Tag: event

Times Running Out, Book Now!!!!

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

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

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

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

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

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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Glenside Picnic/Gathering Sept 23

Posted on | by Grant Bloedow

A friendly reminder we will have a gathering on Saturday, 2023 September 23 at the Woodfire Pizza in West Dundee, IL at 4:00pm. We will be there from 4:00pm until the last of us decide to leave! Glenside has made an allowance to contribute to the bill.

If you come early, there are many types of shops and amenities in the area including a river walk, vintage/antique store, old-time candy store (with sugar-free options!), retro-arcade, and more. Below are some links to additional things for you or anyone coming into town.

We won’t have a place to set up technology at the restaurant, just time to enjoy the day together. If you’re in the area and/or traveling a distance the links below are some attractions and places to visit.

LOCAL SHOPS:

Underground Retroarcade Open Saturday 5:00-11:00pm (all you can play $20 all day pass)

Around the Corner Candy Open 11:00-7:00pm

Half-Full Nest Vintage Market Open Saturday from 10:30-3:30pm

J and S River Antiques Open Saturday from 11:00-5:00pm

Depot Market – Flea Market Open Saturday from 10:00-3:00pm

Spring Hill Mall – Regular Shopping

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2023 Glenside Picnic coming in September!

Posted on | by Grant Bloedow

We’ve have a date for our annual picnic and gathering. Everyone is welcome. Put this on your calendars! Saturday September 23, 2023

Upcoming picnic September 23, 2023

This year we will be meeting in West Dundee, IL. It’s a little further west of Schaumburg, IL and has a lot to offer.

Come early for a casual afternoon. Bring the whole family or grandkids!

For those of you in the Chicago area it is an easy drive. Those coming from further out will find it directly off I-90.

We will have informal gathering for those interested at the Underground Retrocade at 1pm (open noon-11pm, $20 cover unlimited game play with all day pass). Then we meet as a formal group at 4pm at the Woodfire Pizza for a meal with up to $20/person on us!

Look on the Glenside Facebook Page or here on our website for any updates. If you plan on attending we would love to hear from you to get a semblance of the size of the group. Email if you’d like to RSVP.

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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
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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.  

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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)
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Announcing the Annual “Last” CoCoFEST! 31

Posted on | by Grant Bloedow

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 Update, Time is Running Out

Posted on | by Grant Leighty

I hope everyone is having a great start to Spring this year. It’s nice to enjoy longer days and warmer weather. This also means that CoCoFEST! is getting closer. 2022 marks our 30th anniversary for the Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! If you have not made your travel plans or booked your vendor/exhibitor table, time is running out.

FREE ADMISSION

This is the first year that admission to CoCoFEST! will be FREE to attend. We’re hopeful this will both encourage more local folks to visit our event and potentially join Glenside. As always, if you would like to become a member of the Glenside Color Computer Club, we will be collecting membership dues at the Fest. Vendors and Exhibitors, note that your fees include a 2022 club membership. If you have any questions, or you would like to pay for the membership before CoCoFEST!, please contact Glenside Treasurer Eric Canales for assistance.

HOTEL

CoCoFEST! Will be held at the same location as last year. This is a larger venue from year’s past and it will provide us plenty of room to grow. If you have not booked your room yet, please do so as soon as possible. The cutoff date for the special rate of $99 a night plus tax will end at midnight (CDT) on April 29th. Please remember to use the group code “COF” when making your reservation.

COVID-19 Update

I have received a few emails about the vaccine and masks mandates in order to attend the event. I am happy to announce that there are NO masks or vaccine mandates at the hotel or to attend CoCoFEST!. Cook county lifted the health orders back on February 28th. If anything changes, I will post an update on the Glenside website and I will send an email to all registered vendors and attendees. I do NOT see this changing in the near future.

Dinners

There is still time to register for dinner on Saturday night. The dinner will be catered by the hotel and it will be served as a buffet. There will be plenty of food for everyone to enjoy, but you MUST pre-register to ensure we have an accurate head count.  The dinner is only $20 a person, and dinner for kids 12 or younger is free. I must provide the head count to the hotel on May 6th, so we will end preregistration for the dinner on May 5th.

The Preliminary Menu

  • Two options from the following list:
    • Meatloaf
    • Chicken
    • Pork Loin
    • London Broil
    • Broiled Tilapia
  • One side from the following list:
    • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    • Wild Rice
  • Seasonal Vegetables
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Dessert
  • Freshly brewed Coffee and Tea

Like last year, I will be sending an email to everyone who has preregistered for the dinner to provide feedback for which items that we want to be served. We need to choose two items for the main entrees. Also, if you need to request vegetarian/vegan meals, please contact Grant Leighty.

Speakers

This year we had no problems finding people who wanted to give a presentation. I actually had to turn people down and offer them a spot in next year’s CoCoFEST!  This is a great problem to have, and I will be looking for ways to accommodate more speakers at future Fests. This year we will have seven speakers that will provide new products, new games, technical presentations, and podcasts. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.  Please check out the speakers bio and information.

2022 Speakers

  • CoCoCrew Podcast
  • D. Bruce Moore (New Game Announcement)
  • John Linville (De Re CoCo)
  • John Strong (New Product Announcements)
  • Ken Waters and L. Curtis Boyle (BASIC09 and GFX2 enhancements in NitrOS-9/EOU)
  • Kevin Phillipson (Turbo9 Project)
  • Paul Thayer (Developing Retro Games in the Modern Era)

Vendors/Exhibitors

Our new venue offers space for 62 sales or exhibit tables, and 34 vendors/exhibitors have reserved all but NINE (9) tables currently. If you’re considering showing off a project or offer items for sale, do not delay in visiting TandyList for your table(s) today. The first table is $20, and each additional table is $15.

Auction

We will have an auction again this year. Since we just had a CoCoFEST! just a few months ago, we are looking for donations. Please look around your house and see if you have any items that you may want to donate to the auction. If you are not able to attend this year’s CoCoFEST!, but you have items that you want to donate, please contact Grant Leighty. We are willing to pay for reasonable shipping fees.

We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s 30th Anniversary of the “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! We would still like to have everyone preregister at TandyList so we can keep the lines short at the registration tables. If you have any questions about CoCoFEST!, please contact Grant Leighty, CoCoFEST! Coordinator.  

 

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