The 7th Annual Rocky Mountain Leather Trade show is now History, but, what a great, great show it was. Having been to this one and the past two, this was the best I have been to. I strongly suggest each of you try to attend next year. You will not be disappointed. Will start of with my arrival in Sheridan, which was on Wednesday afternoon. Arriving with me was Bruce Barlow, the iilg member who accepted my invitation for a ride. Bruce and I hit it off great. Sort of like a 'blind date' that worked out well. Fellows, remember those? In the event you do not know Bruce, he is from Lawrence, Kansas and has been in business since 1986 or thereabouts.

After checking into the Super8, we went first to the Don King Saddlery, where we visited with and watched Jim Jackson do some of his outstanding carving. A real Master of the Sheridan style. While there, we met JR Richardson, from Texas, a relative newcomer to leather, but a real friendly fellow. Also, visited with Dusty Johnson, who also arrived early. Again, Dusty drove his toy, the red Excaliber.

From King's we went to supper and then on to Barry King's workshop, where we had the opportunity to view some of his excellent quality stamps being made, plus, was able to hand pick out a few of his new designs, thus getting the jump on the show attendees. Sorry about that folks that were there. Also, gave Barry an order for some special designs for myself. By then, it was getting late, so, back to the Super8 for the nite.

Arising early on Thursday morning, the day started out, after a hearty breakfast, with a visit to Don Butler's Custom Cowboy Shop. Don was hard at work, finishing up an order, but was gracious and took time out to visit with Bruce and I as well as with many other people who were coming in to look around or buy some of his fine made products. Had a chance to view Don's entry for the Saddlery division of debut, and it was outstanding. Then, it was time to move from the Super 8 over to the Holiday Inn and get the room and display set up for myself. As many of you already know, I deal in old, reconditioned saddlemaker tools. Also, in my pattern books and new patterns. Along about 3:30 in the afternoon, I decided to take a short break, and went wandering among the displays which were being set up in the Atrium. Stopped to visit with Bill Gomer for a few minutes. Must have been about 4 by then, when Bill reeled back his sleeve, looked at his watch, and said, 'are you going to King's party? If so, we better get going so we can get a parking space'. Please keep in mind that the reception at King's did not start until after 6 PM. This party is so widely publicized and attended, you are lucky to find a parking space with in three blocks, if you do not get there early. Well, Bruce and I did not leave that early, but, got there about 6, and we did have to park about two blocks away. And what a party it is.

It was was to wall people, and I was able to meet many old friends, Wayne Christensen, who did not seem stressed out by his long bus ride, Fay Stewart, from Sheridan, our web master, DaveT and his lovely wife, Sandi, Don Roland, plus, many other iilg folks, whose names escape my memory, just to much to remember. Of course, Peter was there and did the honors of the Stohlman Museum dedication. I was able to shake the hand of the First Lady of Leather, Ann Stohlman. Was also able to meet another of my 'by paper and telephone' mentors, Al Shelton. The Stohlman Museum exhibit is mind shattering. Peter is to be commended for his efforts in bringing it together. Don King is also to be commended for providing the space. The pictures and updates that Peter has sent us over the set up time have been great, but, to see the actual items, WOW.

Then, the party was ending and back to the Holiday Inn, left the back door open and we spent half the remaining part of the evening visiting.

Then, suddenly it was Friday morning, Show day. All I can say about Friday, is Thank You to all of the iilg folks who visited and bought copies of East of Sheridan as well as the new Sheridan designs pattern pack. By the time 5 PM came around, I was ready for a break. Friday evening was another evening of visiting and fellowship with old and new found friends.

Then, on to Saturday morning. Was finally able to visit with my friend, Clint Fay, co-author of the fantastic new book, Sheridan Style Carving, a joint effort of Clint Fay, Billie Gardner and Bob Likewise. This book, all in full color will literally 'blow your mind' They get into the history of the style and show how to draw your own patterns. Plus, many, many pictures of the fine work of many of the Sheridan stampers.

Then, Saturday was similar to Friday, lots of visitors to the display and money being spent, Again, thank you. On Saturday, also met more iilg folks, present and former, among them George Cubic, who I invited back. Before I knew it, it was closing time, for the day, and time to get ready for the banquet at the historic Sheridan Inn.

Oh, what a time was had. Good food, good friends, and an excellent entertainment program put on the the Randy Severe family of Pendleton, Oregon. They own Severe Saddlery of Pendleton, but are outstanding as musicians. They know how to play the good old songs.

Must bring this up, even though late in this list of events. After the party, we all retired back to the Holiday Inn, and room 119, my room. This evening our fellow member, Don Roland was also in attendance, and Don recited some of his original Cowboy Poetry. Hey, it is GOOD. Don told me he is putting a book together. So, besides being good with the leather tools, he is also good with a pen. Then, Sunday morning was there. Again, another wonderful, but slower day, with the wonderful folks who visited. And, then, suddenly, it was 2 PM, the show was over. However, since Sunday was a little on the slow side, I was able to get to the Debut display, and again, Mind Blowing Time. I hope someone took lots of pics (DaveT?) or (??????). and will post them for all to see.

Then, it was over. Lots of good memories.

Woke up on Monday morning, Blue Monday, had to leave Wyoming and head back East to Indiana, darn. Change the words to the song from San Francisco to Sheridan.

Sorry to have made this so long, but, there was so much to see, so much to do and so much to remember. If you can, Please try to make it there next year, You will not be disappointed.
Ron
rosaddlery@fwi.com