I Entered Duff's Extreme Cake Contest! Need Ideas Now!!

Decorating By CAKESHERWAY Updated 24 Oct 2007 , 4:27pm by springlakecake

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 7:20pm
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OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just reading all these ideas makes me sooooooooo nervous! I can hardly sit still right now I am so anxious!

You guys, I just started doing cakes about 5 or 6 months ago and though my little hobby quickly turned into a very popular business in my town, I am still soooo inexperienced! I have confidence in my ability to work on something until I get it right but this is like nothing I have ever done!

All of you who may be going: Lets all meet somewhere! I would love to actually meet some other who love this stuff like I do! My friends and family just don't get it! Though they all love the goodies!

As for the ideas so far... I like the cheap trick idea since they did start in Rockford AND Duff is a huge Rock Fan!

I also liked the Sears Tower idea with Duff carrying in a Sears Tower cake even though the contest isn't in Chicago.

I was also thinking about doing a cake of Cliffbreakers (the restaurant where the evening festivities will be held) as it sits overlooking the Rock River! Maybe do something to make the cake actually overlooking the river?? I DON"T KNOW!!!!!!!!!

Duff is the one and only judge of this competition and I think that it's most important that the work be EXTREME and DETAILED right??

Thanks to everyone who has and will give ideas (cuz I sure need help!). I will probably be asking for more help once I figure out what I am going to do! I'll post pics too!

Is there anyone else on here that is actually a contestant? I figured there would be at least a few of us doing this! I don't expect to actually win but whatever I end up doing will most likely end up in the papers around my town so it has to be COOL!

Keep 'em coming!

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 7:29pm
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Oh, just so you all know, I will be driving about 90 minutes to get there. The cake will be dropped off Friday evening and I will be able to set up then. Hoever, I don't think the contestants are actually in the room the next day when he looks and judges so I won't be able to explain or work anything. I will have to find that one out for sure. I will call this afternoon.

Does anyone else know this detail? So if I wanted to explode something or turn something on, I won't be there to do it.

Also, the cake will travel in a minivan (no seats if needed) just so you know, also the table the cake will sit on is 24"x24" so the cake can't be bigger than that but there is no height minimum.

Any more thoughts???

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TheDomesticDiva Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 8:11pm
post #63 of 201

So are you going to do a "fake cake" so that you dont have to assemble a real one? I think I remember you saying that it could be a styrofoam one so long as it could be replicated in real cake.

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 9:12pm
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Yep! THe rules say you can use styrofoam for the cake but must be reproducable and the decorations mucst be edible except for toothpicks and wire holding things together.

I will probably use styrofoam just because it will be easier to trasport (lighter) and then I can work more on the decorations.

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wolfley29 Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 9:16pm
post #65 of 201

I don't know if you have already decided on what to do, but I had a thought when I read it was in Rockford, IL. Duff has done a lot for sports, mostly baseball. So what about doing something in regards to the Rockford Peaches? Recreate their original baseball field with the players on it, and Duff and his crew in the stands?

For those of you who don't know, the Rockford Peaches were part of the first All American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1943 to 1954. Since the war was going on and most of the males had to be deployed, a league was developed so that America would still be able to watch it's national sport.

HTH, as I think you could make this something spectacular.

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abeverley Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 9:31pm
post #66 of 201

Here are the rules as..there is no electrity so there would need to be a battery pack if use somehting that lights up. http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/static_content/Cake_Contest_Guidelines_and_Registration.pdf

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Hollyanna70 Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 9:41pm
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I like the idea of doing Cliffbreakers over the Rock River. Didn't someone mention earlier that's how Rockford got its name? Since the theme is Rockin' Rockford, I think that would be appropriate. Maybe you can have Cheap Trick performing at Cliffbreakers. icon_razz.gif

I don't think incorporating Duff and/or his staff into the cake would really have much effect. I understand he is great, and he is judging, but the theme isn't about him, it's about Rockford. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Ace of Cakes fan, but I think I would stick to the theme, as they might see it as you're trying to butter up the judge to get more votes. I know he doesn't follow the rules, but will there be other judges there that might? If so, they might have issues with it being a Duff themed cake, instead of a Rockford themed cake.

I hope that doesn't sound rude, it isn't meant to. I just really want you to win. icon_biggrin.gif I know nothing about Rockford, other than what's already been mentioned, so I can't really help with ideas. Seems all the good ones were taken already.. hehe I am going to look up some stuff and see if I can think of something neat, though. icon_smile.gif Maybe browse their website, see if something pops out at you. That's how I get most of my inspirations.

I wish you the best of luck!! I can hardly wait to see photos of the event, or maybe see it televised on Food Network!!

Holly

**edit** just saw the last post.. since you won't be there, and there is no electricity, if you do something battery operated you aren't allowed to put up a sign or anything, so maybe you could make some sort of edible plaque that tells them to push a certain button, or flip a switch, if you're going that route. Since they're looking for the "wow" factor, maybe you don't have to use anything that moves at all, maybe just your outstandingly accurate cake of a certain something in Rockford will be enough. icon_smile.gif Since everything on the outside has to be edible (except for pillars, plates and wire/toothpicks to attach decorations to the cake layers and a cake board), it kind of limits what you can do. Of course, they didn't say how you could use those pillars, did they? icon_wink.gif

GOOD LUCK!!!

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MissNeishaGyrl Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 9:51pm
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Maybe I am reading the rules wrong but I don't see anything that states that the cake has to be about Rockford or anything in paticular for that matter. Could someone point that out for me. SOmetimes I am dense icon_eek.gif

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Hollyanna70 Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 9:53pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amiecakes

As for a theme, the name of the competition is Ace of Cakes- Rockin Rockford: Totally Awesome Cake Contest.





Maybe I took it too literally.

The rules said "This fun competition seeks cake entries that best represent the Totally Awesome theme" So, I thought the theme must have meant Rockin' Rockford.


**edit** If the theme is just "totally awesome" by all means, throw Duff in there.. anything that catches his eye would be a plus. I guess I was just thinking too cautiously. I've seen a lot of competitions and people get counted against for the silliest things. You might want to call them and make for sure what the "exact" theme is, because if it's just "totally awesome", then WOW the things you could do there! It won't have to be about anything in Illinois.. The sky's the limit, and with the no height requirement, that could mean "anything"! icon_biggrin.gif

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DEBBIE157 Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 9:58pm
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I know someone mentioned HARPO...

How about Abe Lincoln and Oprah shaking hands?

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JanetPlanet Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 10:07pm
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Maybe it doesn't HAVE to be about Rockford, but you gotta think anything "Rockin' Rockford" would have an edge. The Flame is not a "rockin'" kind of song, I'm afraid... did Cheap Trick do any others young Duff would recognize?

To Daisy1: The Phantom Regiment is from Rockford?! icon_eek.gif Ooooh! I love them, but sorry, I still put them 2nd behind my fav the Madison Scouts icon_evil.gif ))))))

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ceshell Posted 13 Sep 2007 , 10:23pm
post #72 of 201
Quote:
Originally Posted by amiecakes

Thanks to everyone who has and will give ideas (cuz I sure need help!). I will probably be asking for more help once I figure out what I am going to do! I'll post pics too!



Just don't post TOO many pics, you don't want your competition to see what you're doing!

Add another vote for a Cheap Trick themed cake, there is so much you can do with rock n roll! Things that pop into mind are performing the song Surrender at Budokan...complete with little Kiss records that they throw out at every show. Band members, guitars, drum kit, keys, stage, scaffolding, "lighting" (I know it can't be real due to contest regulations),the works. Even a backstage area complete with groupies... Surrender is a recognizable and "rockin" song, and the subject matter of the song is pretty edgy too...(also Live At Budokan was the LP that broke them in the US.) If you don't want to do the figures, you can just set the stage for when they're about to come out...?

Anyway congrats and good luck!

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 1:27am
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Ohhh! That's true! I never thought about the competition knowing what or how it looks! Thanks for that tip!!

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llee815 Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 4:24am
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What about something with Magic Waters Water Park? Maybe pick 2-3 of the rides and make it so real water can actually run down the rides. I don't have any clue how you'd to that though.

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springlakecake Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 11:12am
post #75 of 201

Hi everyone! I am a contestant! I will have to come from West Michigan, but it just sounded like a great opportunity! I am actually not very concerned about "winning" (of course it would be super cool!) but I just don't want to look like a joke! Do you think it will be more amatures or professionals?

I promise I won't take any ideas from your thread! It would be great if CC got that "pin" so we could all "know" eachother!

My husband and I were going to take a little anniversary trip a weekend in october, and I said "Honey, how about we go and do this cake contest!" Okay so it isnt maybe the most romantic weekend, but he was really supportive and said I should do it.

Good luck! I can't wait to meet some of you in person!

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krazykat_14 Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 1:28pm
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We could all wear our CC t-shirts...? thumbs_up.gif Ok, I don't have one yet, but I could get one... how freaked out do you think they would be if everyone ordered one right now?!?! Hahaha... ok, I'd cry if they ran out before I got mine...

And as far as the anniversary trip-I think it could be a perfectly romantic evening. There's going to be a dinner/dance thingy party.gif afterwards and who could be "unromantical" with cake everywhere?!?!

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 1:46pm
post #77 of 201
Quote:
Originally Posted by merissa

Hi everyone! I am a contestant! I will have to come from West Michigan, but it just sounded like a great opportunity! I am actually not very concerned about "winning" (of course it would be super cool!) but I just don't want to look like a joke! Do you think it will be more amatures or professionals?

I promise I won't take any ideas from your thread! It would be great if CC got that "pin" so we could all "know" eachother!

My husband and I were going to take a little anniversary trip a weekend in october, and I said "Honey, how about we go and do this cake contest!" Okay so it isnt maybe the most romantic weekend, but he was really supportive and said I should do it.

Good luck! I can't wait to meet some of you in person!





I'm not sure if I am doing this reply correctly but I am trying to reply to Merrisa.

Congrats on the anniversary and being a contestant! I agree about not worrying about winning. I have very little experience in cakes (look at the photos) but also don't want to look rediculous!

I still have no idea what I am going to make. I have a friend who contacted the lady taking the app's for this contest and she said that there are people ranging from children to homemakers and hobbyists to Wilton Grads and pro bakers from Chicago doing this contest. So, the competetion seems varied and since there are kids doing it, I guess I will at least look better than theirs (Oh man I hope!).

I am going to buy a CC shirt if you are all going to be wearing yours! Let me know and I will order it today!

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chaptlps Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 2:09pm
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Guys, that's the point, the more rediculous the idea the more awesome it is. Remember this isn't the OKSAS. You could be safe n do a more traditional cake or go hog wild and be totally silly, that's what this is about, pushing the envelope of cake decorating. I personally would go hog wild n have a ball making a cake.
As for ideas, you guys remember that movie with gina davis n madonna, "a league of their own"
The name of the team was "Rockford Peaches" But anything rock n roll n extreme would be good. Heck you could do the giant blow up doll from AC/DC's concert. I think the giant dolls name was "Rosie" n have little cannons on each side. (Was from the "for those about to rock" concert).
I dunno, or you could do "strawberry fields forever" or how about a giant "yellow submarine" of course with a screen door. It doens't necessarily have to be illinois but can be anything rock n roll ya know. LOL
How bout the giant lips n tongue from rolling stones.

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Pyxxydust Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 4:51pm
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Wow, all those ideas are soooo waaayyy cool! But if you didnt want to depict any particular famous band, maybe you do something that just represents rock and roll? We know Duff is in a rock band and just LOVES rock. Although this is something Ive wanted to do for a long time, I dont think Ill ever have a chance to do it for anyone, so maybe you could use the idea! How about doing a leather jacket cake? I did a small one for my aunt last year check my photos but it was a small cake and there is so much more I could have done with it if it was a larger cake. You can do pockets, gumpaste chains covered in luster dust, spikes, all sorts of cool stuff. If youre really ambitious, you could do a sort of airbrush painting on the back that says rock and roll forever or something (not sure how you can do this on black, but Im sure theres a way) those tattoos with the heart and sword through it, or is it thorns, but you see them on lots of leather jackets. Or if you know the name of Duffs band you can somehow incorporate that into the design. That will really get his attention and definitely make it memorable! Like on the back of the one I did, I did a Harley Davidson shield (shes into motorcycles, hence the leather jacket), but instead of writing Harley Davidson in the logo, I put Debbie and Doug Forever. (her and her hubby).
Anyway, hope that helps!

Melissa

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chelleb1974 Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 6:50pm
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After reading through all the responses, I think my favorite one, if you want to highlight Rockford, would be to the baseball field with the Rockford Peaches playing on it!

~Chelle

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springlakecake Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 7:47pm
post #81 of 201

So for those going...are you going to all the events? Are you staying over? I was trying to decide where the best place to stay would be. They had those packages at 3 hotels. Any advice?

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lauramw71 Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 8:05pm
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I live 20 mins outside of Rockford, so lodging isn't an issue for me. But Cliffbreakers has a beautiful hotel right there. (my hubby and I got a whirlpool suite there last year and OMG LOL). What other hotels are you talking about? Im trying to think of ones that are the closest to both the Discovery Center, and Cliffbreakers. But the Discovery Center is downtownish, and you definately dont wanna stay there. Cliffbreakers hotel is basically the only one in that area. All the other ones are on the northeast side of rockford by the interstate. (cliffbreakers is on NW side).
If anyone needs any type of directions or info bout Rockford, feel free to send em a pm. As the date gets closer we need to get something figured out where we can all meet up. icon_smile.gif I had posted about Duff coming a while ago and I knwo there was interest on that thread.. I'll hafta fish that outta the archives and see who else had wanted to come!
How fun is this going to be?!?! Meeting fellow cc'rs AND seein duff?? woo hoo!

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springlakecake Posted 14 Sep 2007 , 10:30pm
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The other ones were the clocktower/coco key water park or the radisson. And the cliffbreakers too. They all have special rates for that night. I was thinking of cliffbreakers just because the dinner was going to be there. So it is a nice place?

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 15 Sep 2007 , 1:40am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by merissa

The other ones were the clocktower/coco key water park or the radisson. And the cliffbreakers too. They all have special rates for that night. I was thinking of cliffbreakers just because the dinner was going to be there. So it is a nice place?




Cliffbreakers is where I would stay (and I may still decide to do that) just because it's a nice place and you won't have to go all over the place that day for events and a room!

Choose Cliffbreakers, it's nice and convenient!

I will be at the Discovery Center by 10am when it all starts. I am unfamiliar with the museum so if someone else wants to pick a place to meet there, that would be great. I plan to go to Cliffbreakers too!

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 15 Sep 2007 , 1:45am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pyxxydust

Wow, all those ideas are soooo waaayyy cool! But if you didnt want to depict any particular famous band, maybe you do something that just represents rock and roll? We know Duff is in a rock band and just LOVES rock. Although this is something Ive wanted to do for a long time, I dont think Ill ever have a chance to do it for anyone, so maybe you could use the idea! How about doing a leather jacket cake? I did a small one for my aunt last year check my photos but it was a small cake and there is so much more I could have done with it if it was a larger cake. You can do pockets, gumpaste chains covered in , spikes, all sorts of cool stuff. If youre really ambitious, you could do a sort of airbrush painting on the back that says rock and roll forever or something (not sure how you can do this on black, but Im sure theres a way) those tattoos with the heart and sword through it, or is it thorns, but you see them on lots of leather jackets. Or if you know the name of Duffs band you can somehow incorporate that into the design. That will really get his attention and definitely make it memorable! Like on the back of the one I did, I did a Harley Davidson shield (shes into motorcycles, hence the leather jacket), but instead of writing Harley Davidson in the logo, I put Debbie and Doug Forever. (her and her hubby).
Anyway, hope that helps!

Melissa




OMG! I LOVE this idea! But, I want to do something totally crazy with this jacket idea! AHHH! OK, so I have two favorites, this leather jacket idea and the Rockford Peaches idea. HMMM...any others???????

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CAKESHERWAY Posted 15 Sep 2007 , 1:50am
post #86 of 201
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauramw71

I live 20 mins outside of Rockford, so lodging isn't an issue for me. But Cliffbreakers has a beautiful hotel right there. (my hubby and I got a whirlpool suite there last year and OMG LOL). What other hotels are you talking about? Im trying to think of ones that are the closest to both the Discovery Center, and Cliffbreakers. But the Discovery Center is downtownish, and you definately dont wanna stay there. Cliffbreakers hotel is basically the only one in that area. All the other ones are on the northeast side of rockford by the interstate. (cliffbreakers is on NW side).
If anyone needs any type of directions or info bout Rockford, feel free to send em a pm. As the date gets closer we need to get something figured out where we can all meet up. icon_smile.gif I had posted about Duff coming a while ago and I knwo there was interest on that thread.. I'll hafta fish that outta the archives and see who else had wanted to come!
How fun is this going to be?!?! Meeting fellow cc'rs AND seein duff?? woo hoo!




Lauramw7: Are you a contestant too or just going? There has to be more than just me and Marissa who is entered in this thing from CC!?

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tobycat Posted 15 Sep 2007 , 2:12am
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If you think the cake needs to be centered around Rockford, then I'd go with the Cheap Trick ideas. If not, though, I would do something that YOU consider to be Totally Awesome! I think Duff would appreciate that sense of individuality and genuineness to it -- instead of trying to think what just he would like to see.

I am with an earlier post in that I would not incorporate Duff in the cake. It might put him in an awkward position. If he totally loves your cake and you win, but he's on it, it might seem like he was playing a favorite. I actually think he might shy away from something like that. Who knows though? Duff is a quirky guy -- lovable, but quirky!

Best of luck! icon_biggrin.gif

S.

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springlakecake Posted 15 Sep 2007 , 11:29am
post #88 of 201
Quote:
Originally Posted by amiecakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by merissa

The other ones were the clocktower/coco key water park or the radisson. And the cliffbreakers too. They all have special rates for that night. I was thinking of cliffbreakers just because the dinner was going to be there. So it is a nice place?



Cliffbreakers is where I would stay (and I may still decide to do that) just because it's a nice place and you won't have to go all over the place that day for events and a room!

Choose Cliffbreakers, it's nice and convenient!

I will be at the Discovery Center by 10am when it all starts. I am unfamiliar with the museum so if someone else wants to pick a place to meet there, that would be great. I plan to go to Cliffbreakers too!




well obviously we'll want to meet around the cake! LOL! I think they will have signage with the contestants names by the cakes, my name is obviously Merissa. Is yours Amie? I looked at the cc tee shirts. The one I really like they only have 2XL.

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springlakecake Posted 15 Sep 2007 , 7:48pm
post #89 of 201

okay I just made my reservations at cliffbreakers! She said there were only 2 rooms left (I took one) so if you want a room there I would call immediately! Dont forget to ask for hte ace of cakes rate ($79). I got a whirlpool room for that rate! Yea! I could be a romantic weekend after all icon_wink.gif

Also I got my tickets for the events (dinner). She said, Let me see if we have any of those left. I got worried for a second, but they were available. I don't know how many though, I should have asked. but get your tickets now, just in case!


Oh and BTW, does anyone have any idea what type of dress the dinner event will be? casual, dressy? I imagine there might be cake flying around so it probably isnt super dressy...? I asked the cliff breakers person and she didnt know.

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lauramw71 Posted 15 Sep 2007 , 11:44pm
post #90 of 201

No way.. Im not entering... LOL Too early to make a fool out of myself HAHA
Man, I haven't gotten my ticket yet.. im gunna be totally bummed if they're sold out :| Three boys leads for a tight budget so that's why I've put it off. LOL But seems time to get movin on it! thanks for the heads up on that!
I would definately pick cliffbreakers. Clocktower is nice, but is WAY on the other side of town from where you want to be. Which is prolly why it's almost full. Their jacuzzi rooms are AWESOME! My hubby and I had a getaway nite where a friend stayed with the kids and we got one of the rooms. LOVED it!!!!!
But, if anyone gets stuck at clocktower, it's not hard to find the discovery center and cliffbreakers from there. Let me know if directions are needed. Sometimes mapquest gives u the "scenic" route. LOL I work right behind the clocktower and can give quickie directions to cliffbreakers!

Oh, and as far as the dress code... someone at the discovery center should be able to answer that one.. They're the ones that are arranging the whole thing. It's a yearly fundraiser the center has.

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