Sacramento, CA
Here it is folks.
As we bid a fond farewell to Dixon and cherish the memories we have. we look forward to all Lodi has to offer us in the future. Golden state pinball or bust. Thanks to Brad,Greg,Steve,Seth,Eric,and Chris.
We know you will keep the spirit of what was started 21 years ago alive in Lodi.
See you all in 364 days.
Spencer. Aka, mrgone.
Just when you thought Pin-a-Go-Go....er, I mean...the Golden State Pinball Festival couldn't get better! I seriously cannot wait to see what this new venue has in store. Just the covered swap meet area alone has me all excited!
For some weird reason, I have a feeling the name of this event (Pin-A-Go-Go) will remain. Fight for it. Unless organizers are just wanting to change the name.
Going to be a great show, I cant wait!
Quoted from bicyclenut:
For some weird reason, I have a feeling the name of this event (Pin-A-Go-Go) will remain. Fight for it. Unless organizers are just wanting to change the name.
It's more than just "wanting to change the name." It's my understanding that the show organizers wanted to keep the name, but it wasn't worth the legal fight or broken relationships as a result.
Honestly, it could be called, "Flippy-Doo-Doo Pinball Show," and it really wouldn't matter. The current organizers have saved this show, and people will attend Lodi because it's more about the people. I remember the lean years: no tournament, no second building, no food vendor, no pin-techs, no swap meet, games leaving the floor on Sunday by noon, half the machines not showing up until Friday night or Saturday morning, and half of those games getting rolled out the back door after being purchased immediately.
As a 15-year attendee, going back to 1998, I always hated the name Pin-a-Go-Go. I started telling people I was going to a pinball show instead of saying "Pin-a-Go-Go" because of the quizzical looks and flippant remarks after telling them.
I'm looking forward to the better venue!
Quoted from Sparky:
It's more than just "wanting to change the name." It's my understanding that the show organizers wanted to keep the name, but it wasn't worth the legal fight or broken relationships as a result.
Honestly, it could be called, "Flippy-Doo-Doo Pinball Show," and it really wouldn't matter. The current organizers have saved this show, and people will attend Lodi because it's more about the people. I remember the lean years: no tournament, no second building, no food vendor, no pin-techs, games leaving the floor on Sunday by noon, half the machines not showing up until Friday night or Saturday morning, and half of those games getting rolled out the back door after being purchased immediately.
As a 15-year attendee, going back to 1998, I always hated the name Pin-a-Go-Go. I started telling people I was going to a pinball show instead of saying "Pin-a-Go-Go" because of the quizzical looks and flippant remarks after telling them.
I'm looking forward to the better venue!
This. Thank you Sparky. No one else could have said it better.
YepHonestly, it could be called, "Flippy-Doo-Doo Pinball Show
I totally get this too!I started telling people I was going to a pinball show instead of saying "Pin-a-Go-Go
people will attend Lodi because it's more about the people
Absolutely! This is the best part. I think I sent more time talking with people than actually playing pinball. So fun.
I can't wait for the show next year. It's a shame about the title - but oh well! As long as the same people with the best bowling shirts in the west are running the show it can only get better!
We had a blast this year, wish we could have stayed longer. It was great to see everyone, especially the CCPL crew. Hopefully I can make it up for a league night soon!
Like everybody else, I was taken aback when I saw the banner that said this was the last PAGG in Dixon. However, the more people "in the know" that I talked to along with seeing the positive changes coming next year (you had me at "beer" and super close hotels) the more relieved I was.
I'm not a big fan of change, but I'm really looking forward to next year in Lodi.
Quoted from PismoArcade:
Like everybody else, I was taken aback when I saw the banner that said this was the last PAGG in Dixon. However, the more people "in the know" that I talked to along with seeing the positive changes coming next year (you had me at "beer" and super close hotels) the more relieved I was.
I'm not a big fan of change, but I'm really looking forward to next year in Lodi.
Brother Pismo, it wont be a show unless you are there too. see you in Lodi.
Pinball, the people, the charities, AC, AND beer?
Name it whatever you want, I'm there next year!!!! 
Cheddar, thanks for staying 'till the bitter end while Greg & Steve took the fans & truck back to West Sac. We got my games put away, I came home then fell asleep in a chair. I hope your games are put away by now...thanks to everyone and a big thumbs up on Sparky's post.
Our friendly community deserves a venue with more elbow room, cooler inside temps and more rv spaces! This show belongs to the people who bring the games, help out and show up to party, not a board or a "member of the old guard."
It's always been about the people, not the space. And a rose is the same by any name...
Quoted from Cheddar:
So many people deserve thanks. It takes 6 board members, a dozen super volunteers, 6 truck drivers, 80+ game owners, over a dozen vendors and another 300 volunteers to put this show on every year.
Quoted from pinballnut:
Cheddar, thanks for staying 'till the bitter end while Greg & Steve took the fans & truck back to West Sac. We got my games put away, I came home then fell asleep in a chair. I hope your games are put away by now...thanks to everyone and a big thumbs up on Sparky's post.
Our friendly community deserves a venue with more elbow room, cooler inside temps and more rv spaces! This show belongs to the people who bring the games, help out and show up to party, not a board or a "member of the old guard."
It's always been about the people, not the space. And a rose is the same by any name...
Testify brother.
Oh my gosh I cannot tell all of you guys how much I appreciate all you do to make this show what it is! At first I was kind of sad being the nostalgia kind of a guy I am but I am ready to support all of you and bring games to the new venue! See all of you next year!
Rob
I bet Gary Stern will show up next year when he sees our new location and our vendor list!
Quoted from gaspumprob:So many people deserve thanks. It takes 6 board members, a dozen super volunteers, 6 truck drivers, 80+ game owners, over a dozen vendors and another 300 volunteers to put this show on every year.
This. It is absolutely amazing to see the dedication that the wonderful people of our show do to make the shows happen and work so smoothly. They truly deserve Our gratitude and respect.
Quoted from QuietEarp:
Was there a lack of beer in Dixon? I was not aware.
Technically no alcohol is not allowed at pin a go go. Only in the rv area. In years past the fair grounds have been pretty strict on it.
This year seemed a little more relaxed.
At Lodi you can have a beer vendor.
Quoted from Out-West:
Might also add the RV park filled early this year and was the first time I have seen campers against the fence on the main road. Time for more RV room and pinball room. Can't wait to see new location.
Exactly. One of the reasons for the move.
The show has grown and needs more room for games and campers.
Might also add the RV park filled early this year and was the first time I have seen campers against the fence on the main road. Time for more RV room and pinball room. Can't wait to see new location.
It would be packed to the gills and some wouldn't have hook ups but the new facility can camp over 100 vehicles. The Good Sam Club does a camp in there every year.
We'll manage the spaces so we can take reservations too.
Was there a lack of beer in Dixon? I was not aware.
Quoted from mrgone:
Technically no alcohol is not allowed at pin a go go. Only in the rv area. In years past the fair grounds have been pretty strict on it.
This year seemed a little more relaxed.
At Lodi you can have a beer vendor.
yeah, this was something I was waiting to dig into. Everyone loved the tailgate, heavy metal parking lot, crack a beer on your bumper and hang aspect of the show (and let me say, myself included, guilty as charged) but this was against the rules. And not rules that some board members put into place, but against big rules, and laws, and we should not have been doing it.
It got pretty crazy this year and I think that is in part to the fact that many people knew that this was the last year so there was less a reason to say anything.
Had this not been the last year ( and this is pure speculation on my part) I think we would have seen things shut down, reigned in, and tightened MUCH more. The parking lot party was not sustainable and I feel if the show wasn't moving things would have been much different next year.
Quoted from pinwiztom:
Hoping that there will be some sort of restrictions within the pinball hall
to keep people from putting their beer/soda bottles/cans near/on the machines.
This is easy enough to do. make an indoor beer garden. You could even put a few of the more "adult" themed pins in there (playboys, Sexy girl, etc) if you want to keep the rest of the show that much more family friendly.
Also, its not like no drinks were allowed in the show at all, you didn't see Gatorade, water bottles and soda cans all over the place.
Quoted from dsuperbee:
No 80 traffic mess??? Yes please!
Seconded!
Might also add the RV park filled early this year and was the first time I have seen campers against the fence on the main road. Time for more RV room and pinball room. Can't wait to see new location.
No doubt, Rainbow Trout! I was one of them!
"Flippy-Doo-Doo Pinball Show,"
This. Maybe a slight change to Flippy-Doodle, which sounds like an old woodrail title.
So we would have Pin-a-Lo-Di Flippy Doodle (Fest).
and it really wouldn't matter. The current organizers have saved this show, and people will attend Lodi because it's more about the people.
And this. Thanks Sparky.
Already jonesin' for the show.
Saturday got a little "wet". So much so that it peaked early and was quiet that night.
I noticed that. That keg and tiki bar @ the bbq put knots in a few heads.
Hoping that there will be some sort of restrictions within the pinball hall
to keep people from putting their beer/soda bottles/cans near/on the machines.
Absolutely, the security of our guests and the machines they love is our top priority wherever we are.
Quoted from practicalsteve:
This is easy enough to do. make an indoor beer garden. You could even put a few of the more "adult" themed pins in there (playboys, Sexy girl, etc) if you want to keep the rest of the show that much more family friendly.
Love this idea
Absolutely, the security of our guests and the machines they love is our top priority wherever we are.
Glad to hear it! That was a concern for me as well.
Pulled into the Lodi location on our way home... it's a little different in that you hit a little more town first but once there it felt like the same place.
Quoted from Azmodeus:
Agreed beer garden with a sexy girl.
And Sopranos with the language turned on! Another game we were tempted to buy. Thank goodness we don't have the space currently.
How long until the next show @mrgone?
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