This week, I’d like to lend over my column to give an additional plug for the NWA 50th Anniversary Convention, Cauliflower Alley Banquet, and NWA 50th Anniversary show with information taken from the NWA 50th Anniversary website. You can find this site at http://www.ringwarriors.com/50than.htm .

You’ll also be able to find out individual information on the NWA 50th Anniversary by e-mailing Lee Keys or Kathy Fitzpatrick (nor just vendor information as stated below) at nwa50th@yahoo.com.

If you are a wrestling FAN, and you love the history of the business, this weekend of events will be a blast. If you’re new to wrestling, here’s a perfect chance to expose yourself to its history. For myself, I’ve always enjoyed the part of the Eddie Gilbert Memorials and other events where I get to meet those who’ve worked in the business from years gone by. I’ve even been lucky enough to make a few of them my friends. So please don’t miss this opportunity in October. Read on for the information...

Until next time...

Bob Magee

THE FAN CONVENTION

The "NWA 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend" kicks off with a Fan Convention on Saturday morning, October 24th at 9 a.m. and will run through 6 p.m.

There, fans will have the opportunity to view and purchase all sorts of pro wrestling memorabilia and merchandise from the common to the hard to find. Not only will there be items such as hats and tee shirts of all sorts to choose from, but there will be dealers from all over the U.S. offering everything from action figures and dolls to magazines and programs. Everything you can imagine such as video tapes, trading cards, posters, wrestling masks, belt buckles, Japanese and Mexican items and just about anything else you can think of that says "wrestling" will be on display and available for purchase.

Also on hand will be special autograph and photo sessions with some of wrestling's biggest stars as well as some of the legends. The line-up will be announced as we get closer to Convention day. Tickets for the event will be only $8 in advance ($10 at the door on the day of the convention) and will made available through Ticketmaster in the coming weeks.

Dealers and vendors who are interested in displaying their merchandise at the NWA 50th Anniversary Fan Convention, should contact Kathy Fitzpatrick and Lee Keys via e-mail at NWA50th@yahoo.com for exact vendor details. Dealer pricing for spaces are $100 per table and $25 for each additional table up to a maximum of four (4) tables per vendor. The price includes a complimentary ticket to the 50th Anniversary show at 8 p.m. Dealer space is limited and is available to vendors on a first come, first serve basis.

THE BANQUET

The "NWA 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend" continues on Saturday afternoon, October 24th at 2 p.m. with the "Fourth Annual Cauliflower Alley Club East Coast Convention."

This year's Banquet will be in Celebration of the NWA's 50th Anniversary, honoring those individuals who have had an impact on the history and growth of the National Wrestling Alliance.

Thus far, those confirmed to be honored include: Lou Thesz, Harley Race, Danny Hodge; and Gordon Solie.

More people to be honored will be announced as we get closer to the Banquet date, and there will also be some surprise presentations.

Tickets for the "Fourth Annual Cauliflower Alley Club East Coast Convention In Celebration of the NWA's 50th Anniversary" are only $55 and can be paid by Check or Money Order. All Payments are to be made payable to: Cauliflower Alley Club and sent to:

Cauliflower Alley Club,
c/o George Napolitano
1235 80th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11228

THE SHOW

The "NWA 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend" concludes on Saturday evening, October 24th at 8 p.m. with the "NWA 50th Anniversary Show."

Although matches have yet to be announced, the show will be an All-Star interpromotional wrestling card, featuring the top performers from each of the current NWA member promotions, as well as those wrestlers who are recognized as champions throughout the NWA. At press time those scheduled to appear on the card are: NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dan "the Beast" Severn; NWA World Tag Team Champions The Border Patrol; NWA North American Champion The Colorado Kid; NWA National Champion Doug Gilbert; plus: Barry Windham, the Rock'n'Roll Express, and "Mr. NWA" James E. Cornette among others. The exact card will be announced as we get closer to the show date.

Tickets for the "NWA 50th Anniversary Show" will be: $35 for Golden Ringside; $30 for Ringside; $25 for Reserved; and $20 for General Admission. Tickets will made available through Ticketmaster in the coming weeks.

HOTEL AND AIR

In order to accommodate those fans who wish to attend the show from out of the area, we have made special arrangements with the Cherry Hill Hilton for discounted Hotel Rates and with National Casino Tour and Travel for discounted Airline Travel.

Hotel Rooms at the Cherry Hill Hilton are $89 per night, plus tax. Reservations can be made directly by calling (609) 665-6666 or toll free (888) 665-8686 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making your reservation be sure to specify that it's for the "NWA" or "Cauliflower Alley Club" Group in order to get the discounted rate.

Discounted Airline Travel into Philadelphia is also available. National Casino Tour and Travel is providing discounted air travel on major airline carriers for the weekend from virtually any major city. Tickets can be purchased by calling (954) 431-1616 or toll free (800) 330-0711. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

When making your reservation be sure to specify that it's for the "NWA" or "Cauliflower Alley Club" Group in order to get the discounted rates. They can also make rental car reservations for you if you require them.

If you have comments or questions, I can be reached by e-mail at magee@uscom.com.