Welcome to sonsfestsd2026
The sonfestsd2026 Committee & the Saps At Sea San Diego Oasis #30 want to welcome everyone to the 24th International Sons Of The Desert Convention on June 21-25, 2026! We are thrilled, honored & humbled to be your hosts.
We will be celebrating the centennial anniversary of Stan & Babe working as a team at Hal Roach Studios 1926-2026
A Message from the Laurel Family
On behalf of my grandmother and the entire Laurel family,
we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone joining us at sonsfestsd2026.
My grandmother, Lois Laurel Hawes, was a lifelong advocate of the Sons of the Desert and deeply cherished preserving the legacy of her father, Stan Laurel
and his dear friend, Oliver Hardy. Thanks to all of you, that legacy lives on. Stan’s timeless humor and Oliver’s warm presence created a legacy built on laughter, kindness, and love. As my grandmother often reminded me-“We’re not a fan club—we’re an appreciation society”, and as a family, we truly appreciate your continued dedication. Gramma also used to speak to me often about the importance of living a purposeful and passionate life—loving what you do, leading rather than following, and remembering that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. It’s a principle I believe her father lived by, one I’ve tried to embody in my own life, and something I hope to pass on to my children as well. We’re so grateful for each of you who continue to carry the torch. Without your dedication, none of this would be possible. So here’s to love, to laughter, and to legacy.
We’ll see you in 2026! Cassidy Cook
A sonsfestsd2026 sampling of what's to come...
Our formal banquet will be hosted by our good friends at the Way Out West Tent
of North Hollywood/LosAngeles
(Pictured here are: Bob Satterfield, Jimmy Wiley III,
Bob Duncan, Grand Sheik Rick Greene, and David Rodriguez)
Mr. Russ Peck, our own organist extraordinaire and fellow Sap will be providing the live musical entertainment for our theatrical showing
Mr. Marc Wanamaker, noted author, historian, and filmmaker will be giving a special presentation about the Lot Of Fun:
A History of the Hal Roach Studios
The incredible, Mr. Dean Mora and his orchestra, will be providing a special musical presentation.
Mr. Jamie McKenna and Mr. Bill Leavy, those fine thespians, will be with us throughout the convention.
For our full itinerary, please visit our Itinerary page...
sonsfestsd2026 is proud to be the voice of the Saps At Sea San Diego Tent Oasis #30
Please visit our Saps page on this site!
Special Limited Edition Shirts For Sale
This beautifully made, button down shirt is 100% polyester. The convention logo was designed by Ken Mitcheroney. We still have limited quantities of small, medium, large & extra large sizes for only $40 or 30 British Pounds. Shipping extra, unless making an in-person purchase. All proceeds benefit the convention. Only 100 total were commissioned by Rick Greene and they are selling like hotcakes! This is NOT the official convention t-shirt for $25. The t-shirts will be available at the convention. The limited edition yellow shirts are selling fast and once they are gone, they're gone! To order yours, please contact Dave Greim at: jolie116mm@aol.com
