[Woodcarver] The end of the GOW

[Joe Dillett]

Thank you all for your kind words about the GPO/GOW (Great Pig Out/Gathering Of Woodcarvers). 

In the mid 90's I discovered the Internet "List" , founded and owned by Bill Judt and now owned and operated by Matt Kelly (thanks Matt). From that "List" sprang the "Porch" founder and owner Jud Hinds. I formed some great Internet friendships on these Internet lists and wanted to meet them in person. At the same time our Boy Scouts were trying to get their new equipment trailer paid off. I decided to invite everyone on both lists, to a woodcarving gathering/pig roast benefit for the Boy Scouts. Many woodcarvers (and some town folks) donated items for the auction. Jud Hinds ran the auction. My brothers furnished the music. And we got that trailer paid off plus a little extra. Still 12 years later that trailer looks new even though it's been used extensively for many scout camping trips.

The GPO was held several times as scouting benefits and Make-A-Wish benefits. When the focus turned more to having classes it was no longer a benefit and no longer a pig roast, but a week of carving seminars. That's when it became the GOW. 

When it got too much for me to organize Sandie Burgdorf jumped in, along with Bob Mau to help me put it together. (Thanks Sandie and Bob plus the other who stepped in to help.) Planning became as much fun and putting it on. It has created great memories and friendships for Sharon and I. May I add that in the beginning my wife Sharon thought that I was nuts when I invited everyone on the Lists and had no idea how many were going to show up? When Sandie and Bob got involved we had a better idea how many were going to show up. We grew to about 150 carvers which is about all my shop could handle. Then we moved it to the Sandwich Fair grounds. The facilities were good at the fair but we could not get the dates that we wanted. I'm sorry to see the GOW come to an end.

My new journey is organizing the Winter Wood Wonders Show. More to follow about that.

Joe Dillett
The Carving Shop
645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
Somonauk, IL. 60552

(815) 498-9290 phone
(815) 498-9249 fax
http://www.thecarvingshop.net [business web site]
http://www.carvingmagazine.com ['Ask Joe' column]
http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett
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