EVENT
Alpaca Book Release Party with a Live Alpaca
Alpaca Book Release Party with a Live Alpaca
- During OSCON 2003 in Portland (the release year of the Alpaca book), we threw a legendary book release party that featured a live, real-life alpaca inside the venue.
- Scouting and Venue Negotiation:
- Stonehenge was famous for producing the largest parties at OSCON, and Bill and I would scout nearby bars ahead of time.
- Bill did all the negotiating while I was along for the ride (and to eventually say "yes" to his ideas). For the Alpaca book release, bringing a live alpaca was part of our site survey questions for potential venues.
- The Alpaca and the Farmer:
- We promised the alpaca farmer a place to park his animal trailer close to the door.
- As part of the arrangement, we allowed him to sell stuffed alpacas made from real alpaca fur inside the party. Unfortunately, he did not manage to sell a single one.
- Reception:
- The party was packed, with a waiting line stretching out the front door (though we never got accurate headcounts).
- The guests were amazed, and the buzz on social channels after the event was huge—which was exactly why we did it.
What links here
These facts are as Randal recalls them, but much time has passed for most of this. If you find a factual error, please email realmerlyn@gmail.com.