Handworks 2017: Ready, Set, GO!


We set out early yesterday morning for the last leg of our 1700-mile journey to Iowa for Handworks 2017. After passing through endless fields of newly-sprouted corn, crossing the mighty Mississippi, entering another time zone, and being awed by The World's Largest Truck Stop, we made it to the Amana Colonies. It's a good thing, too - the game of "Spot a Windmill, Win a Quarter" was losing hold on our three kids. 

After driving slowly and rubbernecking past many beautiful stone and brick buildings, we found our spot in the Millwright Shop. My wife, Megan, and our kids helped me lug the benches, display, magazines, tools, DVDs, 19th-century​ chest-over-drawers, etc. into the shop as our poor van gave an audible sigh of relief. Setup went quickly with so many helpers, and folks dropped by to say "hello" as we got everything arranged. The kids were absolutely delighted to meet their hero, Roy Underhill.

We ran to Cedar Rapids to check in to our hotel and grab some groceries, then returned to Amana for the big barbecue cookout. The who's-who of handtool woodworking, all gathered together in a barn eating pulled pork and cole slaw. What more could you ask for? It's going to be a terrific show! 

-Mike

 


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