THE 36th TULARE HARVEST INSULATOR & BOTTLE SHOW is a two-day event that has a rich history going back over thirty years. Every year (it seems...) Richard Simon says, "This is gonna be the LAST year that we do this show!" And every year Dave Brown and Mike Doyle prepare themselves to volunteer to take over the reigns. Well, this year was no different. The point is that no matter what, The Show Will Go On! As long as Dave and Mike have anything to say about it, there will be insulators in Tulare in November!

The Tulare show attracts between 10 and 20 insulator dealers every year. It also attracts a large volume of walk-in traffic on both Friday and Saturday. Even on rainy days we have seen 250 people walk into this show. It was like old-home week or an annual square dance. Do you suppose that thirty odd years of date equity helps a bit? In any case, this show really needs no advertisement.

Glenn Adkins, from Vacaville, CA, always has an attractive 
assortment of insulators for sale in his well lit sales display.

This year we had a great turnout for both buyers and sellers. There was an excellent assortment of glass available for sale and trade. There were guards by the doors as the dealers began hauling in their table stock and setting up. The California dealers included Fred Padgett, Gerry Buckland, Glenn Adkins, Frank Feher, Norm James, Pat Patocka, Dave Elliott, Lou Hall, Dave Hall, Colin Jung, Christian Willis, Bob & Mark Merzoian, Paul Alleeson, Bill Heitkotter, Joe Clements, Bob McLaughlin, Dave Brown, and Mike Doyle.

Paul Alleeson, Mark Merzoian, Mary Lou and Gerry Buckland enjoy the Friday 
salmon feed put on by Ruthann Doyle and Shirley Brown at the Doyle's home. 

Fred offers a little in-depth McLaughlin product identification training after dinner. 
(From left) Bob McLaughlin, Colin Jung, Fred Padgett, Bob Merzoian 

The Doyles and Browns hosted their annual Friday evening salmon feed again this year thanks to Ruthann and Shirley. Their hard work preparing the house and the meal made the evening very enjoyable for the fourteen insulator dealers who were able to attend. After dinner, Fred Padgett broke out his spectacles and rare McLaughlin glass items for everyone to enjoy. Then he held an hour long clinic on spotting McLaughlin glassware in your neighborhood. Fred highlighted straw holders, and other retail store related items that comprised a significant part of the McLaughlin production catalog.

LCL missed Steve & Linda Viola this year at the Tulare show, and we doubt that they will be able to make the Auburn show. They are in the process of moving themselves and their business from the San Francisco Bay area to Las Vegas, NV. Left Coast Lines hopes that you all will join us in wishing them a safe and speedy transition over the holidays.

Norm James (left) and Pat Patocka's show helper, Cliff Hamby, trade stories.

Stay tuned to this column for further developments in Las Vegas. There are quite a few insulator collectors out there in that desert oasis, and some of them have been collecting for a really long time. It sure would be a treat to see a new back yard swap meet get started out there. So, all you thread-heads, Listen Up: Getcher glass and mud traders into a good, sturdy box. Getcher swap lists and price guides updated. Flip open yer Crown Jewels to Coming Events and click in the Show Finder for details on the next swap meet or tailgater in your area. Dig that dusty wad of cash out-o-the Fred Locke pinhole and get all yer friends together for an insulator road trip because...... ' IT'S SHOWTIME!

Penryn, CA's Pat Patocka shares a word with Exeter, CA's Floyd Brown.