Ken Fox and Ken Epperly
By Pam Markel
Last month, I reminisced about the NCA regional meetings that were held all over the United States. They were quite the event; some almost as elaborate as the big National Conventions. These gatherings gave the members an opportunity to network, learn new techniques and basically just have fun.
One shop, Magic Makers in Huntington, West Virginia hosted two such wonderful regional meetings. On February 10-12, 1989, Ken Epperly and Ken Fox went “beyond the call of duty" in planning a spectacular regional conference. The reception area was manned by none other than…angels. (Almost Heaven WV)
There was a lovely reception area where members were able to meet and greet all their NCA friends. The evening party was an event to behold, the theme was Welcome to Pompeii. The room was surrounded by fantastic Greek, Roman and Egyptian costumes. In the front of the room stood Mount Vesuvius and the original chariot used by Elizabeth Taylor in the movie Cleopatra. The chatter was, how could we have missed this fantastic meeting. Here we were…almost in heaven, sitting in Cleo’s chariot in front of a volcano….in a town that has both our Ken’s, six McDonalds and five Pizza Huts! What more could you ask for?
All at once there was a rumble and to everyone’s amazement the volcano was erupting, and lava was pouring down its sides. Who said costumers can’t move land and water? WOW!!!!!
Saturday morning, the costumers were treated to a limited tour of the Old Keith-Albee Theater. Due to events going on at the theater, we were only able to tour the lobby and hear a short lecture about the history of the theater. As the day continued, Ken and Ken graciously walked us down memory lane at the old Frederick Hotel where Magic Makers Costume Shop was located. Many famous stars had stayed at the hotel and performed at the Keith-Albee Theater or in the ballroom where Magic Makers business was located.
During the walk back to the hotel where we were staying, we noticed many shop windows in downtown Huntington featured displays of costumes and a welcome to the NCA. This had been done throughout the city.
Saturday was a fun filled day of education. Of course, Ken and Ken made sure this day like the other was over the top. Classes include a professional Ringling Brother Barnum and Bailey Circus clown, who brought costumes from past shows and discussed the construction and maintenance of the pieces. Another speaker was an up-and-coming mask maker, Doug Henderson. Wendy Goldstein of Costume Specialists gave an informative class on altering fabrics, fabric dying and fabric designing and painting. There were many more wonderful informative sessions, taught by Dwayne Ibsen, Dian Price, Sherry Van Hook and Pat Coppock.
Just when we thought Ken Epperly and Ken Fox could not make this regional any better, a fantastic evening of entertainment and wonderful food was in store. The theme of the Saturday night party was, “Come as Your Hearts Desire.” When you tell costumers to come as their hearts desire, it’s amazing what shows up; kings, queens, hippies, muscle bound cupids, flappers, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook and on and on. Because Ken and Ken wished we should enjoy a “Little Bit of Switzerland,” beautiful scenes of Switzerland were shown during the dinner and our waitresses were all dressed as little “Heidis.” The evening commenced with a nationally known mentalist, Craig Karges, performing his mind-boggling tricks. A medley of Broadway tunes from the Musical Arts Guild was provided.
As said earlier…. How could anyone miss this meeting…. with Almost Heaven West Virginia, six McDonalds, five Pizza Huts and last but not least…. our own Ken and Ken?
Regional meetings may have been a thing of the NCA past, but how fun would it be to have a regional now? There are so many new and old friends to meet and network with. Let NCA Executive Director Ed Avis know what you think, executivedirector@costumers.org
*This history was taken from the March 1989 National Costumer Magazine article written by Sherry Van Hook, Anderson’s Costumes, Chesterfield Indiana. Ken Epperly and Ken Fox provided more information and wonderful pictures. Stay tuned next month for information about their 2nd regional in 2005.