Scrap-a-Palooza update

Search for a new location...
As most of you know by now, there was a mix-up with the booking of Scrap-a-Palooza at Remington's, discovered about two weeks ago. Since then, we have been working and corresponding with Chris Louzader, event planner for Midwest Family Broadcasting, to find out the location options.

We received final word yesterday that the March 2 Scrap-a-Palooza will be held in the arena annex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. For those of you unfamiliar with the fairgrounds, the arena (bottom right in the map below) is a complex that hosts events like livestock shows and go-cart/dirt-bike events. The annex is the attached level below the arena.

Options available...
With such short notice, many places were not available. In the end, it came down to three choices: the White River room at Bass Pro, the arena annex at the fairgrounds, and what we suggested and felt was a good one-time solution for a downsized event this time -- our old store next door.

Hard decisions...

We have struggled with our decision to not participate. We advised against this location because of our concerns about lighting, temperature control, ease of access to the building from the parking lot, and overall atmosphere. Biggest drawback: there are no restrooms in the annex where the crop will be held. For facilities, you must either go up a flight of about 25 stairs into the arena, or go outdoors to the restroom in one of the surrounding buildings. We know that there are some people for whom this would be a hardship.

Financially, Scrap-a-Palooza has been our best single-day sales event. (You are great shoppers!) If we were only interested in making money, we would probably still do it. But along with being a profitable business, we are always concerned with making sure our customers have only the best cropping experiences if our name is attached to them. 

On the brighter side...
With that said, we would still like to offer those of you traveling to the event the opportunity for a little Pre-Palooza fun, so we're going to continue with our tradition of hosting two in-store events. We hold Scrap-a-Palooza in high regard and would like to see it continue as a special event here in Springfield.

Pre-Palooza travelers reception and Friday crop...

• Reception: The reception will feature light snacks here at the store from 5-7 pm on Friday evening, March 1, for those of you who are traveling in to attend Scrap-a-Palooza #13. We'll have goodie bags for those of you who are registered for the reception. So that we know how many goodie bags and snacks to prepare, please register by calling 417-886-0440 or sending an email to debbie@scrapbookgeneration.com.

• Crop: We'll be hosting a free crop at SG on the Friday before Scrap-a-Palooza for those who are traveling to Springfield for the event. If you and your group will be getting to Springfield in time, feel free to arrive any time after 10 am and spend the day cropping in our classroom for free. Please register in advance because our crop space is limited to the first 16 who sign up. 

Allison Davis classes and kits...
Allison had already started preparing five classes for Scrap-a-Palooza. She is going to finish them and we will offer all five as kits. When the kits are available, we'll let you know via the three usual ways: blog, Facebook, and email.

Best wishes for Chris and MFB...

We have had a good working relationship with Chris and MFB during the past four years and 12 Scrap-a-Paloozas. Although we have a difference of opinion, we wish her the best in hosting Scrap-a-Palooza number 13 and beyond. Putting on one of these events is more work than anyone could possibly understand until they have tried it out themselves!

We suggested to Chris several scrapbooking businesses that might like to participate in our place, and it looks like KISS Crop and Shop from Joplin has agreed to be part of the event. We've heard good things about their crops in Joplin, so this should turn out to be a great partnership!

Family considerations and future Scrap-a-Paloozas...
In addition to not participating in the March 2 Scrap-a-Palooza, we will also not be taking part in any future Scrap-a-Palooza events. This decision about future events has nothing to do with what has happened the past couple of weeks, but is about family concerns and the increasing time needed as caregivers to our mother, who is dealing with significant memory issues. I know many of you have been through this with aging parents and you understand the stress and the time involved.

Final thoughts...
We are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience our not participating in Scrap-a-Palooza #13 causes those of you who are already signed up. Chris told me that she would give refunds to those who ask for them. If I can help you with further explanations or any questions you may have, please feel free to email me at debbie@scrapbookgeneration.com, or call me at 417-886-0440. Maintaining good relationships with our customers is the reason we have made this extremely difficult decision. If there is any way I can make this situation better for any of you, don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Debbie Sanders