Merries Weekend

Convention
Name:	Merries Weekend
Dates:	1988-1989
Frequency:	yearly
Location:
Type:	mini-con
Focus:	fan-run, non-profit, celebrity guests of honor
Organization:	Robin of Sherwood North American Branch
Founder:	Barb, Sandy Stoltenberg, Chris (Edmunds? Haire?), and Nancy Miller
Founding Date:
URL:
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Merries Weekend was a Robin of Sherwood convention sponsored by Robin of Sherwood North American Branch.

A description from A Shot in the Dark #12:

It's like a small weekend party. We usually bring guests in on Wedesday and they leave on a Wednesday. I know it sounds strange, but unless the airline ticket is for a week, the price is much higher. [The con itself is] two days Saturday and Sunday. It's not structured like other conventions and it has a party atmosphere. Only 150 fans are invited on a first come first served basis. It is much more intimate that way. The fans come to meet you, we have panels, a banquet Saturday night and a pool party.

1988

October 1-2, 1988 Guests of Honor were Mark Ryan and Robert Addie.

1988: Con Report

REVIEW MERRIE'S WEEKEND '88 (or how to have fun at a con without really trying!)

This year at Merries Weekend our special guests were: Mark Ryan and Robert Addle. This was the first American convention Mr. Addle had been to and we were delighted to have him here.

There was about 85 attendees at this convention and it was relaxed and fun.

Talks were informal with squirt gun duals between guests and fans, and yes. dare we forget, sheep jokes!

Also we showed the blooper video and ROSNAB sold pictures and other RH merchandise. The guests were free to move about among the fans, and also enjoyed the art show and auction Robin Hood art as drawn by the fans, was well received and as it was our first art show. It went well. A word of thanks needs to be extended to Nancy Miller who was responsible for that part of the convention. Great job! If there is enough interest we may want to do another art show again this year.

One special thing about Merrie's Weekend is the banquet and is part of the admission price. You are welcome to attend In medieval garb or come as you are. This year, lords, ladies, nuns, and YIKES! Lepers! (Unclean! Unclean!) abounded. We were treated to a exotic dance by Leni Sommers and it was enjoyed by ail. especially the guests. Her enthusiasm was catching and we all clapped in time to the music and applauded her at the end. Gifts and presentations to the guests came next and, not surprisingly. Mark Ryan got a lot of sheep gifts, fanzines and t-shirts and other wonderful things. Both guests were very happy to meet everyone and Mr. Addie was very surprised to receive gifts.

The first annual silver arrow awards were presented, amongst much applause and surprise. Robin Hood fanzines, are getting better and better. Congratulations Everyone! The liars panel, which ended the weekend, was a much anticipated event. Mark Ryan turned out to be a very ingenious and quick witted with his answers. Robert Addie was bewildered just a bit at first by the premise, but he also has a very humorous side to his personality. The questions were pointed, sharp, and barbed sometimes. (Barbed??) NO! NO! Not our Barb! It's better being blunt. (Groan!)

I think it's safe to say that everyone had a good time. The hotel was very nice too. but there was a problem with the hotel restaurant not being open during the weekend, which we hope will be corrected next year. In spite of it all. It was a party for the entire two days!

1989

This was the plan, though it is unknown if this con took place:

Well folks, yes we are dumb enough to do this again!!! The date for this year's event is October 21 and 22nd, 1989 at the Quality Inn West in Omaha, Nebraska (for those of you who are new to the club, MERRIES WEEKEND is our annual fan club party). We have talked to the hotel about the restaurant and bar being open during the weekend and they have agreed to keep it open all weekend. Also, the pool and whirlpool will be in working order so we can once again have a pool party on Saturday afternoon (but no trivia contest!! hahahaha!) Price for the weekend event including banquet Saturday night will be $50.00. That is a $10.00 increase over last year, but airline prices have risen drastically over this past year. Room prices dropped though, they will be Single-$33.00 and Double $39.00 plus tax. Room reservation cards are available from the club address, and if you are a dealer please write this on your reservation card. They will try and group the dealers in one section of the hotel proper. At this time, we do not have any confirmed guests, but you know us, we always come through. MONEY WILL NOT BE REFUNDED UNLESS WE CANNOT GET ANY GUESTS!!! (this is to clear up the confusion about refunds.)

This year we will NOT allow any videotaping during the weekend as we are having it professionally recorded. Copies will be made available for sale with the November issue of the newsletter. We do hope you understand this decision.