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by Bill Petrochuk
The weather was perfect on the third weekend in Au-
gust when about 100 coin-op enthusiasts met for the
ninth summer in a row.
Many came in early on Thursday, and were treated
to an early bird "Famous Dave's" BBQ hosted by Ryan
Gustafson and Deb Peterson along with Larry and
Mary Gustafson. The evening event was held at Ry-
an's lakeside home, where members also checked out
his collection of machines that includes a rare Watling
Liberty Bell.
Friday morning began with a complimentary buffet
breakfast at the host Hi lton Hotel. The rest of the group
arrived during the day and were welcomed at the regis-
tration desk by Marsha and David Blau. Marsha con-
tinues to do a superlative job as convention planning
and operations chairwoman.
That afternoon everyone went to an open house at
the home of Larry and Mary Gustafson. Larry has a
great collection of trade stimulators, countertop games
and many other cool coin-ops.
Upon returning to the Hilton, members roamed the
halls looking to find new goodies during room to room
trading.
That evening, a banquet dinner with cash bar was
held in the ballroom. It was followed by an auction of
85 lots that members consigned. COCA member Jeff
Scott called the bids while John Fifer and Mark Heston
served as ring men.
There were three collections viewed on Saturday.
Duane and Pat Bakke, have a world-class collection
cons1stmg of vending machines, numerous slot ma-
chines, trade stimulators, gambling memorabilia, toys,
pin-up art, exceptional advertising and penny scales.
WOW is the best word to describe this eye candy.
Touring the collection of Larry and Linda Bieza,
whose entire home and garage are filled with a fun as-
sortment of coin-op, including arcade machines, coun-
tertop games and pinball machines, is truly like taking
a trip back in time to the penny arcade that most of us
remember from our youth.
Rob and Julie Lahemmer, have almost every known
basketball themed coin-op device ever made. Their
col lection also includes many other sports-themed
games, including examples of baseball, hockey, bowl-
ing and football. Along with his coin-op collection
Rob has a museum on the history of basketball. As was
the case at the Bieza's, these machines got a thorough
work out.
Everyone met at lunch time for an Italian feast at
Buca Di Beppo. This eatery is famous for their deli-
cious large family style portions.
After a nice late afternoon break at the Hilton ev-
eryone boarded the complimentary buses that took us
into St. Paul for a dinner cruise on a Riverboat down
the Mississippi. We glided down the river as the sun
set and then returned to see the downtown lights of St.
Paul 's bustling harbor.
As we dined on beef tenderloin and cruised along,
we were entertained by the sounds of The Mississippi
Minstrels Dixieland Band. Joining them was Kathryn
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