IGOLD Hints

[Lou]

I've been to the last two IGOLDs and I thought I'd pass along a few hints and maybe some others can jump in here too and share things they've learned.

 

Dress in layers. The Prairie Capital Convention Center {PCCC} and the Capital Building can get warm with 10,000 people in them but the march can get chilly. The long range forecast says a high of 58 but a 40% chance of showers {which is really a 60% chance of no precipitation!} I'm not sure umbrellas will be allowed inside the Capital Building so if you bring one make sure it's one you can afford to lose.

 

Bring THREE pens. One for you and one for the two people sitting on either side of you who didn't take the time to read this. Everyone must make sure they get an information packet when they enter the PCCC. In it besides some basic information you will need to know will be cards that you need to fill out and drop off at the office your senator, representative, house speaker and senate president. These need to be filled out with your name etc. One other thing I do is write the office number of my rep. and senator on the back of these card to minimize rummaging through the packet while in the Capital Building. You will know where the speaker's office and the senate president's office is because there will be a long line of gun loving patriots in front of them.

 

Dress appropriately. Many in the media like to portray us as knuckle dragging Neanderthal rednecks. Leave the combat/tactical gear at home for one day or cover them up with one of the great IGOLD shirts that will be on sale at the PCCC. Gov. Quinn is scheduled to make his budget address that day and there will likely be more media there than usual. Heck, some of the Chicago media might even find out where Springfield is! Let's not give them the sound bites and visuals they will no doubt be looking for.

If you want to disagree with me on this point please do it via PM and not clutter up this thread.

 

Bring a few extra bucks. There will be shirts, stickers and other things for sale that you might want/need to show your Second Amendment Support. If you don't already have an IGOLD shirt they will be on sale at the PCCC beforehand. There will likely be other Second Amendment items on sale afterwards. You might also want a bite to eat while at the Capital Building. Most importantly, IGOLD is a huge effort that also costs money. If you can afford it in today's economy a contribution to help fund the efforts would be appreciated. I'm sure there will be a way to contribute.

The most important thing you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a willingness to stand up and be counted.

 

 

I'm sure other people who have been to past IGOLDs will jump in and add things here too.

 

P.S. Dont' forget to have fun!

[Don Gwinn]

That is very good, practical advice. As far as I know, umbrellas are not prohibited in the Capitol complex, but I've heard a lot of people are buying the cheap yellow rain ponchos that come in a small plastic pouch. That way, the pouch can sit in your pocket if you don't need it, and it won't bother the security people a bit-- and if the rains come, you're still wearing gold.

[abolt243]

You will be required to pass through metal detectors when you enter the capitol building. Have your pockets as empty of metal objects as you can. "Rodeo Trophy" belt buckles will set it off as well as any other metal objects. Purses, camera cases, packs of all kinds must either be scanned or searched by hand. Everybody must pass through, so the more times they have to stop someone and run them through again just slows everyone down. Lou and others, it's been two years since I was there. do they allow common pocket knives?? Or should those be left at home too??

AB

[Lou]

Here is a photo from last year showing how well the gold shirts and hats show up.

 

This also shows what a great job our very own Markthesignguy does singlehandedly making all those great signs. Thanks Mark!!

[Don Gwinn]

I haven't heard of any change to allow knives. I'd leave it behind.

[oldude]

I haven't heard of any change to allow knives. I'd leave it behind.

 

Do they allow cell phones? I know my local county courthouse doesn't

[c-rock]

When is IGOLD?

[Lou]

When is IGOLD?

http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=19709

[Ashrak]

As I was lucky enough to hear a compliment about our gathering from the security staff last year, pertaining to how well our group behaves every year, I would offer that it important to thank each of these folks as you pass through the security checkpoints.

 

Yes it is a huge pain in the hind end, yes we are probably the least likely group there is to cause drama, but it is their job and they have to do it, regardless. A smile and a thank you costs nothing.

 

Along with generous amounts of enthusiasm, bring to bear the very respect we are there to attain from government. Lead by example.

 

Additionally, let's keep an eye out and a helping hand ready for those around us. Last year, I was near a man who crashed and burned pretty hard.

 

On a more, shall I say, personal note..... after the warm up talks at the center, a great many people hit the rest rooms. Those lines were almost as long as those outside the capital. This caused the end of the parade to be a bit scattered and the primers on the steps in front of the capital were done before some even arrived (a quality problem that is, really). Let's all think about those lines at the start just as much as we think about the lines at the end and try to make things progress as best as possible.

 

IGOLD is blast and I hope everyone is as inspired by the sheer number of people as I have been as the last several years have developed. I can't wait!

[Lou]

Ashrak, thanks for reminding this 'ole guy of a few things I forgot.

 

At the PCCC there are bathrooms both upstairs on the mezzanine level and downstairs. Be sure to use both to miminize the lines.

 

One of the things I was impressed with last year as a marshal was the looks of gratitude from the police officers blocking the streets along the way and the guards manning the security check points when people said a simple "thanks for your help". Sometimes a little means a lot and {I'm just guessing here} most of these folks are on our side.

 

They are used to dealing with a lot of marchers and "demonstrators" but we have to be the best behaved of them all.

 

Lets keep our reputation untarnished.

 

Oh yea, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the company of 9,999 other like-minded people.

[junglebob]

When is IGOLD?

Wednesday March 10, was that a retorical question C-Rock. Can't believe you didn't know the date. I'm bringing a friend, if everyone does maybe we'll more than double last years numbers.

[c-rock]

When is IGOLD?

Wednesday March 10, was that a retorical question C-Rock. Can't believe you didn't know the date. I'm bringing a friend, if everyone does maybe we'll more than double last years numbers.

 

 

It was a rhetorical question man. I am working on my calender to be there.

[savage3306]

Do they allow cell phones? I know my local county courthouse doesn't

any answer to this?

[Ashrak]

Something to be mindful of....

 

"The officer, Ken Rawles, was assigned to work undercover to take photographs and video of officers and their interactions with gun activists during a Baker Beach event at which activists sought to carry visible, unloaded handguns on the beach, said Major Jason Wu.

[SheepleNoMore]

Can someone give me an idea of approximately how many miles we will be walking and how long we will have to be just standing around?

 

My walking distance and standing time are limited but getting longer.

[Lou]

Can someone give me an idea of approximately how many miles we will be walking and how long we will have to be just standing around?

 

My walking distance and standing time are limited but getting longer.

 

We'll be walking about 4-5 block or so. When we get to the Capital Building there will be maybe 30-45 minutes worth of speeches from politicians and others before we line up to go through the security checkpoints. For those who find walking that far a problem there will be buses between the PCCC and the Capital building. The march is pretty much a slow stroll.

[SheepleNoMore]

Thanks. Those are do able for me.

 

Any suggestions where to park for someone with a Handicapped placard? I'm thinking about following the bus up from Fairview Heights. Should I arrive sooner to get a parking space?

[Kenny]

Do they allow cell phones? I know my local county courthouse doesn't

any answer to this?

 

 

Cell phones & cameras are fine, but oxy-acetylene torches are prohibited.

[ilphil]

Do they allow cell phones? I know my local county courthouse doesn't

any answer to this?

 

 

Cell phones & cameras are fine, but oxy-acetylene torches are prohibited.

 

They probably take a dim view of buckets of hot tar and feathers too...

[Don Gwinn]

 

This is the route . . . it's not long. I am going to walk it slowly tomorrow afternoon and see how fast the stragglers might go so we can pace the people in front . . . it might not be a bad idea to ask slow walkers to march up front. If at least a few do, it will help us keep an eye on our pace. I'd like us to arrive in one mass.

[SheepleNoMore]

I am a slow walker at the moment. My new hip is only 10 weeks old and I can walk but I can't stride out yet. Still re-building leg strength from years of not walking much.

[Don Gwinn]

If you can't make the walk, there is a bus from the PCCC to the Capitol and back . . .

[flagtag]

Can someone give me an idea of approximately how many miles we will be walking and how long we will have to be just standing around?

 

My walking distance and standing time are limited but getting longer.

 

 

Glad you mentioned that. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! There will be a lot of walking, standing, and climbing. (Although there are elevators).

[SheepleNoMore]

I should be OK with that distance. I might have a small problem if I have to stand for 4 or 5 hours without being able to sit for a few minutes to recover. If nothing else is available, I'll go to the rest room and sit.

 

I went to the Missouri gun rally at the Arch a couple weeks ago and hung around for the tea party rally (which I sat on the steps for).

 

I think I will carry my walking sticks which will give me something to lean on. I'll definitely opt for the elevator versus the stairs. My new hip still has some strained ligaments that quickly become sore going up or down stairs. I really don't want to bring my mobility scooter because it is a real pain to maneuver in a group or in a crowded building.

[Lou]

I should be OK with that distance. I might have a small problem if I have to stand for 4 or 5 hours without being able to sit for a few minutes to recover. If nothing else is available, I'll go to the rest room and sit.

 

I went to the Missouri gun rally at the Arch a couple weeks ago and hung around for the tea party rally (which I sat on the steps for).

 

I think I will carry my walking sticks which will give me something to lean on. I'll definitely opt for the elevator versus the stairs. My new hip still has some strained ligaments that quickly become sore going up or down stairs. I really don't want to bring my mobility scooter because it is a real pain to maneuver in a group or in a crowded building.

 

Here is the info on the parking garage: Parking Link

One thing to note is that this garage does not take cash - credit cards only.

 

Also you mentioned your walking stick ; I have a feeling that tehy won't let you past security with them. A cane probably but walking sticks might be a problem.

[eric2281]

 

Here is the info on the parking garage: Parking Link

One thing to note is that this garage does not take cash - credit cards only.

 

It looks like they dont take cash @ the exit gate but you can use cash at the pay on foot stations.

 

If you parked in our Plaza Parking Garage, you will need to take the spitter ticket you received upon entry to one of the yellow Pay on Foot Stations before returning to your car.* No cash will be accepted at the exit gate. The Pay on Foot Stations accept CASH, VISA, MASTERCARD and DISCOVER and are located near each stairwell in the garage on the street level (Level 3) and one is in the PCCC Main Lobby for your convenience.

[sctman800]

There are "park bench" type seats all around at least on the main floor. I can't remember about the upper floors. Jim.

[SheepleNoMore]

I call them walking sticks, they are standard canes.

 

Six foot six inches is too low for my ham radio antennas.

 

What is the availability of surface parking in the area? Where do the buses go to park?

[Lou]

I call them walking sticks, they are standard canes.

 

Six foot six inches is too low for my ham radio antennas.

 

What is the availability of surface parking in the area? Where do the buses go to park?

 

 

Sorry for the late reply. There are surface level lots and also on street parking. Most fills up early and if you get too far away from the PCCC the neighborhood isn't the best.

Some of the street parking closer to the Capital has meters and can be expensive.