The Annual 33rd “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST Registration goes live On February 1st.

I hope everyone is having a good new year.  It’s now time to get ready for the 33rd Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST. We will be trying some new things this year, like starting the show on Friday and all-day Saturday. I’m happy to announce that registration for the vendor tables will go live on Saturday, February 1st at noon central time.

I want to thank Randy Weaver, who has been working hard on several major updates to Tandylist. You may notice some changes throughout the registration period. He is working on updates to allow you to make changes to your registration without having to contact me. You will be able to change tables, and even cancel your reservation. Those updates will go live soon, after the bugs are squashed. Look for more updates here on the Glenside website.

For the latest updates on CoCoFEST, please check the Glenside Website at www.glensideccc.com/cocofest. I will be posting a lot of updates in the next few days as we get closer to the event. I’m still looking for people to give presentations. If you are interested, or you have any questions you can email me at cocofest@glensidecc.com.

Update: We hit a little hiccup on the update and it should be up shortly. Stay tune.

Final Update: Registration opens at 2:30pm. Here we go, let’s bring down the site.

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CoCoFEST! and Carol Stream Restaurants

Google Maps Search: “restaurants near Carol Stream, IL 60188”

Now choose cuisine:
American
Barbecue
Chinese
French
Hamburger
Indian
Italian
Japanese
Mexican
Pizza
Seafood
Steak
Sushi
Thai


American
Urban Counter, Fast Food Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Subway, Sandwich Shop, Wheaton, IL
Diana’s Red Hots, Hot Dog Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Chicken Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Wingstop, Chicken Wings Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Portillo’s/Barnelli’s, Fast Food Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Jimmy John’s, Sandwich Shop, Lombard, IL
Chick-fil-A, Fast Food Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Fast Food Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Fahrenheit, American Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Stella’s Place, Café, Glendale Heights, IL
Brauer House, American Restaurant, Lombard, IL
Panera Bread, Café, Bloomingdale, IL
Potbelly, Sandwich Shop, Bloomingdale, IL
McAlister’s Deli, Sandwich Shop, Bloomingdale, IL
Noodles and Company, Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Augustino’s Rock N Roll Diner, 246 S. Schmale, Carol Stream, IL (Note: John Mark Mobley recommends this place!)

Bakery
Alshakarchi Sweets and Bakery, Glendale Heights, IL
Crumbl Cookies, Bakery, Glendale Heights, IL
Hanna’s Bakery and Cafe, Bloomingdale, IL

Bar or Bar and Grill
Chrissy’s Gaming Bar and Grill, Carol Stream, IL
The Pub, Carol Stream, IL
Sully’s Place, Bar, Wheaton, IL
Gametime Pub, Sports Bar, West Chicago, IL
Payoffs Bar and Grill, Bar and Grill, Carol Stream, IL
Miska’s Corner Store, Bar, Glendale Heights, IL
Little Jimmy’s, Bar, Glendale Heights, IL
Jaxx Pub and Grill, Bar and Grill, Glendale Heights, IL

Barbecue
Steamboat BBQ, Barbeque Restaurant, Wheaton, IL
(closes early, 6 or 7 PM)

Breakfast
Manny’s Cafe, Breakfast Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
First Watch, Breakfast Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Denny’s, Diner, Carol Stream, IL
Red Apple Pancake House, Carol Stream, IL
Burger Theory-Holiday Inn, Hotel, Carol Stream, IL

Candy
Fannie May Chocolate Shop, Carol Stream, IL

Chinese
China Buffet, Chinese Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Jin28, Chinese Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL

Coffee
Tredwell Coffee, Coffee Shop, Wheaton, IL
Dunkin’, Coffee Shop, Carol Stream, IL
Starbucks, Coffee Shop, Carol Stream, IL

Ethiopian
Ethio Beans Ethiopian Restaurant and Cafe,
Ethiopian Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL

French
B Fresh Café, Restaurant, Milton Township, IL

German
Schnitzel Platz, German Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL

Hamburger
White Castle, Fast Food Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Burger Theory-Holiday Inn Carol Stream, Hotel, Carol Stream, IL
Burger King, Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
McDonald’s, Fast Food Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL (Scottish)
Wendy’s, Fast Food Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers,
Fast Food Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Five Guys, Fast Food Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Steak ‘n Shake, Hamburger Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Bo Burgerz, Fast Food Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL

Ice Cream, Frozen Custard or Frozen Yogurt
La Michoacana, Ice Cream Shop, Glendale Heights, IL
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store, Ice Cream Shop, Bloomingdale, IL

Indian
Saffron Restaurant, Indian Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Shaahi Biryani, Indian Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL

Irish
Corned Beef Factory, Restaurant, West Chicago, IL

Italian
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Italian Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL

Japanese
Abashiri Japanese Restaurant, Japanese Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL

Mexican
Taco Real and Pupuseria, Mexican Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Gary Burritos, Mexican Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Taco Bell, Fast Food Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Good Tequilas Mexican Grill, Mexican Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
El Famous Burrito, Mexican Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mexican Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Chili’s Grill and Bar, Tex-Mex Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
La Campana, Mexican Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL
Pozoleria Amiguitas, Mexican Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Amigas Restaurant, Mexican Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Burrito Parrilla Mexicana, Mexican Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Mis Tacos 2, Mexican Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL

Middle Eastern Grill
Nay Restaurant, Middle Eastern Grill, Glendale Heights, IL

Pizza
Marchette’s Pizzeria, Pizza Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Addante’s Pizzeria, Pizza Restaurant, Wheaton, IL
Rosati’s Pizza, Pizza Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Papa Saverio’s Pizzeria, Pizza Restaurant, West Chicago, IL
Generoso Pizza, Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Hanna’s Gaming Cafe, Glendale Heights, IL
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Curbside Pickup or Delivery, Carol Stream IL
Maciano’s Pizza and Pastaria, Pizza Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL

Polish Delicatessen
White Eagle Deli, Glendale Heights, IL

Seafood
Red Lobster, Seafood Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL

Steak
Jameson’s Charhouse, Steak House, Bloomingdale, IL
Texas Roadhouse, Steak House, Bloomingdale, IL
Outback Steakhouse, Steak House, Bloomingdale, IL

Steak and Seafood
Ki’s Steak and Seafood, Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL

Sushi
Lili Sushi and Ramen Sushi, Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Honkaka Sushi, Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Monsun Sushi, Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
Shiki Buffet, Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL (Opens soon)

Thai
CK Pad Thai, Thai Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL

Vietnamese
PhoLicious, Vietnamese Restaurant, Bloomingdale, IL

Where to go for a Chicago Style Hot Dog:
Portillo’s
I guess I must disclose that I own one share of Portillo’s stock

Where to go for a Chicago Style Pizza:
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, (Curbside Pickup or Delivery), Carol Stream IL
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, (Dine-in or Curbside Pickup), Schaumburg, IL
Giordano’s Limited, Bloomingdale, IL
Nancy’s Pizzeria, Stuffed Deep Dish, Roselle, IL
Maciano’s Pizza and Pastaria, Pizza Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL
Rosati’s Pizza, Pizza Restaurant, Carol Stream, IL

Where can I go for gluten-free pizza:
Domino’s Pizza, Carol Stream, IL
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Schaumburg, IL
Pizzeria Uno, Schiller Park, IL

Where can I go for live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Night:
Schnitzel Platz, German Restaurant, Glendale Heights, IL
(https://schnitzelplatz.com/events)
Brauer House, American Restaurant, Lombard, IL
(https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brauer-house-amp-bhouse-live-18059974031)
Google Map Search: live music near Carol Stream, IL

What are the 27 Best Restaurants for Keto Diet Followers:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/ketogenic-diet/best-restaurants-keto-diet-followers/

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Times Running Out, Book Now!!!!

I hope everyone is getting excited for this years CoCoFest, it’s only a few weeks away. I just wanted to remind everyone about some important dates that are coming up.

You have until March 31st to book your room at the hotel at the room block rates. To book a room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Carol Stream, you can book your room online by clicking here. I will be having a meeting with the hotel this week, and I will see if they can extended it for a couple of more weeks.

Tables are selling out fast. As of writing this post, the main room has sold out, and the overflow room only has three tables left. We do have tables available in the hallway, but you will need to take your items to your room at the end of the show on Saturday. One thing that will be different this year from the years in the past, we will not have any extra tables to sell during the fest. If you are wanting a table, now is the time to get them. We will have to cut off table sales no later than April 19th. Also, April 19th will also be the last day to order your place for the Saturday night dinner. I have to give the hotel the final numbers on Monday. The dinner was really good last year and we had great turn out. Here is the Menu for this dinner:

  • Garden Salad with two dressings
  • Smoked BBQ Brisket, and Pulled Pork with BBQ sauce
  • Baked Bean
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Desert

If you are planning to show up for the CoCoFEST, please pre-register, it FREE!!!! For people that pre-register you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a free prize. When you pre-register it helps up prepare for the number of the people who are attending and we will have a name badge prepared for when you arrive.

If you have any questions or concern please send me an email at cocofest@glensideccc.com. I will be posting the schedule for the show in a couple of weeks, so be on the lookout for that. I hope to be seeing everyone is a few short weeks.

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CoCoFest 32 Update

We are now less than 70 days until the 2024 Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFest. The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, and it will be here before we know it. I just wanted to provide a few updates on this year’s CoCoFest.

First, the tables sold out in the main room faster than any year before. I have worked with the hotel and we have come up with a couple of ideas. I have added 14 tables that will be in the hallway, and 9 tables that will be located across the hall in a smaller room. Both options will have power available to them. Each table will be 6 foot in length, and will cost $30 each. The main difference between the two locations will be the overflow will be locked up at the end of the night after the show. The tables in the hallway will need to be taken down and placed into one of the rooms at night. I would like to keep the tables in the main ballroom for people who are displaying or selling items. If you are wanting a table for a place to call home, or a place just to seat down, please use one of the hallway tables. If you want to move your existing table to another location, please send me an email to cocofest@glensideccc.com and we will get that done for you. One last thing, since we have to rent the extra tables, there will NOT be any extra tables to purchase on the day of the fest. To purchase a table for this year’s CoCoFest, go to our website at tandylist.com.

I am still looking for people to give presentations this year. If you want to give a presentation, please send me an email and I will get you add to the list. Don’t forget that this year’s theme is Star Wars. I would like to see the tables decorated in the Star Wars theme. There might even be a prize for the best decorated table. If you have any questions you can reach me on the CoCo Discord, or by email at cocofest@glensideccc.com.

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CoCoFest 32 T-Shirts Are Now Available

The new t-shirts for the Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFest! 32 are now available. Just like last year we have two designs to choose from. Both designs are done in this year’s theme which is Star Wars. You can purchase the t-shirts from Glenside Spreadshirt store at https://glensideccc.myspreadshop.com. The store also sells more than t-shirts, like mouse pads, coffee cups, water bottles, buttons, and several other items. All the profits from the sales go back to the club to help put on CoCoFest. I would like to thank both Ron Delvaux, and Salvador Garcia for designing the t-shirts this year. Make sure to purchase your t-shirts now so you can wear them at the fest this year. May the fourth be with you!

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It’s Almost Upon Us!

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/.

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Looking for People to Give Presentations at CoCoFEST 31

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.  

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

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)
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Announcing the Annual “Last” CoCoFEST! 31

It’s now official, CoCoFEST! has a new home for 2023. After weeks of searching online, and dozens of phone calls, and even a 500-mile trip to Chicago, we found a great hotel to host CoCoFEST! next year.

It was not easy finding a new location. With inflation the prices have increased sustainability. It was harder to find a place within our budget and the square footage we needed. Some the locations had a great price, but were too small, and others were a lot more expensive and too large. The new location is right in the middle for both the price and square footage. 

I believe everyone will be very happy with the new location. It is located with more restaurants, shops, and gas stations within walking distance. There is even a Portillo’s just a mile down the road. This hotel is on the same road as the Fairfield Inn Heron Point location, just to the west 5 miles. We can still touch the heron for old times’ sake. 

We will be having CoCoFEST! 2023 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Carol Stream (Wheaton) on April 22nd, and 23rd, 2023. We have three rooms to choose from at a discounted price. 

The discounted room block is available to be booked now. You can call the hotel at 630-665-3000 and provide the group code: GCT. Special rates are available if reserved before March 30, 2023

You can also book online at www.holidayinn.com/chi-carol

UPCOMING FOR THE SHOW!

We still need to come up with a theme for next year’s CoCoFEST! I would like to hear your ideas.  Please send them to cocofest@glensideccc.com.

If you would like to give a presentation at CoCoFEST! 31, I want to hear from you as well. We will be opening the table registrations in October, so please stay tuned for more updates. 

Please contact me at cocofest@glensideccc.com with any questions or concerns.

– Grant Leighty

 

Holiday Inn - Carol Stream (Wheaton)
150 South Gary Avenue
Carol Stream, IL 60188

King Bed Deluxe Room with Refrigerator and Microwave
$119 a night +tax

Two Queen Beds Deluxe Room with Refrigerator and Microwave
$119 a night +tax

Two Room King Bed Suite with Pull Out Sofa Bed with Wet Bar
$134 a night +tax

These discounted rates must be reserved before March 30, 2020 and are good for  Thursday – Sunday night, April 20 – 23, 2023

Hotel Amenities & Service

  • 24-hour fitness center
  • On-Site Business Center, open 24-hours
  • Daily Housekeeping (upon request)
  • Free Coffee in the lobby
  • Baggage hold
  • Convenience Store
  • Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
  • Full-Service Restaurant (Burger Theory) open for Breakfast and Dinner. 

We will have a breakfast buffet for Saturday and Sunday mornings.

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CoCoFEST! 2022 Survey, We Want to Hear From You!

CoCoFEST! 2022 was a huge success this year. I want to hear from you to make it even better for next year. I have created a survey for everyone to leave their opinions. This is open for everyone, even people who did not attend this year’s CoCoFEST! Please take 10 minutes to fill out the survey and let your voice be heard. I plan to share these responses at the next business meeting for the Glenside Color Computer Club. If you want to reach out to me directly, you may email me at cocofest@glensideccc.com. Thanks in advance for taking the time to fill out the survey.

Please click on the link to take the survey. https://forms.gle/E4hy2vBQRTz1Jtm37

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