By Dwayne Ibsen
The 2008 NCA Convention in Omaha began with a bit of a surprise event. Convention attendees were bused to a nearby theater for a performance of Hello Dolly. As a surprise for the guests, costume shops across the country had been asked to send their red Dolly outfit ahead of time to the convention hosts. When the appropriate time came for Dolly to enter the Harmonia Gardens and descend the staircase, about 20 Dollys made that entrance and were announced as the shop they represented. It stopped the show. When that moment had happened, the production continued. It was quite the sight to witness that many different interpretations of the same gown. A great way to start the convention.