I'm thrilled to announce that TARcon...This One Goes To XI (tm IMissEthan(I'm pretty sure)) will again be held from on 5/6 at Stitch, beautiful, spacious bar/lounge in the Garment District. Stitch is located at 247 W 37th St (@ 8th Ave).

Charges are as follows:
$75 - 3 hour plan - Open (Top Shelf!) Bar 6:00PM to 9:00PM and new, revamped, a la carte menu. Check in will start at 5:45 PM
Maximum: 75 people - Sold Out

$50 - 2 hour plan - Open (Top Shelf!) Bar 7:00PM to 9:00PM and new, revamped, a la carte menu. Check in will start at 6:30 PM, Entrance at 7:00 PM.
Maximum: 225 people - Sold Out

If you're interested, check the thread to see if anyone has an extra spot to sell.

"Top Shelf" is everything but shots including their "designer cocktails" mmmm.

Checking In: Bring your Paypal receipt (email or printout from Paypal) for admission. Poptart will not hesitate to throw you to the back of the line for not bringing your Paypal receipt.

Again, we're requiring shipping addresses with your Paypal payment. But remember, No ticket of any kind will be issued. None will be mailed to you and none will be handed out to you. Your paypal receipt is your "ticket."

Deadlines for all are 5/1, but please pay early. We have to give a pretty big deposit ASAP.

Gratuity for your prepaid drinks is included; please tip appropriately after 9:00 PM and for any a la carte food or drinks. The bar will stay open (l-a-t-e) on a cash basis. They said as long as we're drinking, they'll stay open. The kitchen will close around midnight.

There will be a bag/coat check.

There will be no goodie bags.

If you plan to drink to the point of puking, don't forget to bring someone to get you home safely and it's BYOB (Bring Your Own Bucket).
The TARcon and bar staff and don't want to have to baby-sit you. Furthermore, if you plan to drink to the point of berating people, don't be surprised when you get thrown out. If you get thrown out, please leave (go home/elsewhere). Please don't stick around and harass people. If you do get asked to leave, you will not be allowed back to another TARcon. This is a private event and we can exclude you if necessary. Please don't make me do it. Bottom line? Bring a sober buddy if you plan on being out of control.

Your entrance does not guarantee you a seat, a picture or anything else other than open bar and race viewing during the paid time. Of course, you'll have a better chance at a seat if you are on the three hour plan.

There are no refunds. If you can't go, try to sell your spot to someone else.

Comps: Because of budget, comps can only be admitted after 9. If any comp would like to come before 9, they will have to pay the cover charge (email me for more specific details). If you are a comp or know a comp and will be coming after 9, please email me directly. I need the names for the count.

Wheelchairs: The venue is accessible at the main bar area.

Donations for overhead are welcome.

Information about DimSumCon, our traditional post-TARcon brunch can be found here. Read it, it's all-new.

Information about Sephoracon, our traditional post-TARcon makeovers is also forthcoming.

I'm on vacation until 4/13. Meg20 is empowered to answer all questions, so ask her if you need anything.

New York is waiting for you... Go!

Yes, thank you for all of the effort that you all put into it -- it is definitely appreciated.

You rule as always, lady.

Thanks so much to missdona and all of the other organizers:) You guys ROCK!! 'm in for the 3-hour plan. Can't wait to see you all.

If I had known as a rather depressed and impoverished college student back in September 2001 that I would be flying all the way from Perth to New York not once, but three times now just because of a TV show and the friends I've made through it, I would have laughed in your face.

TAR fandom has become such a cherished part of my life, and I've met so many interesting people (both racers and fans), I'd be mad not to come back for the All-Stars TARcon.

Organisers - many thanks as always for your hard work in setting it up and on the night. I know I couldn't do it.

Fellow attendees - I look forward to seeing you there! Hopefully I will not be alone in making up the non-North American international contingent!

I'm in for three hours, and also I am delighted by the event's subtitle.

Oh, I so hope Danny and Oswald will be in attendance. (Yes, I know, no guarantees that particular racers or any racers will be present for anything, but still.)

Because I can't figure out if my email address is public or not, questions can be emailed to me at Meggin512@yahoo.com or posted here.

Yee haw!

I'm all set. Thanks so much to the organizers for once again doing a fabulous thing for all of us rabid fans.

DavidK93, we'll see you at the usual bar stools, eh?

missdona, as always, you rock. designed and I will be getting the band back together and I can't wait to see everyone!

(and I don't know about anyone else, but I will be eating nothing but alligator all night long!)

Lyric Challenge:
Eating alligator for dinner, baby.
A restaurant that made it to the top.
Smoothies always get to pay for dinner, baby.
The food was the last thing you came for!

Absolutely, ajlingo! You worked out that Rhode Island thing?

I cancelled the NM leg of my vacation and am flying back from Texas because I really can't not share this with all you wackos. YAY!

I am giving up going on a cruise because of this. Am I crazy? Probably. But it's All Stars so I have no regets at all. Plus, I am intrigued by the alligator appetizer. I'll be there with my mini Polaroid as well.....you have been warned.


Edit: By accident I bought the 2 hour instead of the 3 hour. What is the protocol to sell the 2 hour off? Do I just forward the Paypal receipt to the next buyer?

I think I might actually make this one! And it'll be my first.

I want to note that this particular week is market week in New York, at least for the area that I work in. So book your hotel early and often.

Hooray! I'm in, I'm going and I'm making my hotel reservation. Tarsier, you and MsMonkey are finally going to attend?

Oh, please please please!!!

Stitch = Great times! Definitely one of the best venues I've ever been too!



I'm not in charge, but IMO, my best bet would be to hold it for a while until everything runs out. At that point, someone wanting to go would be asking for an extra, and you'd be able to give him or her your extra.

Well, kinda. It's a three pm show and we only run about 75 minutes. I'm leaving as soon as I'm done. There's no way I was missing this party.

My gf and the friends you met last time will be there the whole time, though, so look for them!

Oh my...I have a benefit I'm supposed to attend...six blocks away...there may be a quick appearance at THAT venue, followed by an early departure!

But it has been TOO FREAKIN LONG since I have seen my fellow Fanatics at a Tarcon!

As a hotel heads up, Travelzoo has a link to Hotel Millenium in times square with rooms for $199 on the night of May 6. The deal expires tonight at midnight, so if you're looking for a nicer hotel, but at a pretty decent price for it, this is a good choice. I stayed there several years ago and loved it. Last TARCON I stayed at Hotel Grand Union and I found that clean and very adequate. Their price for a huge quad room was something along the lines of $240, which if you divide by 4 is very reasonable.

I'm so excited. You have no idea how much I need drunken festive camaraderie.

Sadly, my buddy Nancy can't attend this time, but she sends regards and swears she'll be at the next one.

Great, kwnyc. Hopefully your appearance holds up! It really has been two years (since Tarcon7).



That's what I remember reading; very awesome title there!

On that note, and the note of people who've been gone for a long time, hopefully Darwin will make an appearance, as in a little longer than a quick appearance, but a later departure! Mole folk are always awesome to chat with (even if it means no head-to-head hoops matchups between Lenny)!


ETA a lot of stuff:

I second the Hotel Grand Union. I think that's the only place that's both decent and not so expensive. Even if you're there alone, it's still well under $200. The only thing that's not so good are the elevators (or elevator), but the Internet access is also a great part of someone's stay there (not as good as Super 8 Times Square or the Hilton), but it's quite relaxing.

Other hotels include the Chelsea Star, Ramada New Yorker, Red Roof Inn, La Quinta, Doubletree, and the Sheraton. However, currently the Sheraton and Doubletree are expensive (without the numbers (of roommates) especially) and the Chelsea Star is currently booked solid on Sunday (and overbooked Saturday). The New Yorker has some rooms left, but they're the more expensive ones. They still have some Queen and Kings left, but as far as the double rooms, they have some on Sunday, but if your trip starts a day or two earlier, no luck.

On the topic of a quick heads up, For those that are heading there for the first time and can't decide whether it's best to go with someone or without anyone, I've traveled with and without people, so I know what it's like. If you do decide to come to NYC where the event is, IMO, I find it the easiest to travel to Tarcon solo. Well, for anyone else, it's still best to go solo, but as for mingling with others, it's such a great experience meeting people that share the same love for something. In the past (a long time ago), I looked into going with people, but unfortunately, last minute things came up and were unable to accomodate me. Other cases include someone leaving at a difficult time, or having something else to do. However, speculating this, I had a backup plan to go solo (where there's no interference but getting there is completely my responsibility) and therefore go to and from Tarcon safely and without any flaws.

In other words, it's not unusual to travel solo. Several people (who may back me up on this) have gone solo, not knowing anyone, and left with a fleet of new friendships. So, IMO, if you have to go without knowing anyone, go for it. It's the best experience that I felt when I was in the same boat.

If Miss Alli doesn't mind (and if so, I'll delete this), I actually searched for and found the "Basic Info and Common Concerns Thread" from Tarcon5, in case anyone new needs to know the answers to frequently asked questions/everything you need to know (i.e. What to do if you're too shy to be there, what happens, at the event, the guarantees of meeting celebrities (no guarantee), whether we can be disrespective to or get into a confrontation with the slackers or any unpopular Racers (p.s. - A Definite No) whether you'll receive anything after payment (very important to bring the receipt) and other things).


Once again, don't be afraid to meet and talk to people. It's a lot better than not doing so and regretting it after it's all over.

Yeah, that was my suggestion way back when. Thanks for the tm; it might be my first.

I'm locked, loaded, and ready to go for my tenth TARCon. Can't wait to see everybody at Stitch!

- 2-Hour Plan "ticket" purchased
- Request for Monday, May 7th off put in (i need a day to recover and do DimSum)
- Bounces with excitement

I'm all set for my 5th TARCon!! And I'm bringing my friend Jen who is a longtime TARfan but first time TARCon goer! Can't wait to see y'all at Stitch! Thanks missdona and all the other organizers for your continued hard work and planning that goes into making this event so awesome!

Locked in for my 3rd con in a row and 6th overall! Can't wait to see y'all again. Bring my table down, missdona ;)

Phil turns the big 4-0 on May 31. I know it's 25 days early, but it would be a great occasion to do something special for all he's given us over the years (I actually won't be there; I'm just throwing the idea out.).

I am totally there. screamapiller I'll keep an eye out for you.

I have to make sure my "Department of Redundancy Department" shirt is clean. I've worn it to every TARCon so far, I think it's a requirement now.

Yay! Can't wait to see you, valjean615, and terrify--I mean "meet"--your friend Jen!

Excuse me, that's MISS Alli-gator.

Thanks as always to missdona and all for organizing what is sure to be another slam dunk fantastic evening.

Reasonable LAX - JFK airfare (for $298 r/t, in Saturday, out Monday), inexpensive accomodation ($99 tax-free/night at the YMCA -- I was really impressed last time with the cleanliness of the "superior" room and the shared bath facilities), and the 2-hour plan are all booked, so count me in. Looking forward to seeing my usual suspects grasshoppergirl, beelzebubba, wolfinj, and pointe3579, among others, and meeting some new folks.

Since I'm not leaving until the late afternoon on Monday, I may finally try to do my first DimSumCon too.

YAAY!!! DoubleTee again:) Two in a row. Can't wait to hang out with you and the gang again. We totally have to get the upstairs area again. One month left. Can't wait to see everyone.

Oh, that reminds me...junage we totally have to hang out together and geek out at everything. I'll make sure to bring my own camera.

For those of you looking for hotels, we just booked this one for that Sunday night. Enter the zipcode 10018 (Stitch's zip) into Hotwire's search engine, and choose the $134 Best Price option.

I've never stayed at this one before, but it looks fantastic.

Be sure to eat in their restaurant - it's awesome! The rooms are small (hey, it's NYC!), but it's a really cool, hip hotel.

The Australian I am so jealous. I'm happy to see you spending that money you got from Eddie on such a worthwhile cause. I would do the same thing. If I ever manage to become flush with funds in a similar manner, nothing would keep me away from a TARCon. I don't know what it is about this show, but I would so love to meet not only the racers, but the fans I have "met" here on TWoP.

Have fun at TARCon everyone who is able to get there, I will be there in spirit.

Hey I'm looking to make my first TARcon this year but I'm not sure if I'll have to be working the next morning yet. I was just wondering how quickly are all of these usually gone by?

Coming by myself this time - Mrs. Coretti will be flying back from a business trip.

Looking forward to seeing you all again!

Sunday this time, so I can't blame late classes for not showing up. I guess I'll have to come!

I was planning on Driving the Mile this year but, wouldn't ya know, it's on the same day as TARcon. Poop. I think TARcon wins out... I simply must see what this business is about and meet you fabulous people. Anyone from Chicago want to go on a road trip? :)

Spike85, it varies. Some have ended before Midnight, and others fairly past midnight. It depends on when the show ends, whether people are either still able to drink and chat or are too out of energy to make it. It really depends on the overall picture; therefore, there's no definite answer. However, in situations like yours, people who had to be at work the next day would enjoy as much as possible, but leave early so that he or she could get up for work the next day. Of course, a couple years ago, one of my friends here went to work the next day, but actually stayed up and partied (post-Tarcon), but I wouldn't suggest that.



Although I guess you'd have to come even if this fell on the weekend and you had late classes anyway. Hee; I don't know if I'm going myself; I think I can make it, but regardless, a Rinaldo-less Tarcon is pretty much something I can't describe, despite the fact that it's happened twice. Glad you'll be there.




Oh hell no! Screw the business trip! It's the weekend! Okay, bad idea, but there is still time to move the flight to an earlier time so as to arrive in time, no? I wouldn't know (anything), but I hope something could work out for this All-Stars season.

That being said, she'll be missed. It was a great pleasure to meet you both last year (and it still amazing that you actually ran into Bama as part of the race); as mentioned, I haven't decided officially if I'm actually going, as I myself have been busy with work and what not to the point of burnout sometimes (it's fun though!). Today was my first day off (other than paid holidays) since I started at the new position. However, things have been hectic for the most part. Why I decided to finally go back to being corporate, I don't know. Fortunately, I'm all paid up, because I do not want a repeat event where I finally decided to go only to nearly miss not being able to make it because everything was sold out and had to resort to buying admission off of someone who couldn't make it at the last minute.

Anyway, if and when the day comes, when I'm there, I'm looking forward to seeing you again Coretti as well as Rinaldo and everyone else. Work is something I don't ever want to miss, believe it or not, but since I don't work on weekends, I guess I better come as well!

Thanks so much, once again, to the party organizers. You ladies rock!
Happy honeymoon, Dona!

Unfortunately, I will be at a bachelor party (in Las Vegas) the same time as TARcon.

Not being able to party with my friends and fellow fans well...it is upsetting....and it hurts.

I know you will all have a great time...

See you at 12.

Unacceptable newman. Tell the groom he'll just have to reschedule! That'll work, right?

I'm in. I promised Dodo I would NEVER drink whiskey in NYC ever again, so I should be there for the long haul.

Dona, Poptart, Meggin, et al:

BEST! ORGANIZERS! EVER!

Newman: You're gonna have to work something out. Seriously. NO execeptions. No Opportunity Wasted, and all.

And I DO mean wasted!

I am a freak, and a total loser when it comes to anything related to the computer. I just found out last night, when I went to book my TARcon tickets, that it takes 2-5 days to get Paypal set up.

Does anyone know how long it usually takes TARcon to sell out? I have tried to conscript a friend with Paypal to order for me, but now that the forums are up, she's not home. I will die if I miss my very first TARcon over something dumb like this.

IIRC, bankerchick, the more expensive option tends to sell out within a week, while the other one either sells out shortly before the deadline or doesn't sell out at all (although admission would be closed prior to the event). Really, it varies.

Go ahead and start the process of setting up your Paypal. If worse comes to worst, you can ask for someone to buy your admission here, and paypal them back. And there are usually some admissions available at the last minute due to unforeseen cancellations.

bankerchick, your information does not compute. I set up a PayPal account and got verification in about 30 minutes. If you are sending cash into the account, then maybe it does take multiple days. Go and do it and see how long it really takes.

apskip that's why I think I'm a loser, and must be missing something. I set up a Paypal account, but after adding a bank account, I have to wait 2-5 days for them to make a deposit to my account, to confirm it's really my account. Is there a way to set it up without adding a bank account, or am I missing something obvious?

I still haven't added a bank account to mine and I've had it for over a year. You don't need to "verify" your PayPal account -- verify meaning hook it up to a bank account. I just registered my credit card and I could make payments with it instantly.