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[Larry D.]

Austen’s Herculean effort and untiring will were astounding to witness! 
He would not give up on getting that massive blob of wood spinning. 
After HOURS of trying in the Sun, with high temperatures and humidity, Austen’s will (and stamina) finally prevailed!   

Here is the success, and victory cry, taken from a different angle.

Bravo Austen, you are the MAN!

[the Earl of Whirl]

I am already missing good old Sancho.  What a terrific top.  Nice work, Alan.

That is the first time I have ever watched myself play the bells or the shaker bells.  We have had the shaker bells for three or four years.  I have done solo handbell ringing for over 25 years.  Thanks Larry D.!!!

[Larry D.]

A few more memories…

What a thrill to attend Mike’s Sunday service and meet the congregation, not to mention to have an opportunity to spin a top with Jim Neff and the Hickerson’s as part of the service!
(Rachel, I sure hope you caught a few photos on film card).
 
Thanks so much John m! The visit to UC was a magnificent learning experience.  John’s facilities are incredible.  The amount of labor and hours John invests in creating a single top is astronomical.  As Shootist (Mike Hickerson) said… “Labor of Love”.  It is truly a labor of love which shines through in John’s magnificent tops.

It was inspiring to visit the Hall of Fame and see all the memorabilia (treasures) on display and to learn of Mike’s newest category…Tops which don’t spin!  By the way Mike, the restroom could use a bit more work. 

Kirk was a master to watch as he helped so many beginners learn or improve their skills.  Kirk, when I was visiting with John m we chatted a bit about how wonderful it would be if you captured on video a totally unrehearsed introduction to top spinning with a beginning youngster.  It could be a “how to” model for success for all of us to use. You have great style! 

Here are a few photos of some of the activities going on in front of the church
Saturday morning before the Festival started along with some photos inside The Top Spinning Hall of Fame:

To you folks who made it all possible,
Mike Hout, Dawn, John m, the Hickerson’s (Mike, Eli and Austen), Kirk, Rachel, Chris, Seth, John B.,
Jim Neff, Jay, (apologies if I missed someone);

Thanks for all the memories which I will hold dear forever! 

Can’t wait to see you all again!

It is just so perfect to me that Miamisburg, Mike’s Festival, is the topic in which I did my 1000th post!

[Larry D.]

due to Forum restrictions I have to continue with separate posts...a few more here

[Larry D.]

getting close to the end....

[Larry D.]

The final 3 photos...

[Jack]

thanks for posting those larry!

[Jack]

Here’s a video of Mike giving Sancho (Alan’s beautifully crafted top) a workout in his office.

wow impressive "workout" mike!

[Kirk]

Mike played a unique variation of on old staple on the chimes.

I think the 2nd verse goes "How much fun it is to spin with a John M Jumbo top"
I forgot the words to the verse about regen with Neffy string

[Kirk]

(Rachel, I sure hope you caught a few photos on film card).

She did get some very nice ones, We will post when we get back to Atlanta.

Kirk was a master to watch as he helped so many beginners learn or improve their skills.  Kirk, when I was visiting with John m we chatted a bit about how wonderful it would be if you captured on video a totally unrehearsed introduction to top spinning with a beginning youngster.  It could be a “how to” model for success for all of us to use. You have great style! 

Thanks Larry. I am humbled by the compliment.  I was thrilled to see kids that sought out my coaching were on the 1st place and 2nd place teams, A young lady (not is the contest) hitting targets consistently and hitting a few sky rockets.  Later one of the contestants was hitting boomerangs (6 of 10 or so)

I did not get as much time as I had hoped getting coaching on regen tricks but I did get some and will be working on them

[ta0]

Austen’s Herculean effort and untiring will were astounding to witness! 
He would not give up on getting that massive blob of wood spinning. 
After HOURS of trying in the Sun, with high temperatures and humidity, Austen’s will (and stamina) finally prevailed!   

Here is the success, and victory cry, taken from a different angle.

Bravo Austen, you are the MAN!

The effort is without doubt impressive . . . but where is the boomerang?  
I look forward to meeting this beast one day 

That is a BIG spoon! And I can see several acquisitions in the Hall of Fame from his visit to Don.

It is amazing how much fun stuff Mike has been able to accumulate around him (and use)! My office looks barren compared to his!
Is he still training fish to go through loops of wire?

[Kirk]

After HOURS of trying in the Sun, with high temperatures and humidity, Austen’s will (and stamina) finally prevailed!   

The effort is without doubt impressive . . . but where is the boomerang?  
I look forward to meeting this beast one day 

The Boomerang is nowhere to be found
This top was previously reported as 12 lbs but is closer to 30 pounds! For sure over 25. Perhaps Mike can check it on his HealthOmeter.
The fact that I almost got it spinning was a small part of Austen's inspiration. I think between he an I we tried about 10 different methods. I gave up before my old back did. Austen pressed on to victory.

[jim in paris]

fantastic photos and videos
thanx a lot larry

the mayor's shirt really Does it  : affordable chic ?? 
plop plop an angel is flying by
 

jim

[lincolnrick]

Mike after seeing this, I now understand why you were so impressed by the restrooms at Purdue 

[JNeff]

Here is a video of John doing a Watts Top.