Massey Discussion Forums > Massey Talk > 2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!
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2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

2017 Massey Exposition of North America (MENA) Dates have Changed!!
 
Breaking News:
 
Instead of the 4th weekend in October, the 2017 MENA will now be held on the 3rd weekend in October, the 19th, 20th, and 21st
 
Why the change, you ask?  Well, that is a story in and of itself, and some of the reality behind it may never be revealed.  Here is what I now know. 
 
The “Apple Country Engine & Tractor Association” has held their annual “Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show” at the WNC Ag Center on the 4th weekend in October for 30 years.  After they were selected to host MENA in 2017, they put down their deposit 18 months in advance for the 4th weekend in October, 2017.  You would think all was well.  But, no…
 
Around two weeks ago their club was informed by the WNC Ag Center that there was a conflict for that 4th weekend, the Ag Center was going with the other event, and were not going to honor the deposit and reservation made by the tractor club.  No good reason was really given.  The tractor club immediately jumped into high gear in an attempt to get that decision changed, even making a trip to Raleigh to visit with the State Commissioner of Agriculture.  But, all was to no avail on getting this decision overturned. 
 
After reviewing options, the club determined their next best plan might be to move the event forward one weekend.  They met with the WNC Ag Center leadership again on Thursday, Feb. 9th, and were told they could hold their show on the grounds the 3rd weekend of October, or not have it at all…    From the treatment the tractor club was given, it would have been suitable for them to tell the WNC Ag Center to go pound sand.  However, in order to keep their commitment of hosting MENA, the Board of the Apple Country Engine & Tractor Association agreed to hold their annual show on the 3rd weekend of October.
 
And that, as they say, is that.
 
I realize this could be upsetting to a lot of folks, and especially those who planned to include a visit to the Ederville Tractor Show, in Carthage, NC, which would have been the following weekend.  The Apple Country Club is very sorry about the change, but it is due to circumstances beyond their control.  Who would have thought that after 30 years the venue would treat them this way…
 
In related news, I have created a condensed listing of suitable hotels close to the show grounds.  I had that ready to go out, but then I found out about the date problem, so I had to hold off on that until now.  I will post that separately here in the discussion forum, and also get it to Jo and Joe to post on the events page.  It will also be going out to all of the newsletter editors, along with the updated show flyer.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me either by email or phone.
 
Thanks,
 
John Bush

RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

John,

Thanks for the info and what a disaster!

We have already booked our flights and some accomodation en route.  Can you please advise us as to who to send our cancellation/re-booking costs to?  It was an advertised event so I believe that they have some liability.

Thanks a lot
John


RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

JB

Thanks for your email and follow on detail on the website, well what a "curve ball" Apple Country Tractor Club has thrown us long distance travellers this Monday morning, quite a conundrum now trying to think of the best possible ways to juggle and re schedule the entire trip, almost impossible for me to fit both shows in North Carolina within all the other commitments I have in both the US and Canada.  

Malcolm.

RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

To be fair, best as I can ascertain, this is not the fault of the Apple Country Engine & Tractor Association.  The fault lies with the Western North Carolina Ag Center management.  This is, of course, a government run establishment.  Based on the information provided, I truly believe that the Tractor Club had a rightful legal claim to the original weekend.  However, attempting to pursue that would have meant suing the State of North Carolina.  Even if that were feasible financially, it certainly couldn't happen in time for the 2017 show.

In answer to John's question, the State of North Carolina is the liable party in this mess.  Hopefully the dates are far enough out that you won't be faced with significant financial duress for the reschedule.  If you do want to pursue some sort of reimbursement, you can start that with the Apple Country Engine & Tractor Association by contacting Hunter DeBruhl at the phone number listed on the flyers.

Trust me when I say that nobody hates this any worse than the good folks I have been dealing with from the Apple Country Engine & Tractor Association.

JB

RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

John,

I have e mailed the Apple and Country Club and await a response.

It occurs to me that MCA could give them some moral support by getting together a petition from MCA members to the state of NC about their highly inappropriate and grossly inconveniencing actions.

I for one woul;d be willing to put my name to such a petition

John

RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

John,

Two days have now gone by and just wondering if you have received any response or email acknowledgement following your email submitted to the Apple Country Engine  and Tractor Association earlier this week?

Also hope my name can be added to the petition.

Any further up-dates from your point of contact with the Association JB? Please keep us posted of any developments.

Malcolm.

RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

Yes,

The club has responded and they are going to supply me with the contact details for the State authority.  They need taking to task and I hope others will join in to help the club.  So embarassing for them.

John

RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

I have now had contact details for the NC government show authority and written asking them for reimbursement of our cancellation and re-booking costs.  It will be interesting to see how they respond!

I believe that they have a responsibility to reimburse losses incurred by the Apple club, MCA and private individuals who have suffered.   I think all parties should submit claims or MCA at the very least start a petition as I mentioned previously.

John



RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

I have now received an e mail back from the NC authority who nonsensically say that the date has not been changed!!!! - and that there will be no re-imbursements.  I have challenged the accuracy of their statement.

John

RE:2017 Massey Exposition of North America Dates have Changed!

I have now had another esponse from the NC Ag dept in which they say it was the Apple Country gang who never paid a deposit!!  I have forwarded this note to Gary E and John B and leave them to it.  It all seems very murky and fishy to me from this distance.

John