I Bid My Heart to Follow (Beauty and the Beast convention)

Convention
Name:	I Bid My Heart to Follow
Dates:	July 12-14, 2013
Frequency:
Location:	Cleveland, OH
Type:
Focus:	Beauty and the Beast (TV)
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:
URL:	2013 convention logo, artist not credited on convention website
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I Bid My Heart to Follow is a Beauty and the Beast convention that was held in 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Part of a Series

This con was part of an organized series of annual national Beauty and the Beast fan gatherings held in North America.

Links

• Info
• Add On Activities
• Conzine Guidelines
• totebags, links, Lyrics to Camp Secret Tunnel Anthem
• photos

About

From the online flyer:

"The first time I loved forever

I cast all else aside

and I bid my heart to follow..."

We bid you to follow your heart to Cleveland, Ohio for the Annual US Convention for the Beauty and the Beast TV show fandom. We will gather on America's "North Coast" in the Rock and Roll Capital of the World to celebrate Vincent and Catherine's love and the show that's brought us all together.

"I Bid My Heart to Follow" will be held from July 12 to 14, 2013 in the Holiday Inn in Independence, Ohio. Our beautiful and newly renovated hotel offers a free shuttle to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport as well as free parking for those who choose to drive. "

Con Zine

The con zine is I Bid My Heart My Heart.

Charity

The con's charity recipient was "Sojourner House."

Con Reports

Where to begin?

A little over a year ago, I entered the world of Beauty and the Beast fandom. Fell into it, more aptly stated. I attended my first Winterfest. I posted on BBTV yahoo. I participated in the Sunday episode chat. Those wily ladies enticed me to sign up for the con. Good heavens! What had I gotten myself into?

I am an old fan of Beauty and the Beast. By that I mean, I watched the show when it originally aired. But I was very new to fandom, and new to the con (any con, actually). Those new to the con get special attention, even a category all their own: con virgins. Having no idea what to expect, I set off on the six hour drive to Cleveland, OH.

I arrived shortly after 1 PM, experiencing only a little rain, and not until about noon. My room was not ready, so they took my bag to storage, and I turned and looked around the lobby. A beautiful poster of B&B stood against the far wall of a lounging area, where several people were gathered. This must be them. Onward I went. One thing about being a first-timer: you stick out from the group, because most people all know each other from previous cons. I was warmly welcomed (translated: hugged) by many. One person in particular, Sheila, welcomed me and I was told she was the con virgin wrangler. While I didn’t realize I needed wrangling, it was nice to know that someone was appointed to look out for us first-timers.

We were all waiting for rooms to become available. More and more people arrived. More and more hugs were given. The loving energy in the room was something to be experienced. I’ve never been to any conference remotely resembling it.

I registered for the meeting and got my con bag. Got checked into my room (finally!) but left shortly to go to dinner with a group who kindly included me.

I was looking forward to the con to begin to match faces to screen names (and voices) of the people with whom I had been posting and chatting with in the various venues of fandom. Very few ever matched my imagination (for some reason, I always get hair color wrong!). How wonderful for an extravert like me to meet finally with those I had been conversing with over the year. But I had no other expectations of the con, as I had never been to one. I was warned that they were fun; expect little sleep; and they were addicting. They need to add one more warning: brings lots of money!

So what was the con? Many different sessions throughout the day. Some sessions were devoted to crafts; some were imaginative scenarios if fans had their way (wedding shower; baby shower); others were games. There was also a talent show. Such creativity in this group: many sang, others lip-synched in costumes; others did skits. There was also a session on how to make tunnel clothes, and then a parade of those wearing tunnel clothes.

There is a place called The Dealer’s Room. This is why you need to bring plenty of money. Conzines abound; t-shirts from past cons are offered; jewelry is available; all sorts of posters, calendars, books, and other media are available. Be forewarned: JoAnn’s husband Larry sits at the desk to collect your money. He also points out other stuff you should buy.’ It’s for charity,’ he says. Too many trips later, I have some highly recommended conzines to start my journey with that reading material, some reference books on the show, some paperback books, some calendars with lovely pictures, jewelry, and the coolest leather-sleeved wool crew jacket with Beauty and the Beast embroidered on the back.

Have I mentioned you need money? There is an art auction. I perused the art room to see all of the selections. Any time more than one person bids on the same piece, it goes to auction. I actually got two pieces on which no one else bid. During the auction, I bid and won a third art piece. Have to figure where these will go. That’s a problem for another day.

I love playing Beast Bingo. That’s a game where the money you pay ($1 per game) goes to the charity being supported by the con. This, too, is an element that I am totally unfamiliar with at any other meeting I have attended. But it is part of the tunnel philosophy: giving help to others. And the curious thing that happened: I won three times! I don’t have much luck. The only other thing I have ever won was a small telescope from the Marathon gas station, and that was because we stuffed the box going and coming from high school as we walked past it daily. I now have started my collection of stuffed lions, and have a few other trinkets as a result!

I also won a raffle of a basket filled with goodies. Color me astounded!

We heard a person speak from the Sojourner House, the charity for the con. Most incredible was the story of the 85 year old woman who had been married for at least 50 years, whose abuse had started on her honeymoon. She only now was finally able to leave, and has begun to speak out for others to learn from her sad story. I am amazed and proud at how much was raised in a weekend. I look forward to hearing the final number.

The banquet was lovely. Vincent was there (Yea, Lisa!). Nothing like dressing up a bit to have a good meal. Which leads me to discussing the table center pieces. The room for the three days had circular tables. Every day, a new center piece. Very creative and attractive. At the auction, these also were included. I picked up two of them to help decorate all my other goodies!

We were fortunate to have a special guest as part of the con: David Greenlee, who played Mouse. He spoke, and answered questions, in two different sessions. He also signed autographs, took pictures, and even just hung around with folks talking. A delightful person, with lots of good stories to tell.

So this is my recollection of the con proper. There were three add-ons as well. I signed up for them all, figuring I may never make it back to Cleveland, so I may as well do it up right the first time!

[...]

I had a great time. Such a good time, that I signed up for next year and am serving on the planning committee (wait, how did that happen?). It is obvious that a con takes a group effort to pull off. Laura and her con committee did a fantastic job. Thank you for all the work and time spent in creating this fun experience!

This is something to be experienced for yourself. If you have thought about it, and not yet done it, by all means go! Don’t put it off. Such a positive experience shouldn’t be postponed or missed. Life is too short. And Love is Everything!

In my world of Maerd, on the planet I'm born on, we travel in the blink of an eye. Nobody even thinks of packing or bothers of arranging a place to stay or so, since we can be back home in a flash. But since I'm here on an alien mission to explore, live and walk amongst y'all... I have to experience the burden and magic of adventures.

Our trip started in the end of 2012 by hunting. Our weapons were loaded, the aim was clear. Thus prepared, we entered the maze of the web for the prey of our dreams. It took hours of stalking, evenings spent waiting for the perfect moment... and then: There it was, directly in front of us. We ducked into the scrubs, aimed and... got the winged thing that would take us to the promised land.

Long weeks of planning followed, and it seemed to take forever, until one day, we were ready to pack (really annoying compared to our way of traveling) and leave.

The metal wings took us up into the air and we spent hours and hours in this strange room, that is so much slower than a blink of an eye. You know, aliens are not very patient... but I had my orders.

Finally we reached the ground of the sacred land of Chicago. The waves of communication played some tricks on us when we tried to get in touch with the life form that would welcome us here. At this moment, the magic of traveling in this really old fashioned and antiquated way of leaving behind space and time, touched us the first time. A strange emotion filled the air, a bond, older than time – friendship, kinship...

We arrived home far away from home, welcomed by Pat (life form: Passionate Affectionate Terrestrial), laughed, discussed, shared ideas and meals... and the adventure of a mini con at the race track of Arlington. Donna (life form: Double Oriented Nicest Nicest Alive) and her hubby gave us the gift of an enchanted day, sparkling with love and caring. We also met some furry life forms on 4 legs (small and purring and others quite large with soft noses and a delightful aura). They seemed to be very interested in getting in contact with me. I hope it was just curiosity and they didn't recognized me as an alien...

In this strange world, it is said, that parting is such sweet sorrow... If you are used to travel back and forth in the blink of an eye, you don't have to part for long. But here the heart feels heavy and the mind clings to the moment – thankfully remembered forever... we had to leave Pat.

We moved on, Harleys were visited, ancient pictured rocks explored... hundreds of miles behind us, more ahead. Lakes like the sea, sleeping bears that turned into amazing dunes.

A warm wind that brought us to Oscoda, birthplace of Bubba (life form?: not identified yet – seems to appear here and there, just to wait patiently for a wonderful moment of sense or nonsense). This place is filled with the spirit of colors, warmth and heart, felt forever. Sharon (life form: Sweet Heroine - All Remembering Open & Nice) keeps the memory alive. Together we rested on the bench, that holds Chan's spell of happiness, family and a safe place.

On the road again, more miles and more speed limitations (if you are used to travel in the blink of an eye, 55 miles / hour seems to be the speed of a snail...), until we reached the thundering waters. The power of the nature of this world is truly amazing! But we had to move on... more wonders were waiting...

We arrived at the home of the Wizard of C&Vland! Laura's (life form: Laughter All Understanding, Really Awesome) charms transferred a week into a dream of love and happiness, cheerful moments and treasured memories. There has never been a more powerful wizard, not even in OZ!

But let's not get ahead of time... we had just arrived, met the family and a fellow traveler from – you will not believe it – from Oz. Just imagine, someone coming from that far, not traveling in the blink of an eye? Skippy (life form: Sparkling Kind Interesting Planet Popping Youngster, rated: RR = Rough Red) did, what seems to be impossible...

Boxes and buckeyes (I really think those should be called bug eyes – much more fun...) disappeared almost by magic. Music – thanks Ed (life form: Everybody's Darling) - and laughter filled the house, which might be the reason that Arthur and his family (furry little life form, not identified yet) felt so much at home, that they captured not only our hearts, but also the birdhouse.

Wednesday, here we come! In my world of Maerd, we do things in a blink of an eye, here it's done by witchcraft. Out of thin air, helping hands appeared and – in a blink of an eye – the boxes were put away, the dealers room filled, preparations done.

Friends and family arrived every minute, hugs were given and received. Nor thundering storm nor pouring rain could keep anybody away, all tunnels of the world lead to C&Vland, to celebrate love and creating memories.

Has anyone ever seen C&Vland the way we did? We met some ghosts in the tunnels... walked in the sun between churches and sights. Our lunch was served on the Nautica Queen, great company - such wonderful life forms all around us! Though they look different, have different names, they seem to be the same species after all. If I understood correctly, they are connected by their o.p.-ness. As much as I can tell by now, I really have to be careful, it might be quite contagious.

Back at the place we stayed – yes, since traveling here takes quite long, you can't go back home to sleep there – we had a swim and a chat and fell asleep quite soon...

...just to wake to a wonderful experience. Breakfast with lovely o.p. life forms, being welcomed by our lovely host wizard officially, welcoming the virgins (they had been warned...), getting to know each other better at a great game “What's in a name”. Finally the dealer's room opened, and we had the chance to spend some money. As soon as you enter this place, like we did, questioning, if you should really buy something, just keep in mind, you are not doing it for yourself, you are doing it for charity... forget about packing for a moment – there will be a solution (who needs clothes anyway??). There was only one way to lure us away from all that temptation... a very special life form called David (life form: Divine Actor Vivid Individual Delightful) was granting us an audience. So many questions, so many answers.. time flew by in the blink of an eye... I really wonder if the magic of my world of Maerd finds its way here – maybe Cons are a special enchanted time when the walls between the worlds grow thin and we walk freely in both worlds...

One wonderful moment follows an other – we were presented: The next miraculous week of wonders will be in the twin city of Minneapolis... things that have never been will surprise the visitors, unicorns have been seen there before... Don't wait! Sign up for the adventure!

Before the planned lunch time (who has time for lunch here???) we got to know about Soujourner House. This special place gives shelter to women and children who are in danger. They are given a moment to rest and help to create a new life (this reminds me of something... maybe... the tunnels?). Our most wonderful wizard picked a worthy charity. We all didn't know then, what we know now... $12,000 were raised at this con, and this money will safe people and give them the chance to a new life, to hope and happiness. Isn't it wonderful to know, that we all bought too much in the dealers room, played Beast Bingo... and had fun, and all this fun can add up to something so powerful?

But let's go back in time. Play with us Beast Bingo, enjoy a bridal shower make some tunnel tog... fun, fun, fun!!! Thanks to those who organize all year for us to enjoy every moment! To use the question Winter has asked: Isn't it a bit like summer camp for grown ups?

In the evening creative souls surprised us with costumes and talents. On my planet we are not blessed with a wonderful voice and there are times I really miss to be able to even hit one note, but here... isn't it delightful to sit in the audience and be touched in the heart? Sigh....

But... no, wake up... there are dangly bits we could get our hands on... grab them, and if you are lucky you can get them exactly on the right spot on Stiff Vinny...

This might have been the moment, when you questioned, if there had been time for lunch or dinner today... and you got what ever snack you found and met others in the hospitality room, to laugh, chat, eat, have a rough red and smile... and suddenly it was Saturday...

… more fun, more time to shop, more craft projects... We built our own Beauty and the Beast book, made a nice bracelet with white and red roses or, as I did, with little teapots, since I share the passion for a nice cup of tea with the tunnel dwellers... Isn't it amazing, that thanks to very patient and talented members of the family our craft projects turned out quite nice, even the ones I made???

We had another audience with David. From the keepers of the wisdom of the Crystal Rose Lending Library, we learned of the hidden treasures there, waiting to be explored by everyone. The baby shower gave us the chance to make Vincent's baby... This was very exiting, and we needed to chill at Beast Bingo, visited the dealers Room... and got ready for the banquet. Oh yes, you heard right, the time flew by again, in the blink of an eye...

The banquet room was breathtaking romantic, and the company beyond words. Who else had the chance to share dinner with the Beatles and laugh without a break or end...?

Who needs cabaret, if you can have an auction? There is no way to describe the beautiful things and the incredible auctioneer...

Sunday morning started by sharing food – an incredible way to connect... brunch... yummy... followed by more fun at an art auction. We were dared to make a word picture, mine with everything about New York... as this family was started in the tunnels there, that spread out into the whole world. It was a bit tricky, but soon we had some very decorative art. We missed geocaching, but maybe next time... So we visited Larry (life form: Lovely Alien Really Rescuing Y'all) in the dealers room for a last time... a little bit of sorrow appeared somewhere deep within... the “lasts” started to appear... A last round of Beast Bingo followed... Time to share the light and complete the circle, time for love and hugs, for joy and sorrow. The closing ceremony lets you know, that you are part of a wonderful family. It lets you know, that you share the love and the spirit... but it also makes you feel the sorrow of parting... Lucky ones that are staying til Wednesday...

Lots of hands appeared to pack up the stuff that had to be sent on to Minneapolis, Bubba had to move, Manny traveled on with lots of boxes and the promise to meet again...

Let's rock the Monday in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum! Sooo much to see, sooo much to explore, one day is not enough. Rolling Stones, Elvis, Michael Jackson... should we go this way or the other? Did we really spend the whole day here? No doubt: C&Vland rocks!

One more day... one more highlight! Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens surprised us with its beauty and stories, though we wished for a breeze of cool air or to dip into the pool, when exploring the manor. The garden is full of wonders, and we discovered more than just flowers in it. We shared the most wonderful moments in the life of a family and are thankful for our providence. We visited the butterflies when it suddenly started to rain... and we were lucky again, since we just came back to the gift shop and had a bite at the cafe. Another last... this last trip of the con week...

And there it was... Wednesday... family members were leaving, lots of hugs given and received. Parting is such sweet sorrow! The promise of another day was in the air. We were not losing each other, just changing our meeting point to the tunnels of the web for another year.

[...]

The final last... last day. We went to the sugar-white sanded beach, splashed in the turquoise water under the bright blue sky. We had to get back to the motel, to pack our stuff... who was so optimistic to think that all those beautiful things could fit into our bags??? We started fitting one thing after the other in the suitcases, and after a time, we surprised ourselves, by being able to close the zipper.

Saturday morning... we arrived at Chicago airport quite early, took the car back. At the check in, we found out that we had a problem – our suitcases were too heavy. We had to re-pack. It took us a while to figure out, how to arrange our heavy load to our carry on luggage... We were lucky, nobody weighed those bags.

Again we had to stay hours and hours in this flying thing, wishing to travel in the way we do in Maerd... in the blink of an eye. But...

Traveling in this strange ancient way seems to be addictive. I will go on traveling in the blink of an eye in my own world of Maerd, visiting the deepest tunnel and the highest star, mirroring every dream of the world. If you want I can teach you, fly with me, to the moon... But as a famous fellow man of me said once, ages ago: I'll be back. I will never give up traveling on the wings of this family. There is no mountain high enough, is no river deep enough... to keep me from my family!

Thanks to our wizard! Thanks for the memories and moments!

Als sich die Gelegenheit ergab, mit meinen Freundinnen Amerika zu erkunden, wurde ein Traum wahr. Das Land Amerika und die Menschen haben mich mit ihrer Freundlichkeit, Herzlichkeit, Toleranz - eigentlich fehlen mir die Worte für alles was ich empfinde - überrascht und gefangen.

Der absolute Höhepunkt dieser Reise war die „Beauty and the Beast“ Con. Die Menschen, die dies auf die Beine stellen, organisieren und für die Con leben sind eine riesengroße Familie, auf die man sich zu 1000% verlassen kann und strahlen damit eine Herzlichkeit, Wärme und Geborgenheit aus, die seinesgleichen sucht. Eine "Virgin" auf dieser Con sein zu dürfen war beeindruckend, mit all den "Hugs". Die Talentshow, wo versteckte Talente zum Vorschein kommen, und vor allem der Abschluss mit der Zeremonie des Winterfestes haben mich sehr beeindruckt. Die Serie hat mich vor 20 Jahren in ihren Bann gezogen. Heute bin ich nicht der größte Fan, aber ich zähle mich zu den größten Fan dieser Gemeinschaft und ich freue mich bereits auf die nächste Reise bzw. den nächsten Besuch der Con, wann auch immer das sein wird.

AMERICA – A DREAM COMES TRUE

When I had the opportunity to explore America with my friends, a dream came true. America, the country and its people have surprised and captivated me with their friendliness, heartiness and openness – it's beyond words what I feel.

The absolute climax of this journey was the "Beauty and the Beast" Convention. The people who organize and live for this Con are like a huge family, on whom you can count 1000%. They radiate heartiness, warmth and security which are hard to find somewhere else. Being a "Con-virgin" was fascinating with all those hugs. The Talent show with all those hidden talents, celebrating Winterfest and being part of the circle in the end – these moments will be treasured memories.

20 years ago this series captured me. Today I am not the biggest fan, but I count myself as part and one of the biggest fans of this community and I look forward to my next journey – my next visit at a convention, whenever that might be.

We arrived in Independence, OH during the afternoon of Tuesday, July 9th. The staff at the Holiday Inn could not have been more friendly or accommodating. We were able to check in immediately upon arrival and were provided the refrigerator we requested. The bell hop was kind enough to help us unload and even made not one but two trips to and from our car to the room. In addition to our luggage, we had two boxes of banquet candles, props and costumes for the talent show, food and beverages for the room parties and necessities for the three Club sponsored panels. For dinner, we ate at the Winking Lizard, a bar and grille that we would frequent quite often in the week ahead for the lively atmosphere, tasty food and inexpensive prices. Brewzer, the rescued iguana, who occupied an enclosed area near the restaurant entrance, was also entertaining whether napping or high fiving diners as they arrived or departed.

The following day (Wednesday, July 10th), we helped the members of the con committee unload numerous boxes and unpack a multitude of items for both the art and dealers rooms. We also had the opportunity to meet and greet other Club members upon their arrival, interact with extended family members we had not seen for two or more years and introduce ourselves to folks who have now become everlasting friends. The day concluded with a group of us dining at the Winking Lizard and then adjourning to the hotel bar for an unofficial welcome reception.

On Thursday, July 11th, we joined approximately 50+ extended family members and friends on a bus tour of Cleveland, OH. The highlight of the tour was the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Built in 1894 and designed by Cleveland architect Levi Scofield, the Monument honors more than 9,000 residents of Cuyahoga County who participated in the Civil War. Exterior statuaries depict battle scenes of the Navy, Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry. Interior reliefs feature women from the Northern Ohio Relief Society on the home front and as nurses; Ohio’s wartime leaders including two future U.S. presidents; Abraham Lincoln removing the shackles of slavery; and Lincoln’s last meeting with his generals Grant, Sherman and others at City Point, Virginia near the war’s end. Our con chair, Laura Goist, was also able to arrange a tour (typically reserved for those touring the monument on Halloween) of the tunnels underneath the monument. It was not difficult to envision Vincent, Father, Mouse and others making their way along the pathways and through the doorways of this underground historical treasure.

The city tour ended with a scenic lunch cruise along the riverbank to the mouth of Lake Erie. Although it had rained for 16 straight days prior to our tour, the weather this day was picture perfect and we were able to get some wonderful photos of the Cleveland skyline. The cruise was made extra special by our tablemates, Andrea, Carole, Gonda, Margrit, Pat and Sandy. We truly enjoyed their company and are overjoyed that they are now official members of CHSBB.

The night ended with the Club’s traditional pre-con dinner which was held this year at the Outback Steakhouse followed by get togethers in the hotel lobby bar and Club sponsored room party. We were joined by Teresa, a con virgin and avid Elvis fan, and now a member of CHSBB as well.

Friday, July 12th was the official start of the 2013 BATB Convention. The day began with a continental breakfast followed by opening ceremonies and the welcoming of the convention virgins. The remainder of the morning featured such panels as What’s in a Name, Future Con Announcement and a presentation by personnel from the Sojourner House, the designated charity for the 2013 BATB convention. David Greenlee, who played the character of Mouse on the Beauty and the Beast television show, also spoke for about 45 minutes to an hour on Friday morning. In the afternoon, H.A.T./CHSBB member Judy Loyd held her first of three Beast Bingo panels in which all proceeds raised went to the Sojourner House. On the same day, Club member Jackie Hunt held Catherine and Vincent’s Bridal Shower with assistance from Brenda, Helene and Melissa. H.A.T./CHSBB member Karen Quattlebaum also conducted a canvass panel. The remainder of the day consisted of a tunnel togs panel, the costume parade and talent show and dangly bits game. CHSBB rocked Cleveland during the talent show by presenting Friday Night at the Cavern Club featuring the Beatles with Vincent (aka Lisa Gould) as Ringo. Dinner in the hotel was followed by a Club sponsored room party.

On the morning of Saturday, July 13th, Jackie led the Catherine Chandler Baby Shower panel. Other panels included Two Truths and a Lie, Crystal Rose Lending Library, Beast Bingo, Beauty and the Beast Bracelets, Tunnel Family Feud and 3rd Season Discussion. The banquet was held during the evening hours followed by the charity auction. Laura was complimentary of this year’s CHSBB banquet candles saying that they were the best she has ever seen! We also had a very entertaining table with Pat regaling us with the story of Sven, Ollie and the goldfish and Andrea’s disappearing dessert.

Sunday, July 14th began with brunch followed by the art auction. Multiple items sold for in excess of $100 resulting in numerous belly bumps between CHSBB member and incomparable auctioneer Deb Fowler as well as the Club’s own Joann Baca. Hoping for the same results next year, JoAnn and Deb are going into belly bump training. Other panels scheduled for Sunday included Word Collage with Karen Q., Geocaching and Beast Bingo as well as Dirty Minds by our El Presidente. The con officially ended with the closing ceremonies welcoming the now former con virgins into the circle and the passing of the candle to next year’s con committee. The Club’s post con dinner was held at the Winking Lizard followed by time spent in the con hospitality suite.

[...]

Now home, we are slowly returning to our normal routines and looking forward to the Club year ahead and the 2014 Beauty and the Beast convention. We hope to see as many of our readers there as possible.

Be Well!!! Be Happy!!!