CoCoFEST! Chicago Area Attractions and Thing To Do

Posted on | by John Mark Mobley

Archades:

Dave & Buster’s in Lombard

Enterrium in Schaumburg

Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield

Underground Retrocade in West Dundee

Things to do:

Mastermind Escape Games Escape Rooms Schaumburg, IL

Disco, Night Club, Chicago, IL

American Science and Surplus, Geneva/West Chicago, IL

American Science and Surplus, Park Ridge, IL

Chester Electronic Supply Co., Kenosha, WI

Micro Center Computers & Electronics, Westmont, IL

Hobby Lobby, Bloomingdale, IL

Alien Entertainment Store, Lombard, IL

Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL

Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL

Chinatown, Chicago, IL

Chicago Segway Tour, Chicago, IL

Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL

Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, Chicago, IL

North Riverside Park Mall, Riverside, IL

Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL

Leaning Tower YMCA, Niles, IL

     (half-size replica of the Tower of Pisa)

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Schaumburg, IL

Museum of Broadcast Communications, Chicago, IL

The Oriental Institute, Chicago, IL

     (museum about ancient Middle Eastern cultures)

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL

Twin Lakes Golf Course & Recreation Area, Palatine, IL

     (Golf and paddleboats)

Frank Lloyd Wright Tours, Oak Park, IL

Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL

Geneva 3rd Street and State Street, Geneva, IL

     (Antiquing and shopping)

Long Grove, Long Grove, IL

     (Antiquing and shopping)

The House on the Rock, Spring Green, Wisconsin

Galena, IL

     (Antiquing and shopping)

Ulysses S. Grant Home, Galena, IL

Chicago Theater, Broadway Shows, Chicago, IL

Busse Forest Elk Pasture, Elk Grove Village, IL

The Sculpture Park, Schaumburg, IL

LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Schaumburg, IL

K1Speed Indoor Go Karts, Buffalo Grove, IL

Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, IL

Forest Preserve/Nature Preserve, Cook County, IL

Wendella Tours and Cruises, Chicago, IL

     (Chicago River Tours)

Chicago River Tour

Casino/Gambling

Historic Route 66 Begin Sign, Chicago, IL

Mass Transit Chicago:

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co, Chicago IL

Big Bus Tours Chicago, Chicago IL

Gangster Tour Chicago

Chicago Tour

Chicago Transit Authority – CTA Buses and Train Service

Metra train

South Shore Line train

Airports:

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago Executive Airport-PWK

Schaumburg Regional Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Religion:

Billy Graham Museum, Wheaton, IL

Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL

Bahai House of Worship, Wilmette, IL

     (I hear it is very beautiful to look at)

Ark Encounter, Willamstown, KY

Creation Museum, Petersburg, KY

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, Chicago, IL

The Oriental Institute, Chicago, IL

     (A museum about ancient Middle Eastern cultures)

Holocaust Museum, Skokie, IL

Sporting Events:

Chicago Sky

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Bulls

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Fire

Chicago White Sox

Chicago Bears

Chicago Curling Club

Chicago Park District Badminton

Chicago Boxing Events

Windy City Rollers (Roller Derby)

Roller Rink

Ice Skating

Golf

Frisbee Golf

Miniature Golf

Bowling

Shuffleboard

Carol Stream Park District Adult Pickleball

Climbing

Paddle Boat

Chicago Landmarks:

875 North Michigan Ave. (formerly known as the John Hancock Building)

Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower)

Cloudgate sculpture, Millennium Park, Chicago (known as “the Bean”)

Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Chicago

Chicago lakefront, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

     (Amusement rides, boat rides, IMAX Theater, restaurants and ship cruises)

Gardens

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL

Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL

Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden, Geneva, IL

Lilacia Park, Lombard, IL

Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL

Notes:

American Science and Surplus

Salvador Garcia says: Yes, you can go to the Website and browse, but it does not prepare you for when you go in person. There is a huge number of stuff, everything from a periscope (Geneva store), beakers, test tube and more for your chem lab, motors, gearmotors, LEDs, electronic components, foam human hearts, stuffed plushy brain neurons, real frogs for dissection, bearings, magnets, DaVinci machines kits… well, the list just goes on and on.

Alien Entertainment Store

Salvador Garcia says:  And if there are any sci fi fans (Dr. Who, Star Wars, Star Trek) then Alien Entertainment in Lombard has enough stuff to keep you busy for about two hours.

If you are coming to the CoCoFEST! from out of town on an extended stay, you may be interested in other things to see while you are here. The ladies may enjoy a trip to the mall or antiquing and shopping in Long Grove, IL or Geneva, IL.

Chicago Chinatown

North Riverside Park Mall

Salvador Garcia says:  And if there are any die-hard fans of the movie Contagion, I can point you to the mall where the mall scenes were filmed 🙂

Navy Pier

(Amusement rides, boat rides, IMAX Theater, restaurants and ship cruises)

Frank Lloyd Wright Tours

Salvador Garcia says:  If anyone is into architecture, Oak Park was home to the internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday April 6, 2022 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain

We’re 2 weeks away from the 31st Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! This is our last meeting prior, and we will not have a May meeting. Everything is in motion, but there’s always last minute items to discuss.

Please join us this Thursday. We will open the call early at 6:30PM.

Meeting Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b0K4I5xbc1nVYfGtwQ7soiGrctrnbdzq/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115546368758315252280&rtpof=true&sd=true

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

CoCoFEST! Questions and Answers

Posted on | by John Mark Mobley

How to prepare for the CoCoFEST!

Q) What should I bring?

A1) Musical instruments.

A2) We hold two auctions, so bring stuff you want to keep out of landfills to go into the auctions, and bring some spending money to spend on auction items to add to your collection that you didn’t have a chance to purchase when you were younger.  The money from the auctions goes to help pay for the CoCoFEST!  Buy books, manuals, software, cables, joysticks, disk drives, computers, fanfold paper, and such.  If you bring an item and it does not sell, then consider taking it back home with you.  Printers generally do not sell and no one wants to be stuck with them.

A3) People are selling hardware and software (outside of the auction) so bring some spending money for that.

A4) Charge the battery in your camera and bring it.

A5) Bring hardware you want repaired or upgraded.

A6) If you have a booth, then bring extension cords, power strips, and tape to hold them down.

A7) Bring your ideas.

A8) Chicago has toll roads but you can no longer bring some change to drop in the tollbooth change accepter basket. Instead you can pay by plate by signing up at https://www.getipass.com/ Or use your GPS and avoid toll roads altogether.

A9) An ice scraper for your car, just in case.

Q) Is Wi-Fi available to all at the CoCoFEST?

A) Yes!

Q) What kind of computer should I bring to show at the CoCoFEST?

A1) CoCos, Tandy, TRS-80, Radio Shack, and clones.

A2) Anything that runs a Motorola 6809, Hitachi 6309, Motorola 68k, Zilog Z80, Intel 8080, Intel 8008, Intel 4004

A3) Southwest Technical Products Corp. (SWTPC)

A4) Tomcat, MM/1, AT306, Delmar System IV/ Peripheral Technology PT68K-4

A5) FPGA, Microprocessor, Arduino, Raspberry Pi and such.

A6) Calculator, adding machine, slide rule, and abacus.

A7) Analog computer

A8) Mechanical computers

Q) Would people want to see NitrOS-9/6809 driving a teletype machine, teleprinter, paper terminal or silent 700?

A) Yes!

Q) Would people like to see a plain old telephone bulletin board system in operation using 300 baud?

A) Yes!

Q) Can I arrange for my booth to be next to someone else?

A) If you sign up early enough then you can select the tables you want. This is done on TandyList.

Q) What is the attendance like?

A) 50 to 100 people are likely to attend and 95% of them are male.

Q) Will there be an opportunity for non-vendors to swap/trade/sell hardware?

A) The entire event consists of trading, swapping, buying and selling software, hardware, other stuff, stories, anecdotes and knowledge. I think you would be hard pressed to not find time to do this.

Q) How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

A1) You can take a rental car, taxi, Uber, or limo.

A2) If by taxi, I would recommend American Taxi (AT).

Q) What should I wear?

A1) A Hawaiian shirt and blue jeans would be fine.

A2) A CoCoFEST shirt and wash pants are also fine.

Q) How do I know I am getting a good room rate at the hotel?

A) Check out the link below:

Q) When should I arrive?

A) Get there before dark on Friday.  Sunset is 7:40 PM.

Q) When can I set up my booth/table?

A) It may be possible for a few people to set up on Friday evening between 5:00-11:59 PM.  Otherwise you can set up on Saturday morning between 8:00-9:00 AM.

Q) What are my options for gluten free food?

A1) Jimmy John’s sells a lettuce wrap.

A2) Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Schaumburg, IL

A3) Pizzeria Uno, Schiller Park, IL

Q) How do you know how many people are coming to the catered dinner?

A) You can signup for the dinner on TandyList.

Q) Is the CoCoFEST! in a high crime area?

A) No!  Absolutely not!

Q) Is this a busy area?

A) Busy is a relative term.  Downtown Chicago is very busy.  Carol Stream is half or a third as busy.  And parking is free.

Q) What if I have more questions?

A) Go to the About Us portion of our website.

Shares

It’s Almost Upon Us!

Posted on | by Jim Brain

As of today, we’re less than 30 days away from the 31st Annual Last Chicago CoCoFEST! Like last year, admission is FREE! For those of you planning to attend in person or virtually, thanks for your support in allowing the Glenside Color Computer Club to hold this event; and I hope you are excited for the projects, presentations, and personal connections that truly embody the event.  If you’re a presenter or preparing a demonstration, take heart! There’s still almost 30 days for you to finish debugging your project or slide show, designing your materials, and documenting all the items and aids you need to shuttle to the show!

As we count down the final month before CoCo and Tandy enthusiasts descend into the Chicago area (and set up for our virtual attendees), make sure we don’t mistake you for one of those Atarians or the Fruity Apple folks by jumping over to https://glensideccc.myspreadshop.com/ and grabbing one of the official CoCoFEST! T-shirts.  Merch is also available, and every sales nets valuable proceeds that keep the show on future schedules. 

If you’re not local to the greater Chicago metropolitan area, snag one of our block of hotel rooms at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Carol Stream before March 31. The group code is GCT (Glenside Color Technology? 😊).  It’s probably also a good time to note that we’re moving this year to the Carol Stream Holiday Inn, which is newly renovated and is only a few miles from the Heron Pointe location (from I-355, you get off at the same exit as for Heron Pointe, but travel West instead of East. Fear not, Portillo’s is just down the road a few blocks from the new location, as is a host of other eating establishments (no driving out of an industrial zone to find food).

Once you have your attire and a place to crash, we’d love to host you at our Saturday evening dinner buffet, as we’ve done in the past. Don’t wait too long to secure your spot at the table; we have to let the venue know a final attendee count by April 14. Regular, vegetarian, vegan, and special request plated meals are also available. Please let us know when you purchase.

The “No Minimum Bid Auction” is back again this year, having inspired other events over the course of the many years we’ve held it. Jason Timmons (of VCF-Midwest fame, among other pursuits) will once again step in as auctioneer. The past few years have yielded an overabundance of interesting auction items, and this year is no different. Of course, cash is king, but we’re prepared to handle credit cards and other electronic payment options.  That said, we cannot be responsible for breaking the news to friends and family of your plethora of purchases.

I would like to take a moment to thank Retro Rewind for graciously helping to sponsor this year’s show. If you or your business would like to help sponsor the show, there is still time.  Please contact Grant Leighty, 2023 CoCoFEST! Coordinator.  Speaking of Grant, be sure to grab him and thank him for handling all of the details inherent in holding our show.  As well, thanks to Tony Podraza, coordinator emeritus, who is providing an assist.

In year’s past, we’ve enjoyed live or recorded podcasts and videocasts and this year continues with Amigos Retro Gaming planning a live CoCo-themed broadcast during the show. They’ll be doing so as part of our packed weekend of scheduled presentations and live events, as noted on the show schedule. Frank Linhares of Retro Rewind will present our keynote, with additional presentations by Fred Provoncha, L. Curtis Boyle, Ken Waters, and John Strong. As in year’s past, the late night Jam session is once again on (BYOI – bring your own instrument), while Brian Schubring will kick off both show days off with national anthems.

When you’re not perusing the auction items, soaking up material from our presentations, or enjoying Amigos Retro Gaming during their broadcast, please focus attention on our 3800 sq ft show floor. As of today, 48 of the 49 exhibitor tables are sold. No matter your specific interest, you can find it among the projects, products, parts, as well as software, systems, and storage available at the show. The show floor is a great place to grab great purchase deals, request impromptu demonstrations, and enjoy impassioned discussions with project developers. And, if you’re wanting that one remaining table, it’s available for purchase at our table registration site.

Though show admission is free, please consider joining or renewing your Glenside Color Computer Club membership.  It’s only $15.00/year. And, if you’d like more detail on any aspect of the show, please visit our show web site at https://www.glensideccc.com/cocofest/.

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday March 2, 2022 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain

Less than 2 months until FEST! I hope everyone is well into getting their projects and presentations ready and making plans to arrive on site April 22, 2023.

As we near the fest, meetings tend to focus on it, but feel free to join with any club questions or comments.

NOTE: We’ve updated the Zoom link, so make sure you’re using the one listed here.

Please join us this Thursday. We will open the call early at 6:30PM.

Meeting Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aTYvJgyop1A9JvPG51_Xgv9n_iBYgI4O/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115546368758315252280&rtpof=true&sd=true

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday February 2, 2022 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain

80 days until CoCoFEST! 31! Venue is rented, tables are almost gone, and speaker lineup is being finalized, If you’ve not made your reservation, stop reading this and do that! Then, join our meeting this Thursday and bring all your fest questions or comments.

NOTE: We’ve updated the Zoom link, so make sure you’re using the one listed here.

Please join us this Thursday. We will open the call early at 6:30PM.

Meeting Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OkbTwwWJPDk7WiR3a1OnIlMfSRKEXFzt/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115546368758315252280&rtpof=true&sd=true

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82797367585#,,,,*686821# (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 827 9736 7585
Passcode: 686821
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIAqFZbZR

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqfu6rqDwvEtGPAHF62Rhv1v5lakjdaO9W/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTItGdKStRGCRpwQB4r4KOnwpmZYj7d6rD7NJXYBUAvgZ_QXPrN0GtzR

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares

You Can Now Buy Your Official CoCoFEST 31 T-Shirts and Other Items at the Glenside Store

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

CoCoFEST 31 is coming up fast and things are starting to come together for another awesome year. Over the past couple of shows, I have heard that people would like to purchase a t-shirt for CoCoFEST.  I am happy to announce that we are selling t-shirts this year. I’ve created a Spreadshirt store for Glenside where we can sell t-shirts, mugs, buttons, tote bags, and several other items. Glenside does make a little bit of money on each purchase to help pay for CoCoFEST. I would like that thank both Ron Delvaux, and Salvadore Garcia for submitting their designs this year. You can purchase your t-shirts, and other items now at the Glenside store at https://glensideccc.myspreadshop.com. Please show your support for CoCoFEST and purchase your t-shirts, and other items today. Make sure to wear your t-shirts at CoCoFEST this year.  

Ron Delvaux
Salvador Garcia
Ron Delvaux
Shares

Looking for People to Give Presentations at CoCoFEST 31

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

It is hard to believe CoCoFEST is only a little more than three months away. We are looking for people who would like to give a presentation at this years CoCoFEST.

Presentations can any length in time between 30 minutes and a 1-1/2 hours. This will also include time for the audience to ask questions. The presentation will need to be given in-person and be about the Color Computer.  We will provide a computer for you to show your PowerPoint or presentation on a projector and a screen. If you need any additional equipment, please let us know.

If you are interested in giving a presentation this year, send an email to Grant Leighty at cocofest@glensideccc.com. Please include the name of your presentation, a short description of what your presentation will be about, and how long it will be. We would also like to have a short bio about you that we can put on our website.

We look forward to another great CoCoFEST this year and some great talks about the CoCo.  

Shares

Registration for Vendors Tables and Dinner is Officially Open for CoCoFEST 31

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

Now that the holidays are behind us, and the start of 2023 is here, it’s time to start thinking about the 2023 CoCoFEST. I am happy to announce that vendor registration has officially opened, and it is time to get your tables. This year we will be at a new venue which has changed a few things. The big change is that we have two tables sizes, the blue tables are the 8 foot ($40 each), and the pink tables are 6 foot ($30 each). We have also put a two-table limit, but if you need more than two tables, please send an email to Grant Leighty at cocofest@glensideccc.com. Please book your tables now as they are expected to go fast this year.

We have also had the menu finalized for the Saturday night dinner. The dinner will be held at the hotel and the cost is $43 per a person.

Saturday Night Dinner Menu:

  • Garden Salad with two dressings
  • Homestyle Meatloaf
  • Herb Roasted Chicken
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
  • Sweet Buttery Corn
  • Apple Pie


You can register for both, to reserve a table, and the dinner at www.tandylist.com. Please click on the 2023 CoCoFEST! logo at the top right of the page. Fill out the form and pick up to two tables. You can also purchase the dinner. Review your order and then pay via PayPal or send a check to the treasurer. It is important that payment is received no later than April 1st to make sure that your table(s) are reserved. If you want to send your payment later, you can send it to our PayPal account at treasurer@glensideccc.com. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Grant Leighty at cocofest@glensideccc.com.

Also don’t forget to book your hotel rooms for CoCoFEST. We have moved to a very nice new location this year. We also get the group discount for ALL four days, Thursday – Sunday. To book a room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Carol Stream, you can book your room online by clicking here. You must book before the cutoff date of Midnight Chicago time, March 30, 2023, for the special CoCoFEST! rate of $119 a night plus fees and taxes for two queen beds, or a one king bed. There is an option for a two rooms suite with a king bed for $134 a night plus taxes. They also have a two rooms suite with two queen beds upon request. Please reach out to Grant Leighty if you are interested in this room. To get this rate, you must select any days between and including April 20th to 23rd and enter the CoCoFEST! group rate of GCT. You may alternatively call the Front Desk to book your room at 630-665-3000 and provide them the Group Code of GCT. The Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Carol Stream will continue to accept reservations after March 31, 2023 but are subject to availability and at the regular prices.

  • Book your room my midnight
    March 30, 2023.
  • Use group rate GCT.
  • Attend the show!
    Show dates are April 22, 23
    Vendor setup available the day before.
Holiday Inn - Carol Stream (Wheaton)
Shares

Glenside Club Meeting: Thursday January 5, 2022 @ 7:30PM Central

Posted on | by Jim Brain

Welcome to 2023! Our first meeting of the year is this Thursday. CoCoFEST! will no doubt dominate the discussion, as we’re just a bit more than 3 months away from the event.

Please join us this Thursday. We will open the call early at 6:30PM.

Meeting Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ok0CdUuitdSRMiQIUjPki2D5jOdoft3x/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115546368758315252280&rtpof=true&sd=true

To join the Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82797367585?pwd=OUxibkJaR2N1SUtSOU9EUUlYeXBJQT09

Meeting ID: 957 2367 2795
Passcode: GCCC

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,95723672795#,,,,478869# US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 957 2367 2795
Passcode: 478869
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adWzcwDPZE

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJEqdequqTktE9Fc96ZBSO9gTu-SU3koRhjz/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCtqTkpHNOXtxCCRowMB4job-7wtnpaj_p7n0azOQJgTVrxAvcPAYcsG9fi

For those unable to join us on Zoom or have prior commitments, we will livestream and have a replay available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/290791956162) and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk2dMxcjJcX2qbSqFHQMbA).

Shares