Algonquin, IL
Here are my couple of pictures, all blown out in red because we had the "sexy lighting" going in the VIP lounge.
I had a great time. The place is packed every year because it's a great party. It's great to meet up with everyone and Terry and Margaret really go above and beyond with this open house.
As for playing machines, I always see an event like this like a book signing or sport autograph event. There are 1,000 people there waiting to meet [Insert Celebrity]. You're going wait an hour or two to get maybe 30 seconds to say hello, get your book signed, maybe sneek in a selfie, and then move along. You're at a big party, you get to play a few machines, maybe see a game you've never seen before, and then move along. You've got to enjoy the big picture, the event, not just a single aspect of it.
Also, while it definitely sucked that a dozen sheets of playfield glass were broken, the sound of 40 sheets of tempered glass crashing to the ground is an essential ingredient for a great party. I helped clean it up if only because I felt guilty for thinking it was kind of awesome when I heard the giant crash. WHAT..THE...HELL...WAS...THAT!?!!
