Funspot 2004 Tournament

     As many of you know, Funspot, an amusement place in Weirs Beach, New Hampshire (one hour north of Manchester, 2 hours north of Boston) has been holding a contest (actually, a number of them) each year on the Thursday through Sunday period following Memorial Day.  This year, the 6th Annual International Classic Game Tournament is set for June 3 through June 6, and the contest games (chosen by Gary Vincent and Ken Sweet) will be announced the first day of the event (note that I, and numerous other gamers, make one simple request for next year - let the players choose the games !!).  To see a list of all the great classic arcade titles at Funspot, click here.  You may wish to that the game is still there and operational before coming, however.

    If you want to read the official Funspot media release that was posted last month, click here.  Provided is a link to register for the event, but I've also set up a shortcut to it by clicking here.  Finally, a very useful bonus coupon is available, that gives you an extra 50 tokens when $20 worth are purchased.  Click here for that coupon page.

    Now, to the travel arrangements.  Click on the links following this paragraph to see a selection of motels and 'cottages' located in the area.  Keep in mind that the majority of accommodations along the road leading to Funspot focus on Lake Winnipesaukee, and, of course, most gamers could care less.  So, if you see a place emphasizing their proximity to the lake, or other such 'advantages', you will merely be paying for something that you won't use.

    from the Funspot site:    http://www.funspotnh.com/lo-lodgings.htm
    from Yahoo Travel:        http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-477547-laconia_hotels-i
    from a local web site:      http://www.laconia-weirs.org/html/motel.html
     

    As far as flights into the area, most players agree that paying a bit extra to fly into Manchester, which is one hour closer than Boston, is well worth the two hours round trip time savings.  Last year I planned things this way, and it worked out very well.

    Once you reach the area, directions would be helpful, as some find the signage (or, lack thereof) confusing.  Here is the easiest route, from either Boston, or Manchester:  get on I-93 north, and proceed to exit 23, which is slightly less than one hour north of Manchester.  Turn right, onto Route 104 East, and follow it until it ends, after about eight miles, at a traffic light.  Turn right at the light, onto Route 3 South.  Proceed about 2 1/2 to 3 miles, and you will see Funspot on the left.  If you reach a steep declining hill, with a bridge at the bottom, you've gone a few blocks too far.

    All right, now let's take a look at the following player's chances of attendance, how long they'll stay, the games they intend to play (outside of the contest games), and if they are able to share a ride, and / or a room.  To contact them, simply click on their name (note: some players do not have the option to be contacted).

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