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Sons Of The Desert color logo

Welcome to sonsfestsd2026

 

The sonfestsd2026 Committee & the Saps At Sea San Diego Tent 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

For updates regarding the sonsfestsd2026 Itinerary, please visit our Itinerary page...still a work in progress

Announcements-Reminders-Information

Updated on January 17, 2026

Happy Birthday to Mr. Oliver Norvell "Babe" Hardy

January 18, 1892 - August 7, 1957

Oliver Norvell Hardy
Oliver Hardy tie twiddle
Ken Mitcheroney

(Not your official) Shirts 

There is still a small quantity of these quality, limited-edition, yellow shirts left. To order yours & see what sizes are still available, please contact Dave Greim at jolie116mm@aol.com

The Legacy double-queen-no-balcony

Room Reservations

We are awaiting confirmation to open up a 2nd block of rooms at the convention base price of $239 per night. We want to fill the hotel with official delegates as soon as possible. Stay tuned for another update real soon!

Billy Gilbert The Music Box

Full Pass Extension

The Early Bird Price of $400 for a FULL CONVENTION PASS has been extended, if paid by February 28, 2026! Register for yours now!

Partial Pass prices are not affected.

Cliff Sawyer Dealers Emporium

Dealer's Information

Note to all Dealers:

Upon arrival at The Legacy, please contact Dave Greim or David Webb for access to the Cliff Sawyer Dealer's Emporium. Access hours will be 6/20 at 4pm- 6/25 at 12 noon.

Hotel Del Coronado

Pre Event Is Limited

The Pre-Convention Bus Trip to the Hotel Del Coronado/Point Loma is almost sold out! Only 6 out of 35 slots remain as of January 17. Hurry to pre-register now!

Stan & Babe with American Flag

WOW Banquet 

This fun evening event on 6/24 will include: vintage music by Dean Mora & his orchestra, a salute to ALL Veterans, a delicious plated dinner, a few surprises & much more! We encourage everyone to dress in your favorite vintage attire!

Saps At Sea San Diego Banner
Sonsfestsd2026 logo
Saps At Sea 1940
Sons Of The Desert 1933
Stan Laurel Hal Roach Oliver Hardy at Academy Awards c1930
Sons Of The Desert Convention Group 1933
Sons Of The Desert Convention 1933
Stan Laurel Hal Roach Oliver Hardy Academy Awards color

A Message from the Laurel Family

Cassidy, Lois, Chuck, Lucille
The Laurel Family
tommy, lucy, cassidy, lois

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony and Lois
Tony, Cassidy, Lois
Lucille Hardy Price, Cassidy Cook, Lois Laurel Hawes

A sonsfestsd2026 sampling of what's to come...

Bob Satterfield, Jimmy Wiley III, Bob Duncan, Rick Greene, David Rodriguez

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

Russ Peck formal
russ peck informal
The Legacy Theater
Randy Skretvedt

Mr. Randy Skretvedt, famed radio host, historian, and author extraordinaire, will be making a very special presentation!

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

Mark Wanamaker
Image.jpg

Mr. Jordan Young, noted author, historian, playwright and native of Culver City, will talk about interviewing George Marshall and Jess Robbins.

The incredible, Mr. Dean Mora and his orchestra, will be providing a special musical presentation!

dean mora
Jamie & Bill

Mr. Jamie McKenna and Mr. Bill Leavy, those fine thespians, will be with us throughout the convention.

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!

Saps At Sea Oasis #30 Group Photo
Image.jpeg

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

Liam Muldowney
Rick Greene
Ken Mitcheroney
Paul Pattison
Mike Jones
Stan Ricky
Bruce Church
Bill Oates
Irene Velasquez
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