Clay and I have talked at length about kid attendance. I’m sure what Clay meant to say is that if kids are found unattended, the parents will be rustled up and will be reminded of the requirement that their kids need to be supervised at all times. Clearly, if someone is constantly breaking any of the admittance requirements (or the transgression is severe) they will be asked to leave.

BTW: If your bringing a younger child (as in not very tall) be sure to bring your own step stool, as there will not be any available for general use.

Doug D.

Actually I do see “Why those games are 'over there'” as a a typical problem, at least for the general public. I haven’t been to every show on the planet but the ones I have attended have had the "pay to play" tournament games roped off (and I do understand the reasons why this has to be).

I’m not a tournament player but I have done tournament scoring for many years mainly at Chicago Expo and MPE. A common issue has been that I have to shooo away people from the tournament games and answer the invariable question “Why can’t I play this game?” One particular example was when a very old gentleman with a walker and his 8 year old grandson shuffled into the MPE tournament area early one morning and started a game. I mean the guy must have been at least 85, and with his grandson in tow, they looked soooo pathetic. The tournament traffic was light so I let them play a couple of games. Boy, did I feel like a shit heel when I had to ask him to leave.

Would the tournament games still show up at the show if there was not a tournament? Probably not, at least not all of them.

The issue is the perception "John Q. Public" has with roped off games. They do not understand all the dynamics of a tournament and why the public cannot play the tournament games for free, even if they are available, they just see a game they want to play. Most pinheads understand and have come to accept that tournament games are off limits to free play.

Doug D.

There will be food service available on site. Nothing fancy…basically hot dogs, sausage, chips, soda, and snacks. Although the VFW is in the “country” it’s not far from civilization. About 1.5 miles south there’s a Burger King, Arby’s and McDonald’s. The village of Hamburg is about 2 miles west where there’s a number of pubs and bars.

For more sophisticated dining there is a large shopping center 4 miles north with a good selection of restaurants. We'll have directions to all local food establishments.

For those of you into the "do it yourself feeding", tailgating is a great idea. There is plenty of room on the property to set up whatever you want.

Doug D. / VFW

If your tracking the pinball show on this thread, Clay just posted (on the thread below) that Saturday is sold out.

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/ann-arbor-pinball-show-may-16-18-saturday-sold-out-but

For those of you who are not familiar with the area around the VFW and are wondering about food, we will be having hot dogs, sausages, drinks and assorted snacks for sale in the outside pavilion.

For those looking for more refined dining experience there are a number of local “watering holes” and “feed lots” a short drive away.

If your into high end deli sandwiches Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor is a must to place to go eat. It’s arguably the best damn delicatessen this side of New York City.

We will have directions posted to all these places at the door.

Also keep in mind that tailgating is a very viable option too.

2.0 Miles South US-23 & M-36
McDonald’s
Burger King
Arby’s

2.0 Miles West in Hamburg
Roadies Grill http://roadiesgrill.com/
R.J.’s Grill on 36 http://rjsgrillon36.com/
Hamburg Pub

3.5 Miles South in Whitmore Lake
Hungry Howie’s
Captain Joes Grill: http://captainjoesgrill.com/
Whitmore Lake Tavern: http://www.whitmorelaketavern.com/

4.5 Miles North at US-23 & Lee Road on west side of US-23
Wendy’s
Olive Garden
T.G.I. Friday’s

4.5 Miles North at US-23 & Lee Road on East Side of US-23 in the Green Oaks Place shopping center
Panara Bread
Kerby Koney Island
Jamisons Irish Pub: http://www.jamesonsirishpub.net/
Johnny Carino's: http://www.carinos.com/
‎ Buffalo Wild Wings: http://www.buffalowildwings.com/
Salsarita's Fresh Cantina: http://salsaritas.com/

5.5 Miles North at Whitmore Lake Road and Grand River Av.
Alexander’s Land & Sea Grill: http://www.alexandersgrille.com/

15 Miles South In Ann Arbor
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor MI
http://www.zingermansdeli.com/

I find it absolutely amazing that a thread about a pinball show turns into a freaking pissing match about who’s favorite restaurant is better than the others guy’s. And who’s cheap and who’s cheaper. And this is between PEOPLE WHO GO TO THE VFW ON A REGULAR BASIS. What’s next? Who can pop the biggest boner???

Son of a bitch...now the whole freaking show is ruined...