{"id":8423,"date":"2017-09-13T12:13:47","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T11:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/?p=8423"},"modified":"2020-10-22T16:09:20","modified_gmt":"2020-10-22T15:09:20","slug":"pin-a-go-go-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/2017\/09\/13\/pin-a-go-go-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"PIN-A-GO-GO 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pin-a-Go-Go 2017 has come and gone.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The poster for Pin-a-Go-Go 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The California pinball show had another highly successful three-day event in beautiful Dixon California. The weather was warm and sunny and the attendees were many as it once again filled the two large buildings at the Fair Grounds. As usual people came from all over the west coast and quite a few drove, or flew in, from other states. This author flew back for the show from Tennessee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This show was the 21st at the Fairgrounds. It has always been surrounded by other events including car shows, a small carnival, and dog shows. You never really know what to expect and the anticipation can really work on you. Sometimes the weather can also surprise you. From hot enough to cook on your car\u2019s hood to pouring rain. Carrying a set of tarps is not uncommon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The show\u2019s staff do an incredible job. Over many past shows I have witnessed some amazing organizational feats from this group. An awesome bunch of pinball enthusiasts that put in countless hours of their time. The dedication to providing an amazing show is always obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s show was in many ways bittersweet. Many of us are still in shock at the passing of long time pinball icon, and personal friend Steve Charland, (aka Blown Fuse and System 80 Nut). A memorial was in place to honor Steve and his wonderful family. His wife Cathy and their daughters, Aubrey and Amber were in attendance. Make sure to read to the end of the article for more of the memorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Steve<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday and Thursday before the show, the annual ‘Fix-A-Thon’ at Matt Christiano\u2019s ranch in Paicines was dedicated to the memory of Steve. The focus was all on System 1 and System 80 game repair. Tim Mieghan, Bill Witzel, and Lou Perazzoli made it down from the northwest to join the rest of us. Working on those old games brought back a lot of memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pin-a-Go-Go show gets plenty of local PR with front man Steve Faith handling the media. Here Good Day Sacramento<\/em> is covering the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Local<\/a>
Local CBS-owned CW31 reports from Pin-a-Go-Go<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Good<\/a>
Good Day Sacramento interviews Steve Faith<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Even<\/a>
Even the cameraman and reporter got in a few games on T2<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Thursday load-in is always interesting to watch take place. Games wander in on all kinds of dollies, lift carts, home-made movers, and by good old two guys carrying them. Some come complete and ready to plug in, and others in pieces. The entire floor looks like a repair shop for hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The first games arrive<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Vendor<\/a>
Vendor tables are also being set up<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

And it\u2019s not just the main room. The Classic EM Room is always a treat to watch unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Classics EM Room<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Classics EM Room<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

And were ready! Let the games begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Main Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Pin-a-Go-Go<\/a>
That didn\u2019t take long<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Then<\/a>
Then there is the line outside still forming<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Atari legend Dan Kramer was manning the program podium. You don\u2019t get past Dan without a program. You\u2019ve seen a few hints now so can you guess this year\u2019s show theme?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dan<\/a>
Dan Kramer – getting with the program<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Eric<\/a>
Eric and Brad do a Q&A on 2018\u2019s Golden State Pinball Festival<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Steve<\/a>
Steve Tsubota with the \u201ceye in the sky\u201d – awesome photos from Steve<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

With Friday being the opening day, the real anticipation is always for the weekend. It\u2019s that time of the year to renew friendships, play games, buy parts, get memorabilia, relax and let the rest of the world just be on hold for three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The BBQ in the parking lot is always a fan favorite. Ask Jack about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Butch<\/a>
Butch and Jack staying refreshed<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Fun<\/a>
Fun in the sun<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Maybe<\/a>
Maybe too much fun? I often wonder what these guys will tell their grand-kids when they ask to explain this picture<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Back to the Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planetary Pinball Supply brought the new Attack from Mars Remake<\/em> for display. This machine had an illuminated backbox side art mod that is not part of the production, so if you liked it you will need to get it elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Attack from Mars Remake with illuminated backbox side art<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Another PAGG fan favorite was Houdini<\/em>. You got a free T-shirt for playing it Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This game was really fun. The only real negative comment about it was the long bonus countdown sequence. The ball launching up the left side of the playfield in midair to the trunk was pretty awesome. Never saw it miss. The game was smooth to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Houdini<\/a>
Houdini from American Pinball<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rod Zombie’s Spookshow International. Wow, you have to play this (if you can handle the language). Extremely fast play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rob<\/a>
Rob Zombie’s Spookshow International from Spooky Pinball<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to be a ‘pinball wizard’. The fun thing about the games and the attendees is they find their favorites within a few hours. Obviously, there are lines behind the new games but if you are a fan of games from the past most likely you\u2019ll log plenty of game time on those classics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Games<\/a>
Games for everyone<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Always<\/a>
Always a favorite with the cross-over video crowd<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pin-a-Go-Go also has its own flair for those who just like to be themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Keeping<\/a>
Keeping with the theme, these kids were in the Spirit!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"We<\/a>
We even had a Unicorn!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"And<\/a>
And talk about what would have been an awesome flyer for PUNK!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Family fun for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something many people have now forgotten is how these games are not likely anywhere in the public anymore. The days of 7-11s having games is over., and there are not many arcades outside of amusement parks. A recent visit to the local Walmart revealed a small game room at one of the entrances, but not one pinball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"This<\/a>
This family is getting a real treat playing some games from the late ’70s through the ’90s in the second hall<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"(right)<\/a>
(right) Steve Ritchie\u2019s Game of Thrones! – this picture was taken before show opening, but the game was almost always busy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
A common sight – three to four-deep in line<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The same in the EM Room<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The same in the EM Room<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The unique and new games on hand – here, America’s Most Haunted is getting attention<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Dialed<\/a>
Dialed In!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Houdini,<\/a>
Houdini, next to Bride of Pinbot 2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Ghostbusters\"<\/a>
Ghostbusters<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Then<\/a>
Then there was the Gottlieb System 1 and System 80 row<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Pinball Molly for her efforts in getting Pink Panther up from LA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Word<\/a>
Word has it she was up until the wee hours before heading north for the show just getting this gem working<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Gottlieb's<\/a>
Gottlieb’s Pink Panther<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As usual Pin-a-Go-Go is pet friendly. We are all used to seeing Taro Anthony at the shows, as well as other fur babies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Furry<\/a>
Furry friends<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Furry<\/a>
Furry friends<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How often has someone told you pinball was a male dominated hobby? You\u2019d be amazed at the ladies\u2019 love and support for the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the hobby women of all ages are involved in so many ways, from fund-raisers to tournament organization, artwork for shows, raffle table set-up and organization, vendors, wrist band attachment, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Then<\/a>
Then they even find time to fit in a few games<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Others<\/a>
Others are just here to enjoy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Charland ladies, Cathy, Amber, and Aubrey get in some game time on Rocky & Bullwinkle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Dressed<\/a>
Dressed for some Totem<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"This<\/a>
This picture is a little on the Dark Side<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How about the kids? Watching these youngsters on EM classics is heartwarming. These are games their grandparents might have played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a>
A young Wizard!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"One<\/a>
One youngster enjoying a Gottlieb wedgehead<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Surf's-up!\"<\/a>
Surf’s-up!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tournaments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pin-a-Go-Go also has a pin golf tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Trophies!\"<\/a>
Trophies!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pin Golf winners:<\/p>\n\n\n\n