Non-Con North (ignore the date above)

What: An informal gathering of unschooling families
Where: Everett, WA
When: February 1–3, 2008 (dates flexible)

¡MUY IMPORTANTE! I continue to delude myself that I know who is showing up for this extravaganza. If you haven't yet informed me of your plans to attend, please send e-mail! Thanks!

Details:
* The latest update
* Friday
* Saturday
* Sunday
* Where to stay
* About Everett

The latest update
This section is for those who have already read the details and just want to see what's new (as of 1/26).

Thursday
- Is anybody arriving this day besides Harper and the Mayers? Let me know!

Friday
- When you get into town, come on over to our house! No need to call first. If you need directions, send me e-mail. (My e-mail address is at the bottom of this blog.)
- Dinner: We decided to do a sandwich/salad bar at our house rather than going out. This will make the fun easy to find.

Saturday
- Daytime will possibly find us wandering the town. (Trader Joe's, anyone? Or the nice little wine shop in downtown Everett?) Send e-mail if you need cell phone numbers to assist you in locating the group.
- At the party: In case you (Craig) had any doubt, there WILL be jambalaya. And King Cake. And costumes. And an eclectic playlist by MJ.
- Read the Saturday section to learn about the Found Items Raffle. Bring something cool!

Sunday
- Football Cliché Bingo is ON. There will be prizes!
- Cheapskate Gambling is also on - a betting pool you can join without breaking the bank (and also without needing a financial advisor to help with your winnings).

Friday
Unthemed gathering at our house. Sandwich/salad bar.

Saturday — Cajun feast/Mardi Gras party
This is the Big Party. With dancing! Be there or be square.

* Costume party! Anything goes!
* Bring some food to share, Cajun-style if possible
* Bring whatever you want to drink (we've obtained a liquor permit)
* Bring something for the Found Items Raffle (see below)

When: 5 p.m. to midnight (includes setup and cleanup times)

Where:
The Party Palace (aka Lions Hall at Forest Park)
802 E. Mukilteo Blvd. (directions below)
The Palace has tables and chairs, bathrooms, full kitchen, stage

Found Items Raffle:
* Help us defray the costs of the Party Palace!
* Bring something nice, fun, or funny from your household and put it up for grabs!
* We'll sell cheap raffle tickets so people can put in for lots of different items that interest them, and then later in the evening we'll have a big drawing and give everything away.
* Ideas: gently loved toys, paperbacks, art supplies, re-gifts, white elephants, homemade foods or crafts, decor items, CDs or movies you no longer want, etc. Just about anything goes.
* Unsold items can be reclaimed by the donor or left as part of a group charitable donation.

Directions:
* From I-5, take the 41st St. exit (exit 192).
* Head west on 41st (right turn from southbound 5, angle left from northbound 5)
* Go straight through the lights on Colby and Rucker/Evergreen.
* Curve left and then right up the hill
* Turn left into the somewhat subtle park entrance
* Head up the hill, then turn right past the Recreation Office
* Lions Hall is directly in front of you

Sunday – All Day Super Bowl party
Where: Frank and Ronnie's house (send e-mail to receive specifics)
* Kickoff isn't until 3:15 or so, but come on over whenever
* We'll eat Cajun leftovers or get some subs or something casual like that
* A football-free room will be available
* We'll play Football Cliché Bingo and have Cheapskate Gambling.

Where to stay
Best Western Cascadia Inn on Pacific Ave.
Hotel direct: 1-425-258-4141
Toll free: 1-800-822-5876

When you make your reservation, tell them you're with Non-Con North in Veronica Maier's party to receive a discounted rate of $85/night.

The hotel is about a mile and a half from our place, is adjacent to a Chinese restaurant and a Denny's, and offers a not-just-muffins continental breakfast each morning.

About Everett
* Everett is a sizable city with attractions of its own. Tour Boeing. Go to an event at the Events Center. Movies, shopping, restaurants, parks, beaches, etc.
* Seattle is 30 miles to the south. Pike Place Market. The Space Needle. Experience Music Project. Etc.
* Potluck food and drinks can be purchased here. There is a Safeway two blocks from Frank and Ronnie's house, and the Party Palace has a full kitchen.