The Winners. The Losers. and The Ruckus Man.

Happy July! I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July, loaded with family, friends, fun and fireworks! 

I wanted to tell you about a wonderful trip we just returned from.

We traveled to the ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retailers Association) Conference several weeks ago, at Foxwoods, CT.  Besides attending informative, educational classes, visiting with representatives of the great companies we carry, and meeting lots of other toy store owners, we had the privilege of  spending time with Tom and Marlene England.  (pictured on the right, above, that's Keith and I on the left). Tom and Marlene own Dancing Bear Toys & Gifts in Fredrick, MD.  We met them last year at the same convention, and hit it off right away.  

Before we went our separate ways last year, we had come up with a friendly competition.  One of our favorite games, in both of our stores, is 'Ruckus', a great card game that's easy and fun to play.  Dan Levy (pictured in the center, above) is the creator, and he had just come out with a new card game, called 'Pile It'.  We decided we would see who could sell more of his new game during the holiday season of 2007.  

Well, before I tell you the results, I should say tell you something else.  Imaginations, in Blacksburg, has sold more of the 'Ruckus' game than any other store in the world.  Over 3,000!  So, not to brag too much, but, we won...by a few boxes (okay a few cases!).  Tom and Marlene are great sports, and have vowed to pay their debt; which is a visit to Blacksburg, BEARing the gift of Maryland crabs.  Of course, we just want them to come see us, so crabs or not, we can't wait for your trip to southwest VA, England family!!  Check out their wonderful store if you're passing through Fredrick sometime.   

If you haven't played 'Ruckus' or 'Pile It' before, come on in.  We'd love to teach you how!

Keep checking here, because I'll post more details about the awesome ASTRA conference soon!