From the "back patting" department:
Everything Myron said seems perfect. His raffle idea would be great, with top prize being a restored Original with all the options and some neat attachment/implement. The manufacturing tour would be tremendous, and there HAS to be a show/demo/swap meet area.
Charlie and Bryan (or whoever holds the position of current moderators) should be our representatives on the steering committee. They seem to be naturals, as they see everything that goes on here, and could relay whatever ideas they see as useful. No, I didn't check with them first before I volunteered them.
Uncle Grumpy's concept show would be neat. I think the design contest should be started soon, so maybe something from the fans (fanatics?) could be incorporated into the 50th Anniversary model. I would think that energy usage and emissions would be a big part of it.
Curtis' parade/Guinness record idea would be a blast.
For Dean's pull, please use some kind of vintage IH tractor (LowBoy?) and maybe the latest heavy series Cub Cadet to pull the sled back, groom the track, and all those other duties. Custom Cubs could be in a special area of the show area. That could end up being huge. There needs to be several activities for kids and significant others who are maybe not quite as obsessed as some of us. Insurance people might balk at some of the competitions mentioned, but there should at least be demonstrations.
Way to go, Myron!
Other thoughts:
Kohler needs to be involved, as well as Delco and the other manufacturers who supplied parts for Cub Cadets.
Any company still around that manufactured equipment for Cub Cadets and sold through dealerships could be involved, such as Brinly and whatever other companies made and maybe still make the various blades, shredders, sickle bars, buckets, etc.
Performers with songs linked to tractors, etc. would be a neat touch. There's Dennis Doyle in our sandbox, along with a whole pile of country-type artists with songs related to what is done with these machines.