From: Steve Masticola (???????????????????????)
Subject: 9th Annual PCCA Convention and Pipe Show

I got a flyer from The Compleat Smoker a few weeks ago, announcing the
ninth annual Convention and Pipe Show, June 5-7, at the Gateway
Marriott in Arlington, VA. They'll have "over 130 tables of pipes,
tobacco, cigars, related books, and catalogs hosted by private
collectors, retail dealers, importers, and industry trade
representatives," and a number of special events. It looks like a good
show, and the price is right too: FREE. I'm planning on spending a day
there, probably Sunday the 7th.  Is anyone else interested in getting
together there or driving down?

The convention schedule is, roughly:

Friday, June 7:
- Reception, hosted by Levin Pipes and PCCA

Saturday, June 8:
- Coffee courtesy McClleland Tobacco
- Show floor open 10 AM - 5 PM
- Judging for show awards Saturday afternoon
- Buffet dinner banquet ($35 for that)
- Open smoker reception 9 PM - 1 AM

Sunday, June 9:
- Coffee courtesy _The Compleat Smoker_ magazine
- Show floor open 9 AM.
- Award announcement 11 AM.
- Pipe smoking contest at 1 PM. Over $5000 in prizes, including a
  Collector Radice pipe valued at $840 and a Savinelli briar finished
  18 pipe display cabinet valued at $700. Each contestant gets a new
  pipe, and the entrance is free!

The Crystal Gateway Marriott is at 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, VA 22202, or call (800) 228-9290 (from inside Virginia,
(703) 920-3230). 

Please let me know if you're interested in carpooling, and hope to see
you there! Until next time, then, may every puff be cool, and may your
favorite place to light up be always smoke-friendly.

Smoke in peace,
~\U Steve.