[yikesjason]

We have had some great plant swaps in the last year or so. But it has been quite a while since we had a swap with a large group of people show up. I think it is time to jump start things again. What if we were to do a big meet in January. I am sure there are going to be people changing up their tanks and starting new ones with their new Christmas toys. I know I am hoping to do some upgrades.

What should we do to make this the best swap meet yet? Should we have anything more than just a swap?

I could use some help on this. Even suggestions from people not around here would be great. I want to make this something that even people from as far away as Seattle would want to come to.

I think most local people on here are familiar with the Oregon Plant Enthusiast group page. It has been pretty quiet on there lately. But it is a great place to sent new people to.

 

[yikesjason]

Anyone?

 

[angelicodin]

I've said it already, but I'll say it again.

Sign me up ;p :bounce:

 

[yikesjason]

If this is going to happen next month, I better get going on it. I am thinking a Saturday in Mid January.

I want to know how many people are interested. If it is going to be numbers like we have had at the last couple of meets, I (and more importantly my wife) are willing to do it at my house. Or we can just go to another pizza place like we have been doing.

So, who is in?

 

[grantsmith]

I'd be interested. Although I'm seriously short on plants!

 

[yikesjason]

That is ok, there are normally more than enough to go around.

 

[theblondskeleton]

I'm game. and I'll have TONS to share/trade. (HINT: I'm particularly interested in some bolbitis, fissidens fontanus, and anubias nana 'petite' )

 

[yikesjason]

I think the 16th would be a good Saturday for it. Any other preferences?

 

[angelicodin]

16th would be good for me.

 

[Takedakai]

Hey there! I won't be around on the 16th and frankly don't have any plants to trade at this time but I hope the event is fun.

I look forward to participating in one of these swaps in the future

 

[yikesjason]

It seems that there are quite a few people who can't make it on the 16th. Would the 23rd be better?

 

[Aquarist_Fist]

I'd love to finally make it to a Portland Area gathering. I have tiny aquariums and would just come for the fun (and maybe get rid of some equipment someone else could use).

The one thing that has always kept me away was the fact that many (all?) of the swaps took place in pizza places near I-5. I see that this is more convenient for people from out of town, but a real Portlander simply doesn't spend his Saturdays in a strip mall - sorry if this sounds snobbish. I'm not sure if there are a lot of under-agers at the meetings, but if not, we might want to try a place in SE Portland like the Lucky Lab. Easily accessible from out of town, good beer, good food, large tables, animal-friendly.

 

[yikesjason]

We get some kids that come with parents. I normally have to take one with me when I do fish tank stuff just to keep my wife happy.
It would be great to have you though. Hopefully we find a place to your liking. I have offered to do it at my house if it is a small group again.

 

[Takedakai]

Actually I have to work every Saturday night so unless the swap is early in the day I probably wont be able to attend.

Sundays are always clear however

 

[Aquarist_Fist]

We get some kids that come with parents. I normally have to take one with me when I do fish tank stuff just to keep my wife happy.
It would be great to have you though. Hopefully we find a place to your liking. I have offered to do it at my house if it is a small group again.

Well, I want to meet like-minded from Portland, so I'm sure I'll make it sooner or later, even if the meeting takes place at Popeyes in Gresham.

Just for the record: Kids are welcome at the Lucky Lab. It is a clean and underage-friendly pub that also hosts board game groups and such. But I can understand that some parents might not be comfortable having their kids around bearded guys chugging delicious IPA...

There. Now I want beer and sandwiches.

 

[MarieB]

I'm pretty new to the planted thing, so I don't really have any plants to trade, but I would love to come to a swap anyway just to see what it's about

 

[Takedakai]

mmmmm Black Lab Stout

 

[yikesjason]

So, lets go with Sat. Jan, 23rd at 1:00. Place is still to be established. I am willing to do it at my house in Beaverton, or Aquarist_Fist recommended Lucky Lab in SE. Any other nominations?

 

[Takedakai]

Personally, if I had the entire day off having the swap at your home Jason would be very cool for several reasons. It would provide an environment that could be more dedicated to the swap itself and that would eliminate the pressure of buying something to eat at a restaurant or pub.

Since I personally have transportation and time constraints, I would lean toward The Lucky Lab. (Since I live right downtown) This would also eliminate the potential of you having to have too many people crowd into your home unexpectedly

Regardless of the choice, hope to see everyone Saturday after next for the first half of the swap!

 

[yikesjason]

Any more input?