AFRC EVENT KNOWN AS MAY DAZE
A downloadable Events Schedule of the activities is found at the bottom of this article.
Every May long weekend, the AFRC (Alberta Federation of Rock Clubs) holds it's annual meeting and much more which has become to be known as May Daze. There is sharing of technical hobby information, an opportunity to participate in field trips, acquire machines and rocks through an auction or tailgating and meet other like-minded people from clubs across the province.
On Friday, people begin arriving with their trailers, motor homes and tents. Each hall facility has its own rules and regulations. This year there is free parking on site for trailers and campers. There are also washroom facilities available for the campers when the hall is locked. Please note there is no consumption of alcohol in the hall or on the grounds allowed. Others rent rooms at nearby motels. Friday is mostly to get accommodations settled, set up the hall and prepare rocks and other items for the auction. A barbecue of hamburgers, condiments, salads and dessert will be made available at a nominal cost per person. After the BBQ meal, people meet in the hall for socializing and exchanging lapidary stories. The Host club, Edmonton Tumblewood Lapidary Club, will have a silent auction to raise funds to cover some of their cost of May Daze.
Saturday is filled with a variety of activities. A few activities such as field trips are preplanned. Others are volunteers who demonstrate their skills and pass along tips to beginners. Some ad hoc workshops may be pleasant surprises. Display cases provide information about materials and members' activities. Some choose to enjoy coffee and visit for part of the time. A potluck will be served this year at 5:30 pm. The Live Rock Auction is the main attraction on Saturday evening and it follows the potluck. The auction items are mainly rocks, equipment and anything related to the hobby. The live auction items are consigned with 15% of the selling price going to the AFRC and the consignee receiving 85%.
Sunday begins with a complementary pancake breakfast. The annual general AFRC meeting begins at 10:00 am sharp and lasts for an hour or more. Although everyone may contribute to the discussion at the meeting, only paid up club members are allowed to vote on the motions. The remains of the Saturday potluck makes up the Sunday noon buffet. The food seems to taste even better on the second day. After lunch, tailgating takes place. If the weather is good the tailgaters will be outside selling rock and lapidary related items out of the back of their trucks or cars, otherwise inside the hall from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The AFRC asks that all tailgaters donate 10% of their sales to the club using the honour system. The last item on Sunday's agenda is clean-up and leaving the hall in its original condition.
A reminder, if you plan to stay for the pot luck meal on Saturday night, bring an item of food for everyone to share. Stoves, refrigeration, etc are available. The food you bring will be shared both on Saturday night and also on Sunday noon. Remember to bring your own cutlery, plates, etc. This year, coffee, tea, juice and water will be available free of charge all weekend.
All members of the Alberta lapidary clubs are invited and encouraged to come and participate in this great event which is specifically geared to them. You may bring your family and friends so that they can get to see how much fun it is to belong to a lapidary club. Although they will not be allowed to participate in the field trips, due to insurance requirements, they can enjoy the displays, demos, the Friday evening talks, good food, and make purchases at the auctions and tailgate sales. All AFRC members will be required to show their membership card at the registration table to receive their goodie bag and door prize ticket and to go on the field trips. Please remember your AFRC membership card. The general public will be encouraged to attend the tailgate that takes place on Sunday from 1 – 3 pm.
Remember to bring your own cutlery, plates, cups, drinks (non-alcoholic), etc.
Please click on the following file download for a full list of events and location information.
| may_daze_2020_events_summary_final.pdf |
