the past 5 years at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. The show expanded this year to over 30,000 square feet of space, over 200 events, 39 venders, tournaments, flea markets, war college and parent-child games. Over 800 people came from all over the country for 3 full days of gaming.
This year's theme was Empires and Emperors. We brought in 3 great VIP's in the hobby. Duke Seifried, Todd Fisher, & Tod Kershner. Todd Fisher headlined our War College program with interesting topics like Miniature Rules Writing and Myths & Realities of the Napoleonic Wars. Todd also hosted a game based on the Napoleonic battle of Albura, Tod
Kershner hosted a Wild Wild East, a 17th century battle between Turks and Poles, and Duke ran his amazing Jolly Rodger pirates game.
Over the entire weekend I saw the best events in the country. Pound for pound, the events at Little Wars are the most visually impressive anywhere. I saw events with running water, smoke and working lights. Some of the great events at the show included a beautiful F& I game by Normal Warfare, a WWII game by Loren Haberkamp, a TSATF game by Colin Duesing & Mike Shay, a Vietnam game by Tom Konczal, multiple games by Mark Feldman, and an Ace of Aces game by Rick Schirtzinger. Also of note was a WWII game by Frank Chadwick, an AWI game by Earl Kyle, a WWII Crete game by Jeff Cohen, a W WII D-Day game by John Cusack & David Himm, Paul Beck, Gary Paul, Jeff Henn, an ECW game by Mark Anderson and crew, an ACW game by Michael Mays & Curt Murff, a Raiders of the Pharoahs's Tomb game by Michael Harris, a Colonial game by Greg Principato, a Wild West game by Forest Harris and my gangster game with John Barsanti and I to name a few. Pictures are available on the website at www.HMGSmidwest.org.
Little Wars was once again the place to be for special giveaways. Russ Dunaway (Old Glory Corp) donated a limited edition 25mm Mounted British Colonial Officer to our preregistered attendees. Also Legio X, Inc. donated MWAN Magazines to those who pre-registered and gave a free copy of Kampfgruppe Commander to every GM. We had another fabulous Keith Rocco print to raffle off called The Melee. It was the same picture used for the cover of the program book. On Saturday there was birthday cake for all to enjoy, compliments of Little Wars and the Marriott.
We continued the tradition of making Little Wars the most kid friendly convention in the country. We had numerous Parent-Child games for the kids. We also had a children's painting event. Each child was given paints and 54mm figures to make come alive. We at Little Wars owe a great deal of thanks to Bill Hupp, & George Knapp for running numerous events for our young generals. It is individuals like them who make this hobby so fun and enjoyable.
We also had multiple touraments for the more competitive players. We had two ancient tourneys. Thanks to Steve Smith of HMGS-GL and Jim Hauber for hosting these. We also had for the first time Games Workshop Rogue Trader Tourneys on Friday and Sunday. Many thanks to the GW staff for running these and their Lord of the Rings games at the show.
The vender area had many of the major manufactures and importers represented, such as Old Glory Corp, Battle Honors, Foundry, Essex, and the Last Square. It was great for the people in the Midwest to see all the new products up close and personal.
The Flea market continued to be a bustle of trading and buying. With all three sessions sold out it, was the place to be to rid yourself of all excess lead and books or pick up some great deals. As the Flea Market closed, you could see the seller's head right over to the vender area to purchase the new army they had been eyeing!
I have to say that after 5 years of running the convention, this was my best and favorite show I have done. I could not have done it with a few key people. I wish to thank Dave Hermann who has been my right hand, leg etc for 5 years. His skills, dedication and friendship have meant a lot to me. Also Rodger Kruse who will be taking over as Director of Little Wars next year has been God-send. His organization, people skills have been without equal. He is responsible for getting the best-of-the-best events at the show for the last 4 years. I also have to thank Ann Hermann for her dedication and patience running the registration desk for 5 years. She is the best at running a desk and her patience with me has been remarkable. I owe her a great deal.
I also have to thank Don Perrin for putting together the best looking program books in the business. His skill in graphic design has helped Little Wars attain a more professional look and standard. Our VIP's over the years have been great and have run superior events and lectures. I also wish to thank everyone else who has helped on staff and the entire HMGS-MW Board of Directors past and present. Without everyone's support I could not have done this show at all. I also wish to thank John Barsanti who has, over the past 3 years, helped me create some incredible events. Without John these events would only be a dream, not a reality.
Thanks for your support!
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© Copyright 2004 Hal Thinglum
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