The Lights ARE ON!

Yesterday the power was turned on at the Executive Inn and crews immediately began work to get the hotel ready for the April quilt show. Bill Parsons, president of Space Coast Hospitality Management Services, said the rooms will be cleaned and ready for the quilt show. A professional cleaning company will begin work next week to "take everything out of the rooms, clean everything, shampoo everything and wash windows. The hotel will be clean," he said. Here is a link to today's Paducah Sun with more information about yesterday's press conference:
http://www.paducahsun.com/articles/stories/members_only/200903/04/0abL_news.html


Last week, Space Coast Hospitality and AQS staff called everyone who has confirmed reservations at the Executive Inn, and we also called those who did not get a room there with options for lodging in other locations. If you did not receive a call from Jan, Sylvia, or Bonnie about your room, please call Sylvia or Bonnie (270-898-7903) so we can verify the status of your reservation. After the closing on the sale of the hotel (tentatively scheduled for March 18th) arrangements have been made that full refunds will be returned to those who did not get their room at the Inn. These refunds will come from the closing money due to the seller.Chef Tim Creehan, who will be overseeing all of the food services for the show, will be in town next week to work with the AQS staff on food menus and locations of food concessions. We are excited to have a chef of this caliber working with us. He has an impressive background... In 1992, The American Culinary Foundation named Chef Creehan as one of the “youngest and most accomplished Certified Executive Chefs in the United States.” In 1999, Cooking Light’s Grandstand ’99 selected Creehan as “one of five chefs in the United States to be honored as a Shining Star Chef.” As part of this honor, he demonstrated dishes in front of thousands at Turner Field in Atlanta. In late 2003 at the DiRoNA International Conference, Creehan spoke on a panel to discuss marketing strategies in the industry. In early 2004, Creehan was selected as one of five “Celebrated Chefs” to represent the National Pork Council at various events nationwide. In 2005, Creehan partnered with DCS by Fisher & Paykel to act as their chef spokesman. In 1998, Creehan opened his flagship restaurant Beach Walk, which has since relocated to the Henderson Park Inn. For over a decade it has remained the most awarded and only fine dining restaurant located directly on the beach in Destin. A favorite with locals and tourists alike, Beach Walk is known for its meticulous service, innovative cuisine, and a stunning, unparalleled view.

There is a lot of work to be finished by April 22, but the hotel will be ready, the convention center will be completely remodeled, and AQS will have finalized all of the plans for celebrating the 25th anniversary of the American Quilter's Society.

Registrations are still rolling in - name badges will be mailed for all advance registrations received by March 11. If you register after that date, your name badge will be held for pickup at the show.

Letters to the quilt contestants are being assembled right now and should go into the mail today or tomorrow. Good luck to all of the entrants in the quilt contest.
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We all hope that the dogwoods will be in full bloom so they can be a part of our Grand Celebration!

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Bonnie Browning

Executive Show Director

bonniebrowning@AQSquilt.com