Response To 2013 Walton Events

[Carolyn Grinnell]

This post is regarding the two Walton events scheduled for October 19, 2013.

I had planned to comment on the posts in "Ray Castro's Waltons Appreciation Cruise" last Friday but had family matters to attend to.

First of all, I would like to get us all on the "same page" together. I feel the need to let everyone know that Ray and I are not in a competition game with each other.

Ray, Vicky and I worked together on some of the recent Walton events in CA. He assisted us and we assisted him. I feel that each of us created a wonderful time of "Waltoning" for all the fans. Each event different - each event well attended.

And now to the two events on October 19, 2013. And yes, unfortunately, the dates conflict with each other. And yes that is okay. No one is to blame.

My understanding, the folks at Cruise Holiday UK contacted Earl Hamner and Earl, knowing that Ray had "cruise experience" contacted Ray to see if he was interested in being the liason between the cast and crew.

And now to the part of who knew about our fan club reunion - 2013. The cast members who we had invited knew. Eric and some of the other cast who attended last year did not know. Vicky and I did talk to Eric and some other cast members this year and we did say no more reunions. However, we were referring to hosting another CA reunion.

And I have sometimes said in the past, "Everyone is getting "Waltoned" out and maybe we should not have a reunion every year." And then all YOU voiced your interest in a reunion yearly. And I responded. Walton reunions are certainly a one of a kind. Over the past 20 years the cast members have been supportive and I appreciate it.

So now for 2013 you have two beautiful choices. There are many Walton fans out there that I know can accomodate each event to "full and running over." So please, everyone, be positive and supportive of all of us who spend endless hours planning the events. I know you will. I have confidence in all of you!

I trust that I have cleared the air for many of you. Let us keep "The Walton Way" alive and well! AND wherever October 19, 2013 finds you, whether you're sailing the beautiful blue seas or gazing at the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, treasure the moment. Enjoy the cast members you have with you and your fellow Walton friends. And make it a MEMORABLE TIME!

[Tracey]

I can understand but not everyone can't afford the cruise on their income. I'm definetaly will attend yours since I have never been in VA and is looking forward to see you next year.

Tracey

[MrsOliviaWalton]

Well Carolyn, I will be gazing at the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, as I am not a fan of the seas really and its out of my budget so I shall be attending yours next year and I can not wait

[ForeverWaltons]

Carolyn,

Thank you for posting! My husband & I hope to attend your event in Virginia. Neither one of us has ever been to that beautiful state & it is a dream of mine to visit all 50 states before I die. I also look forward to seeing all of the Walton fans that I recently had the pleasure of meeting & also meeting new ones. I also can't wait to see the gorgeous fall foliage of Virginia.

A cruise is definitely not in our budget at this time because we still have 6 kids at home, ages 4, 8, 10, 12, 14 & 16. Plus only my husband brings home a check as I am a stay at home housewife/Mom. So I am trying my best to build up some "mad" money so we can attend your event next year in Virginia. Thank you & everyone involved who does their absolute best to make these reunions so enjoyable!

I know that both events will be a success & hope everyone has a safe & wonderful time on whichever event they choose.

My only wish is that you had also revealed who your cast commitments are so far. I also understand that nothing is set in stone & that the commitments can change at any time, just like they did in California at both events. Take care! foreverwaltons

[john8486]

Carolyn,
Thanks for your post, and we do all appreciate the hard work needed for the Waltons reunions.
I am already making plans to be in Virginia in 2013. Like I told you the other day, being in Virginia for a Waltons event is very special. For anybody who has not been to a reunion, you will have a great time, there is plenty to see and do in the area. Virginia in the fall is spectacular, and I hope to see you all in Lynchburg in 2013.

[bmcgill]

Well said Carolyn. Hope this clears up some of the confusion or misunderstandings. We do appreciate all of the hard work that you and Vicky do to put on these wonderful events in Virginia and if at all possible my wife and I plan to attend your event in Virginia in 2013. The cruise is a little out of our price range too. The people that I have met over the last five years at your reunions have become good friends and we always have a blast and lots of us keep in touch quite often. Reguardless of who the cast members are that will be at your event, I'm sure it will be great as always and we will have a blast again.

[waltonfan1]

Hi Carolyn
I hope I haven't already posted, My computer was acting up. WEll said, and in true Walton Spirit.
So happy to know that the Virginia reunions are not a thing of the past. I am sure that both events will be wonderful, sadly you can't be at both. Please keep us posted on the events in Virginia next year........Can't wait to hear. If it is half as much fun as last years it will be spectacular!

[Ryan James]

Thank you as well Carolyn!! I appreciate you taking the time to fill us in on the details. I too will be gazing at the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia like several others and can't wait! and look forward to meeting up with all my Walton friends again for a memorable weekend!

And if there's ever a need for more hands to help put next year's together, please let us know! I'm sure many of us, myself included would be more than happy to help you make it a success! ;D I'm not Waltoned out yet!

RYAN-J

[MrsOliviaWalton]

I second what Ryan said, if you need any help pleasse do let us no I'd be happy to help anyway I can xx

[Don]

Carolyn, A True Leader,
I'm an addict to the Waltons, watched some in the 70's then got hooked watching it as a Father/Husband the last 2yrs with my wife during our fight with breast cancer..God rest her soul. Waltons family stories is the glue I need to keep my family togheter...I'm about5-6 hrs away from Lynchburg...Let's do it.
Those that remember me I had the (Retired Navy Hat) please help keep me going by staying in touch. We all need an ear to chew on.
Don (Donald Henry)
[e-mail]
910 346-5584

[bmcgill]

Hey Don. I remember you and talking to you in the hotel lobby. Keep your chin up and it will all be alright. I've been down the same road.

[cinlou]

Thank you for the clarification Carolyn. I look forward to attending next Fall in Virginia.

[Heather]

Carolyn,

Thank you for your post!

Just to clarify - there is NO SUCH THING as being "Waltoned Out". Perish the thought!

I'm sad for you that you won't be able to be at both events, since we all regard you as The Grande Dame of The Waltons.

If Richard were committed to the cruise, I may consider going for about five minutes but ultimately I too would rather be gazing at the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains come next October. Ideally, maybe be would be there too?...

Carolyn, you have our unwavering support and we thank you for all you do.

[weezer29]

Hi Dan, I remember seeing you in the lobby in Burbank and we had a quick hello.
Gotta love The Walton's fans.

[Ryan James]

I remember you as well Don! I was down in the lobby sitting with Tori sunday morning and you were taking our photos on the couch! I couldn't place you at first from memory, but then you mentioned the 'Retired NAVY' hat and I spotted you in my photos from the set tour and went aha! ;D Looking forward to seeing you again next year in VA!

RYAN-J