This story was published in Radio Recall, the journal of the Metropolitan Washington Old-Time Radio Club, published six times per year.

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While there are some conventions I have lamentably been unable to attend, SPERDVAC (LA), FOTR (Newark) and Cincinnati are enough to reveal that each locale offers a different flavor and “personality.” By now, anyone familiar with the OTR convention circuit knows that the Cincinnati Old Time Radio & Nostalgia Convention held in April is laid back in comparison with others.

Where else but in Cincy could Derek Tague be proclaimed the Mayor or Etherville or would you receive a visit from Miss Moonpie? Dealers are knowledgeable and friendly, and it’s not unusual for the honored guests to hobnob with us admirers.

A product of event logistics such as date, guests, facilities, economics, etc., people go to Cincinnati for different reasons. Some are able to participate as dealers, panelists, amateur recreationists, and, alas, the ever-important organizers. Jerry Williams’ door prize soap box reproductions were taken for the real thing!

Cincinnati is somewhat like an old-home week—a yearly camp for adults if you will. There is a basic core of attendees who look forward to reuniting each year. The more relaxed pace affords time for people to visit and catch up. Many have even developed a routine of going to the same restaurants each year. Some arrive a day early to explore what the city has to offer.

Mike Martini of WMKV-FM gives a great tour of the Voice of America’s museum and towers at Bethany Station. I understand the gift shop is now open. Though not usually starting until May, Steve Hiss organized an Architect walking tour of nearby historic Mount Adams. The Cincinnati History Museum in the Crosley designed train station is a great place to visit. They have an a-la-carte pricing system for its three museums and Omnimax Theater, so one can see as much or as little as one has time for.

A Titanic exhibit was offered this year, along with an IMAX presentation of the diving expedition that brought up its treasures. So many possibilities! The Cincinnati convention is more than a sum of its parts. A word of caution--attending can be insidious—you’ll want to attend more! My plan was to go to Cincinnati ONCE, just to check it out. I’m now looking forward to a fourth visit. [And with a definite Cincinnattitude!]