6 years in the making

Yesterday marked the true beginning of the 2008 Canada-Wide Science Fair. The exhibit hall was set up, flags hung for the provinces, countries, and the divisions. Banners outside on campus are hung. The judges padfolios are being organized and stuffed. Floor layouts being completed and drawn up in CAD. Rooms in residence assigned. In the evening, we stuffed 800 backpacks full of items provided by sponsors - pins, water bottles, pamphlets, squishy things, etc. For the first time, I felt like we were really getting underway - after 6 years of planning, the 2008 Canada-Wide Science Fair is actually going to happen! It's hard to believe actually.

About a week ago, I received an email from the Chair of the 1992 Host Committee, someone I haven't talked to in roughly 15 years. He was also one of my highschool science teachers, for a number of courses. I was a little shocked to hear from him, but it also made me think back to my roots and beginnings with this organization - 1990 with the Sudbury Chapter of the Young Scientists of Canada. We were formed for the sole reason of helping out the 1992 Host Committee. Seems so long ago. And during the 1992 Fair, we were very sheltered from the actual runnings of the Fair. I understand so much more now, in hindsight and with a bit more personal experience!! 1992 was a great Fair. The people I met during those years with the YSC and the Sudbury science fair crowd are my foundation, my true roots. Those experiences have allowed me to help to bring the 2008 CWSF to Ottawa. I miss the Sudbury gang at times - they were in essence my extended family. Especially important as for me, highschool was not a fun time at home. So I'm happy to hear from that family now, congratulating me on the Fair we are on the edge of commencing right now. 16 years later, from YSC helping out the Host Committee, to the Co-Chair of my own Host Committee. Quite the step!! But now I have additions to that extended science fair family. There are members of my committee, and members of other Host Committees, YSF, NSFC, etc, who I love dearly and consider family as well. One big geeky, somewhat dysfunctional family!!! It's great!!

This morning and afternoon, we have been dealing with set-up in the exhibit hall. The pipe-and-drape is done, the tables are up. But we're 30 project spaces short!! Not for long. The additional tables are being set up as I type. However, we do have a carpet issue, which I sure hope is being solved as well! At this point in time, we're rolling with the punches. The hard work is behind us - the last month especially. Now, the details are what are important. Taping down all the edges of the flooring so no one trips, so to speak. Tonight, I have to go home, clean so that my house/dogsitter can come and stay, and pack so that I can move into residence tomorrow. We receive our first participants tomorrow - all our own gang - YSF, NSFC, the Truro boys, etc. It'll be so good to see them all. And know that they are a major support network for myself and my committee during the week that is to come.