sonsfestsd2026 Itinerary
As we are still putting our noses to the grindstone and for the meticulous care with which we have executed our finely formulated machinations in extricating us from this devastating dilemma, we are putting the final touches on our convention itinerary to put our best foot forward. This page was updated on October 7, 2025, but please note that any part of this itinerary is subject to change...
Pre-Convention Events Details updated below:
Saturday, June 20-
Due to public demand, we are planning one bus trip to 2 different places:
First, we plan a guided tour of the historic Hotel Del Coronado. This fabulous hotel is noted for its "haunted history" & for hosting many dignitaries/celebrities over the years. It was also made famous as a filming location for: "Some Like It Hot" in 1959 & "The Stuntman" in 1980. Stan Laurel did stay here at one point. He also sailed his yacht at Coronado Island. Originally called the "Nada III" in 1926, he renamed the boat the "Ruth-L" at the time. Later, it became the "Ida May". Currently, the vessel is docked in Northern California. For an excellent history of the "Ida May", we give credit to Gary Cohen of the Bacon Grabbers Tent Chicago.
Hi everybody! We are now ready to release the pricing for the sonsfestsd2026 PRE-convention outing to the Hotel Del Coronado and to the Cabrillo National Monument Park in Point Loma. This will be offered as a combo on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from about 10:00am until 6:00pm. (Drop-off at Legacy) Given the high pricing of buses and in order to keep it simple and more affordable, we will stick with a 35 seat coach and cap the group at no more than 35 persons. First come, first serve. Accordingly, the price will be $100 per person. This price is inclusive for a seat on the coach, a per person contribution for the driver's gratuity and a ticket for an official tour offered by the Hotel Del Coronado, followed by the visit to Point Loma. The Cabrillo Monument, operated by the US National Park Service, will be a free admissions cost, but they do highly encourage voluntary donations at the Visitor's Center. There may also be a small fee for bus parking, still to be determined. They have vending machines at the Cabrillo Visitor's Center. During our time at Coronado, you will have an opportunity for lunch on your own at an area restaurant.
NOTE- This outing payment will be on a first come/first serve, first pay basis. Once we hit capacity, we're full, so please do not procrastinate. For payment options regarding this Pre-convention combo event outing, please contact:
Dave Greim @ jolie116mm@aol.com
Convention Events
Sunday, June 21-
On Sunday afternoon, since we will have nothing better to do, we will have the first wave of registration. Then we will have a couple of opening presentations, the Parade of Tents, followed by an informal welcoming mixer with cash bar & hors d’oeuvres with hard-boiled eggs & nuts, perhaps? We will open up the Cliff Sawyer Dealer's Emporium 9pm-midnight. The Irv Hyatt Film Screening Room will be open from 2pm- 5:30 and again from 8:30pm until midnight. There will be more film screenings and Dealer’s Emporium opportunities throughout the convention.
Monday, June 22-
Registration will be from 9-10am, followed by a morning presentation from 9-10:15am, then a road trip by bus to Historic Old Town San Diego & the USS Midway Air Craft Carrier, followed by a dinner cruise on the San Diego Bay by City Experiences from 6-10pm. We will be screening the films: Saps At Sea, Sailors Beware and Men O' War.
Note: for those who opt out of the bus trip, the Irv Hyatt Film Room will be open for screenings from 10am-12 noon with a lunch break, then resume the film screenings until 4:30pm. A bus will be scheduled to transport everyone to the cruise at 5pm.
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Secondly, we plan a tour of the Cabrillo Historic Monument/Lighthouse/Tidepools at Point Loma in San Diego. In 1542, this is where the first European set foot on what was to become the West Coast of the United States. It is now run by the US Department Of The Interior as part of the National Park system.
Tuesday, June 23-
Registration for any latecomers. The Cliff Sawyer Dealer's Emporium & the Irv Hyatt Cinema room will be open in the morning from 9-11, followed by the pee-wee contest and golf putt, a puzzle of Me & My Pal, Author's Session #1, a plated group luncheon, Cliff Sawyer Dealer's Emporium in the afternoon, then another special author's session and a presentation with Film Historian, Marc Wanamaker: Lot Of Fun-A History of Hal Roach Studios. Then cash bar, and theatrical show, featuring our own Russ Peck.
Wednesday, June 24-
The Grand Council meeting, a trivia contest, Cliff Sawyer Dealer's Emporium Last Chance from 1-3pm, Irv Hyatt Cinema room from 1-3:30pm, Special Presentation #1, Special Presentation #2, cash bar, Formal Banquet hosted by the Way Out West Tent Oasis #5, vintage music by Dean Mora & his Orchestra, and some special surprises...
Thursday, June 25-
Farewell Breakfast Buffet starting at 9am, meeting & the Passing of The Pineapple, Awards Presentation, goodbyes...
Post Convention Event
Thursday, June 25-
After the goodbyes, we will be planning a bus trip to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
This event is separate from the actual convention and is still to be determined depending on the amount of interest and cost.
