Alternative Literary Expo 97

[KGPALMER]

On May 18th, 1996, over 70 creators of comics, fanzines and other forms of
'alternative literature' gathered in Westport, Massachusetts in support of
a single cause-the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Inspired by the events
in Oklahoma City, this fund raiser became known as F.E.M.A.L.E.-the First
Ever Massachusetts Alternative Literary Expo. Many comics professionals
from theUnited States and Canada gave of their time and energy by
attending the show, drawing sketches for fans, donating rare and signed
items for the auction which followed the show, and supporting the cause of
free speech.
When all was said and done, their collected efforts raised closed to
$2,000 for CBLDF-much of which was due to the tireless efforts of Dave
Sim.
It's now 1997 and the CBLDF still needs our support.
This time around the show, officially called A.L.E. 97(ALTERNATIVE
LITERARY EXPO 97), will be run by David Smith of Sovereign Comics. Things
will be a bit different this time around and it is hoped, through David's
efforts, that even more money and awareness will be raised.
While still in the planning stages, here are the particulars:
The show will take place on May 24th 1997 in the Commonwealth Room of
Whites of Westport. Show time will be from 8 AM until 2:30 PM, with an
auction immediately following the conclusion of the show.
During the course of the day, a CCG(i.e. Collectable Card Game) tournament
will be held, with a prize (yet to be determined) being awarded to the
ultimate winner.
This year, in addition to creators, comic, card and game dealers are being
solicited and invited, in the hopes that their presence will add to the
excitement and overall interest of the event.
The price for creators and dealers tables are $25.00 for a 6' banquet
table or $40 for 2 tables. The show committee asks that you book your
space prior to May 1st. Bookings may be done two ways:
1. contacting David Smith at the following address: Sovereign Comics, P.O.
Box 305, Somerset, MA 02725
2. By return e-mail to me, Joe McDonald, at KGPA...@AOL.COM. Because of a
number of different commitments on my part in 1997, I will not be running
or organizing this year's event. However, I have agreed, because of my
past involvement with the show and my access to the Internet and the World
Wide Web, to handle ALL on-line communications for David.
If you a creator who wishes to attend to sign or sketch for CBLDF(i.e. NOT
be selling product for yourself), the price of the table if FREE. Giving
of your time and self is enough. However, if you are planning on selling
product, sketches, original art, etc FOR YOURSELF, you are considered a
dealer and will be asked to purchase a table at the above rates.
Also, if you cannot attend this event, but would like to donate something
for the auction that too would be greatly appreciated. All auction items
can be sent to either the Sovereign address above or directly to be at the
following address:
Joe McDonald
c/o THE PODIUM
491 Bark Street
Swansea, MA 02777

Sovereign is doing everything possible to make this event more of a
success than it was last year. If you attended in 1996, we would love for
you to attend again this year; so we can renew friendships. If you were
not here in 1996, we would like to see you and, for some, get to meet for
the first time.

Any questions or comments can be sent, vis e-mail to myself. I will
forward them to David and respond with answers.

As we get closer to the date of the show, more pieces will drop into
place. As these become available, I will forward them.

Hoping to hear from you and, for Sovereign and the ALE97 committee, thanks
for your time.

Joe McDonald
THE PODIUM
http://members.aol.com/podium1/podium_home.html