This will be my 15th Festival in a row, so of course I've been to both East and West coast festivals, w/ 1 being in Las Vegas. Over the years I've noticed the bigger crowds at the NY festivals. Especially in the 90's, at the Marriott Marquis, and when Dark Shadows was being run at the same time on Sci Fi, the crowds were much bigger too. I've been told that they don't do cities in the Mid-west, South, ect., as 1/2 of the actors live on the East coast, and the other 1/2 live on the West. It is cheaper to fly half of them to one coast or another, than the whole cast to a location in-between. Although, Chris Pennock told me personally last year, that they did not pay his plane fare to Brooklyn from CA. As far as the restaurants go, the food isn't bad at the Hotels in NY, but the service was terrible in both Brooklyn and Tarrytown. Also very pricey. The service and bar/restaurants were much better at the CA hotels, both at LAX and Anaheim. The bartenders/wait staff friendlier there. Also Hollywood was good. Plus there were many more places to eat outside the hotel, there. Nothing is perfect, unfortunately. I live in Upstate NY, so personally, going to CA is a better vacation for me. But a much more expensive trip. I'm sorry that Prof. Stokes can't go, I look forward to seeing her every year! But I understand, I couldn't afford to go to CA two years in a row, either. As for the special guest, I'm assuming they're referring to either Jonathan Frid, or Alexandra Moltke. Those are the only two that would be 'that' special. I think they are being cautious, though, announcing anyone specifically--- in case the special guest thing doesn't work out. I hope for everyone's sake it does, though. I look forward to seeing all of those that can go. I miss you all, Rick
