It was an unbelievably mild and perfect late August day. We couldn't have ordered better weather or had better friends attend our Seventh Annual Merzoian Brothers tailgater. My brother Mark, Dave Brown, and I have come to anticipate this time to share a bit with fellow insulator "nuts".              
                                                                                                                                                

The tailgater seems perfectly suited to unite collectors, friends, and glass (porcelain too) for a few hours on a given Saturday. We have finally settled upon a permanent date for our gathering...the last week of August.

Young collectors Robert Burcham & Sarah Merzoian.

Paul Alleeson, Bob McLaughlin, Don & Elaine Bayes.

Our first show, seven years ago (has it really been that long ago?!), had a small, but lively, attendance. The accommodations have definitely improved since Mark and his talented wife, Diana, converted part of their property into a wedding ranch business. They promise our annual date is set-in-stone.

Ron Jenkins, Steve Marsh & Pete Fortier.

Jules Bard, Paul Alleeson with juniors Andrew Brown, Michael Merzoian & Daniel Brown

This year we had over forty people in attendance, including some from as far away as the Central California coast, as far east as Las Vegas, south as San Diego, and north as the Sacramento area.

Carver Mead, Barbara Smith & John Contreras.

Lunch is always a highlight of tailgaters.

Many members from the Central and Southern California and Northern California clubs enjoyed a day of selling, swapping, and visiting. We included a lunch meal of deep-pit turkey and beef, chili, salad, garlic bread, and dessert. They pretty much chowed down all of the goodies with enthusiastic relish. Table holders enjoys receiving Merzoian Brothers Tailgater T-shirts. They make for a fun memento. Many nice items were offered during the afternoon raffle, including a weekend at the Cayucos beach house. This year's event had a surprisingly good supply of upper-end glass. It seemed many folk found a cool thing or two to take home, along with their full bellies. The day flew by much too quickly.

It seemed we hardly had time to see all of the pieces and chat up everyone there before we were bidding farewell and offering heartfelt "see you next year" to all who came. May we extend the same invitation to you.

Camille & Don Rohde