DemocracyFest 2005 (Austin, TX) - In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up

[derby378]

ginbarn and I just came back home from Austin at 3am this morning - we're a bit sleepy and worn down by the heat, but we've got pictures to share from the Saturday party at Stubb's BBQ. Check 'em out!

First, the crowd itself. I heard there were some 2,500 people from all over America here:



Did I say "America?" These two came from all the way from Japan for this little shindig:



Some entertainment from Texas homegirl Tish Hinojosa:



Texas political icons Jim Hightower...



...and Congressman Lloyd Doggett, one of Tom DeLay's least favorite people on Earth:



And finally, the D-man himself, demonstrating "Howie Livin'" in Texas:



If you didn't make it this year, maybe we'll see you at the next DemFest! Hope you enjoy the pics!

[Richardo]

1. Nice pics, derby!

Nice to see Tish Hinojosa again...

Got any of the DUers?

[derby378]

2. Not this time - sorry

Ran out of room on my camera. Got to see a bunch of them at the BBQ on Saturday, though.

[PDittie]

3. Derb! Sorry we missed seeing you

Great pictures, though.

[derby378]

4. Thanks!

I saw you guys for just a little bit - I was the one in the black hat and Texas flag shirt talking with BouncyBall up front. I had to run back to check on ginbarn and Thought Criminal; that's when Dean took the stage.

[PDittie]

10. OMG that was you with the

rotating "Howard Dean" electronic billboard belt buckle?!?

[derby378]

11. Yeah - that was me

Thought Criminal looked at me and said, "You just want people staring at your crotch." You should have seen me blush.

It proved to be rather popular, though! :toast:

[VelmaD]

5. I had the best time...

It was SO good to see everyone. I haven't really had time to process it all yet so I don't have anything deep and meaningful to say about Dem Fest yet. But I just wanted to say hi to everyone and give you all one of these :grouphug:

[crispini]

6. It was faboo, wasn't it?!

:hi: VelmaD and everyone!

My two big takeaways from DemFest were:
1) Wow, I've learned a LOT since last year's 21st century Dems training down there in Austin.
2) Damn, we have a lot of work to do.

3) -- ok, three, THREE things -- we are going to have a HELLA coordinated campaign in Dallas in 06. Rethugs, watch OUT!

[derby378]

8. You got it, crispini - and the best part is...

...Repugs in Dallas can't share our notes! Woo-hoo!

I heard about two Republicans who sat down at the DU table at Stubb's - now that is priceless!

[derby378]

7. Right back atcha, VelmaD

And thanks again for volunteering at DemFest.

:hug:

[sonias]

9. thanks for the pictures derby378

Nice seeing you and ginbarn at Stubb's. Loved that digital message belt buckle. Glad you all made it home safe.

For me I am so glad DemFest is over. Not the fun part, it was great fun. The volunteer work part, which really kicked our ass.

Now ever body get back to work "taking our country back". I already have a campaign lined up to work for.

Sonia

[derby378]

12. You are so welcome

And yeah, I know what you mean - I've got a CD-ROM and lots of notes chock full of "homework" for myself as well.