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    • April 18, 2024
    • April 20, 2024
    • Placerville, CA
    Register

    SPRING CONFERENCE 2024 

    DATE:  
    Start: April 18, 2024
    End: April 20, 2024

    LOCATION: 

    El Dorado County Fairgrounds,
    100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Conference Fees
    Schedule And Site Map

    Getting There And Lodging
    Demonstrators
    Education / Hands On
    Competitions / Contest

    ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

    Registration is open now. Online registration is open until April 15. After that date, participants may register in person at the event. Limited Banquet tickets may be available for walk-in registrations.

    Early Bird Registration through March 29, 2024

    • CBA MEMBER - Full Conference – $240.00
    • NON MEMBER - Full Conference – $270.00
    • CBA MEMBER - Single Day (any day) – $130.00
    • NON MEMBER - Single Day (any day) – $160.00

    Online Late Registration March 30, 2024 - April 15, then you may register in person at the event.

    • CBA MEMBER - Full Conference – $265.00
    • NON MEMBER - Full Conference – $295.00
    • CBA MEMBER - Single Day (any day) – $150.00
    • NON MEMBER - Single Day (any day) – $180.00

    MAIL-IN REGISTRATION: Coming soon.

    SATURDAY NIGHT BANQUET: $30/pp Early Bird, $35/pp (after March 30, 2024)

    Please notate when you register if you require a Vegan/Vegetarian option. Contact one of the Conference chairs if you have other dietary needs we might be able to accommodate.

    CONTACT & CO-CHAIRS: 

    Greg Hudgins - tools@calsmith.org

    Linda Mangum - events@calsmith.org

    SCHEDULE AND SITE MAP: Coming soon.

    CONFERENCE FEES: 

    Conference Fees Per-Person  Now -
    March 29 
    March 30 -
    April 15
     Full Conference - Members**      $240     $265
    Full Conference - Non-members*      $270     $295
         
    Single Day - Members**  $130  $150
    Single Day - Non-members* $160 $180
         
    Non-participating family members are FREE. No cost No cost
         

    Saturday Banquet Dinner Ticket (per person)

    VEGAN/VEGETARIAN OPTION?

    $30

    Y/N

    $35

    Y/N

         
    Tailgating?? (limited spaces) Spots available with paid registration Spots available with paid registration

    * Non-member rates include a conference duration only CBA membership. Please consider upgrading to a full year member for only $35 more. Please complete the membership transaction prior to registering for the conference, then register for the conference.

    ** If more than 2 additional participants are registered  please contact the CBA Secretary, Michael Suwczinsky (secretary@calsmith.org )

    ** A non-participating chaperone with a minor participant (8 and older) is free with a fully paid registration for the minor. Chaperone can be registered at the Registration Table at the conference. Children under 8 are free when accompanied by a fully registered adult.

    NO RISK REFUND POLICY 

    A full refund of conference and meal fees shall be provided if a member cancels at any time prior to the conference starting date.

    GETTING THERE:  

    El Dorado County Fair and Event Center is located at 100 Placerville Dr and located right off Hwy 50 in the town of Placerville, CA. Take the Forni Road exit (44b) onto Placerville Dr and turn right onto Armory Dr to access the parking lots and event.

    Nearest major airport is about 1 hour away at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

    LODGING OPTIONS:

    On-site:

    Tent camping and limited RV spots with electrical/water hook-ups and RV dry camping spots available. Contact the Fairgrounds directly to make your reservation after you have registered for the conference. Office: 530-621-5860 https://eldoradocountyfair.org/rvinfo.html

    • Tent camping on the main lawn: $25/per tent/per night
    • Car camping: $25 per night
    • RV Camping (Dry): $55/per night
    • RV Camping (limited spots. w/hook-up water/electric): $55/per night
      (dump station available for extra fee)

    Restroom and Showers available on-site for attendees.

    Off-site:

    Best Western Plus Placerville Inn (5 minutes away)
    10% discount for CBA members.

    Historic Cary House Hotel (5 minutes away)

    Glen Morey Country House (7 minutes away)

    Placerville RV Resort (12 minutes away)

    Plus a variety of additional campgrounds, B&Bs, AirBnBs, VRBOs available in the area. Book early!



    DEMONSTRATORS

    GUEST DEMONSTRATORS

    Christine Habermann von Hoch (Czech Republic)
    https://habermannvonhoch.com/

    Michael Budd (Ireland)
    https://michaelbudd.ie/

    Kelly Vermeer Vella (Oakdale, CA)
    https://www.instagram.com/kellyvermeervella.knives/

    Logan Hirsh (Cave Junction, OR)
    https://www.instagram.com/logan_hirsh/?hl=en


    Michael Quesenberry (Graeagle, CA)
    https://quesenberryknives.com/



    HANDS-ON EDUCATION

    HANDS-ON EDUCATION TEAM led by Victoria Ritter Nenneman and Mark Aspery, featuring special workshops for youth and new smiths:

    • John Williams/Angelo Brusatory: Power Hammer Basics (TH, F, S) PRE-REGISTER with additional fee. See below.
    • Becky Schimpff: Curriculum Square Corners (TH), S Scrolls (F); Gate Latch (S)
    • Jake Trogdon: Forge welding (TH); Tomahawk (F); Gate Latch (S)
    • Steve Taylor: Beginner Smiths (F); Young Smiths (S)
    • Genevieve Gurall: Heat Treat Lecture (Th), Hand Tooling/Heat Treat (F); Heat Treat Lab (S)
    • Paul Westfall: Beginner Smiths (TH, F)
    • Mark Aspery: Bottle Opener (TH); Hand Tooling/Heat Treat (F); Heat Treat Lab & Staghorn Hinge (S)
    • Victoria Ritter: Curriculum - Scrolling (TH, F)
    • Bob Menard: Beginner Smiths (TH)

    Power Hammer Workshop

    A Power Hammer workshop will be offered 3 times during the Spring Conference.  If you are interested in signing up for this special workshop, please sign up after completing your Spring conference registration. Use one of the links below for session of your choice. 

    The workshop will consist of 4 hours with John Williams and Angelo Brusatory with instruction on power hammer safety, use and basic power hammer use.  

    Thursday 1-5 pm  "Click HERE to register"

    Friday 1-5 PM  "Click HERE to register"

    Saturday 1-5 PM  "Click HERE to register"

    8 people per session      $40 per person


    GALLERY SHOWCASE AND FRIDAY NIGHT BBQ POTLUCK

    FOOD TRUCKS -- We will have food trucks on site serving breakfast and lunch to be sure you don't have to forge on an empty stomach.

    LECTURES on Friday night with lead demonstrators

    SATURDAY BANQUET

    • Live Auction
    • Silent Auction
    • Iron in the Hat


    COMPETITIONS

    Major Contest: On Saturday, team up with Paul Boulay and Victoria Patti to “MAKE SOME NOISE”. Teams will create a musical instrument or noise making thing. Prizes for “most musical”, “most obnoxious noise”, and “most blacksmithy”. Details to follow later. If you have musical instrument components to share, bring them to Winter Bash or contact Paul Boulay.

    Small Contests/Competitions: Thursday and Friday night for smiths of all levels


    TAILGATING: Limited spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Indicate in the comments when you register or contact Michael Suwczinsky (secretary@calsmith.org) to secure your spot.



    • April 18, 2024
    • Placerville, CA
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    POWER HAMMER WORKSHOP - Thursday

    For Spring Conference Registrants Only 

    DATE:  April 18, 2024, Thursday

    TIME:  1 - 5 PM

    COST:  $40

    Max 8 Registrants 

    LOCATION: 

    El Dorado County Fairgrounds,
    100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667

    ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

    Register here online. Online registration is open until April 15. 

    CONTACT: Victoria Ritter - education@calsmith.org

    A Power Hammer workshop will be offered 3 times during the Spring Conference. If you are interested in signing up for this special hands-on workshop, please sign up after completing your Spring conference registration. The workshop will consist of 4 hours with John Williams and Angelo Brusatory with instruction on power hammer safety, use, and basic power hammer use.

    Spring Conference 2024 Info





    • April 19, 2024
    • Placerville, CA
    • 3
    Register

    POWER HAMMER WORKSHOP - Friday

    For Spring Conference Registrants Only 

    DATE:  April 19, 2024, Friday

    TIME:  1 - 5 PM

    COST:  $40

    Max 8 Registrants 

    LOCATION: 

    El Dorado County Fairgrounds,
    100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667

    ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

    Register here online. Online registration is open until April 15. 

    CONTACT: Victoria Ritter - education@calsmith.org

    A Power Hammer workshop will be offered 3 times during the Spring Conference. If you are interested in signing up for this special hands-on workshop, please sign up after completing your Spring conference registration. The workshop will consist of 4 hours with John Williams and Angelo Brusatory with instruction on power hammer safety, use, and basic power hammer use.

    Spring Conference 2024 Info





    • April 20, 2024
    • Placerville, CA
    • 2
    Register

    POWER HAMMER WORKSHOP - Saturday

    For Spring Conference Registrants Only 

    DATE:  April 20, 2024, Saturday

    TIME:  1 - 5 PM

    COST:  $40

    Max 8 Registrants 

    LOCATION: 

    El Dorado County Fairgrounds,
    100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667

    ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

    Register here online. Online registration is open until April 15. 

    CONTACT: Victoria Ritter - education@calsmith.org

    A Power Hammer workshop will be offered 3 times during the Spring Conference. If you are interested in signing up for this special hands-on workshop, please sign up after completing your Spring conference registration. The workshop will consist of 4 hours with John Williams and Angelo Brusatory with instruction on power hammer safety, use, and basic power hammer use.

    Spring Conference 2024 Info





Past events

March 16, 2024 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING -- FOLSOM
February 18, 2024 MICHAEL BUDD LET'S TALK DESIGN ZOOM - CBA EVENT
January 27, 2024 WINTERBASH 2024 - CBA EVENT
January 21, 2024 CHRISTINE HABERMANN VON HOCH LET'S TALK DESIGN - CBA EVENT
December 10, 2023 INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION DEMO - Christmas Tree Ornament - CBA EVENT
December 06, 2023 CBA Board Meeting
October 26, 2023 CBA INSTRUCTORS "ALL HERE" ZOOM MEETING - Oct 26, 6.00pm PDT
October 21, 2023 Vista Forge & File Knife Competition - Vista - Oct 21
October 14, 2023 Adam's Forge Grand Opening Bash - Simi Valley - Oct 14
September 29, 2023 OCTOBERFEST 2023 - CBA Event
August 18, 2023 2023 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN - CBA Event
August 18, 2023 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN 2023 CAMPSITE SIGNUP - For Full Event Registrants ONLY-CBA Event
July 15, 2023 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SOUTH - CBA Event
July 12, 2023 " ALL HERE - Can This Gate Latch Be Saved?” - All Instructors Zoom Meeting"- CBA EVENT
June 23, 2023 2023 HARD ROCK HAMMER-IN - CBA Event
April 13, 2023 RAILROAD SPIKE CHALLENGE - CBA EVENT
April 13, 2023 SPRING CONFERENCE 2023 - CBA Event
March 23, 2023 LEVEL 1 GATE LATCH - CBA EVENT
March 16, 2023 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING NORTH AT WEAVERVILLE - CBA Event
March 09, 2023 Level II Grille Tutorials: Session 5 - CBA EVENT
February 16, 2023 Level II Grille Tutorials: Session 4 - CBA EVENT
February 04, 2023 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SOUTH - CBA Event
February 02, 2023 LET'S TALK DESIGN WITH JOHN BARRON – 2 sessions - CBA EVENT
January 28, 2023 WINTERBASH - CBA EVENT
January 26, 2023 LET'S TALK DESIGN WITH JAKE JAMES - CBA EVENT
January 19, 2023 Level II Grille Tutorials: Session 3 - CBA EVENT
December 15, 2022 Level II Grille Tutorials: Session 2 - CBA EVENT
November 17, 2022 Level II Grille Tutorials: Session 1 - CBA EVENT
September 30, 2022 OCTOBERFEST 2022 - CBA Event
August 19, 2022 2022 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN - CBA Event
August 19, 2022 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN 2022 CAMPSITE SIGNUP - For Full Event Registrants ONLY-CBA Event
June 04, 2022 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SOUTH - CBA Event
April 22, 2022 WROUGHT IRON - BBQ FORK WORKSHOP - SPRING CONFERENCE 2022 - CBA Event
April 21, 2022 ACANTHUS LEAF WORKSHOP - SPRING CONFERENCE 2022 - CBA Event
April 21, 2022 SPRING CONFERENCE 2022 - CBA Event
April 21, 2022 CAMPING AND OVERNIGHT PARKING FOR SPRING CONFERENCE 2022 - CBA Event
April 07, 2022 BEAR HEAD TOOLING - CBA EVENT Individual Session ONLY
April 06, 2022 BEAR HEAD - CBA EVENT INDIVIDUAL SESSION ONLY
March 24, 2022 LET'S TALK DESIGN PRESENTS LIVE FORGING WITH DARRYL NELSON - CBA EVENT individual session
March 05, 2022 CBA WINTER BASH 2022 - CBA EVENT
March 03, 2022 LEVEL III GRILLE TUTORIALS - SESSION 5 ONLY - CBA EVENT
February 17, 2022 BEAR HEAD TOOLING - CBA EVENT Individual Session ONLY
February 03, 2022 LEVEL III GRILLE TUTORIALS - SESSION 4 ONLY - CBA EVENT
January 20, 2022 BEAR HEAD - CBA EVENT INDIVIDUAL SESSION ONLY
January 20, 2022 BEAR HEAD SERIES - CBA EVENT All 3 Sessions
January 09, 2022 Level II ZOOM COACHING SESSIONS - CBA EVENT
January 06, 2022 LEVEL III GRILLE TUTORIALS - SESSION 3 ONLY - CBA EVENT
December 02, 2021 LEVEL III GRILLE TUTORIALS - SESSION 2 ONLY - CBA EVENT
November 18, 2021 Patrick Beck, Tongs for Special Uses - CBA event
November 11, 2021 Ian Brooks, Flypress Basket Weave- CBA event
November 04, 2021 LEVEL III GRILLE TUTORIALS - All 5 SESSIONS - CBA EVENT
November 04, 2021 LEVEL III GRILLE TUTORIALS - SESSION 1 ONLY - CBA EVENT
October 01, 2021 OCTOBERFEST 2021 CANCELLED - CBA EVENT
September 16, 2021 CBA Level II skills: Upsets and Joints - CBA event
August 20, 2021 ROARING CAMP CAMPSITE SIGNUP - For Full Event Registrants ONLY-CBA Event
August 20, 2021 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN 2021- CBA Event
July 15, 2021 LEVEL II SKILLS: COLLARING - CBA EVENT
June 17, 2021 LEVEL II SKILLS: C- and S-Scrolls - CBA EVENT
May 20, 2021 Level II Skills: SCROLLING WRENCH AND TONGS - CBA EVENT
May 13, 2021 FORGE A VIKING PADLOCK - CBA EVENT
April 16, 2021 EVENT CANCELLED - SPRING CONFERENCE 2021 - CBA Event
April 15, 2021 LEVEL II SKILLS: SCROLLS! - CBA EVENT
February 18, 2021 LEVEL II SKILLS: SCROLLS! - CBA EVENT
February 02, 2021 2ND SESSION - CHASING AND REPOUSSE WITH DOUGLAS PRYOR - CBA EVENT
January 28, 2021 CHASING AND REPOUSSE WITH DOUGLAS PRYOR - CBA EVENT
December 17, 2020 FORGING THE GENERAL-PURPOSE LEAFING HAMMER - CBA EVENT
December 03, 2020 LEVEL III GRILLE TUTORIALS - CBA EVENT
November 19, 2020 MAKE YOUR OWN HAND TOOLS - CBA EVENT
November 12, 2020 INTRODUCTION TO KITCHEN UTENSILS - CBA EVENT
October 29, 2020 OKTOBERFEST (ZOOM) HAPPY HOUR - CBA Event
October 15, 2020 TONG-MAKING - OPEN AND BOX JAW TONGS WITH WELDED REINS (Experienced novice/Intermediate) - CBA Event
October 08, 2020 MAKE YOUR OWN HAND TOOLS - CBA EVENT
October 02, 2020 OCTOBERFEST 2020 - CANCELLED - Watch for the Oktoberfest / Halloween zoom hangout on October 29
September 17, 2020 THE BASKET-TWIST HANDLED POKER - an exercise in forge welding - CBA EVENT
September 03, 2020 TONG-MAKING - OPEN AND BOX JAW TONGS WITH WELDED REINS (Intermediate Level) - CBA Event
August 27, 2020 LET'S TALK DESIGN - Session 4 - CBA EVENT
August 20, 2020 LET'S TALK DESIGN - Session 3 - CBA EVENT
August 15, 2020 ROARING CAMP (ZOOM) HAPPY HOUR - CBA Event
August 14, 2020 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN 2020- CANCELLED- CBA Event
August 13, 2020 LET'S TALK DESIGN - Session 2 - CBA EVENT
August 06, 2020 LET'S TALK DESIGN - Session 1 - CBA EVENT
August 06, 2020 LET'S TALK DESIGN - Register for all 4 sessions - CBA EVENT
July 30, 2020 THE BASKET-TWIST HANDLED POKER Session 2 - CBA EVENT
July 20, 2020 THE BASKET-TWIST HANDLED POKER Session 1 - CBA EVENT
April 30, 2020 SPRING CONFERENCE 2020 - purchase additional meal plans - CBA Event- CANCELLED
April 30, 2020 SPRING CONFERENCE 2020 - CBA Event - CANCELLED
March 19, 2020 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING NORTH - CBA Event - CANCELLED
February 29, 2020 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SOUTH - CBA Event
February 22, 2020 FORGE WELDING - CBA Event
January 18, 2020 FERNDALE CONFERENCE PREP WORKSHOP - CBA Event
October 04, 2019 OCTOBERFEST 2019 - CBA Event
September 27, 2019 WAYNE'S WORLD 2019 - CBA Event
August 16, 2019 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN - CBA Event
July 26, 2019 2019 HARD ROCK HAMMER-IN - CBA Event
May 02, 2019 BAM - 28th Annual Ozark Conference
April 25, 2019 SPRING CONFERENCE 2019 - CBA Event
March 30, 2019 INSTRUCTOR TRAINING - ORANGE COUNTY - CBA Event
March 14, 2019 WEAVERVILLE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING - CBA Event
January 26, 2019 TOOLING UP THE CBA FORGES - CBA Event
October 05, 2018 OCTOBERFEST 2018 - CBA Event
September 29, 2018 WAYNE'S WORLD 2018 - CBA Event
August 17, 2018 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN - CBA Event
June 01, 2018 2018 HARD ROCK HAMMER-IN
April 12, 2018 SPRING CONFERENCE 2018 - CBA Event
March 10, 2018 GAS AND COKE FORGE WORKSHOP - CBA Event
February 10, 2018 HAND AXE WORKSHOP - CBA Event
January 20, 2018 TOOL-MAKING WORKSHOP - CBA Event
November 12, 2017 KITCHEN UTENSIL CLASS - CBA Event
October 29, 2017 BITS N PIECES- CBA Event
September 29, 2017 OCTOBERFEST 2017 - CBA Event
August 18, 2017 ROARING CAMP HAMMER-IN - CBA Event
May 27, 2017 CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH WORKSHOP
May 19, 2017 HARD ROCK HAMMER-IN
April 27, 2017 SPRING CONFERENCE 2017 - CBA Event
March 16, 2017 WEAVERVILLE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING - CBA Event
January 21, 2017 CBA BOARD MEETING - CBA Event
January 21, 2017 TONG-MAKING WORKSHOP - CBA Event
December 03, 2016 KITCHEN UTENSIL CLASS, FRANSIS LEIDINGER - CBA Event
October 29, 2016 LOW-RELIEF CHASING, FRANCIS LEIDINGER - CBA Event
September 30, 2016 OCTOBERFEST 2016 - CBA Event
September 24, 2016 WAYNE'S WORLD - CBA Event
August 19, 2016 HAMMER-IN AT ROARING CAMP RAILROADS - CBA Event
April 28, 2016 SPRING CONFERENCE 2016 - CBA Event
January 30, 2016 CBA FORGE BUILDING WORKSHOP
December 05, 2015 KITCHEN UTENSIL/BBQ TOOLS WORKSHOP
October 24, 2015 CALIFORNIA BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION INSTRUCTOR TRAINING - CBA Event
October 02, 2015 OCTOBERFEST - CBA Event
September 25, 2015 WAYNE'S WORLD - CBA Event
September 25, 2015 Instructor Training at Wayne's World
August 07, 2015 Roberto Giordani Workshop
May 22, 2015 Frederic Crist Workshop
April 23, 2015 SPRING CONFERENCE - CBA Event
March 19, 2015 Instructor Training - Weaverville
January 17, 2015 REBUILD AN ANVIL - CBA Event

Appropriate eye protection is required and must be worn during all California Blacksmith Association sponsored workshops and demonstrations, be it as a demonstrator, helper, instructor, observer or participant. By registering or attending such events, you agree that you understand these requirements, that you will bring your personal eye protection to all such events , and that you will wear the eye protection as required.


The California Blacksmith Association bylaws prohibit harassment-in keeping with state and federal laws-at any CBA sponsored meetings, activities or events. That includes but is not limited to harassment based on race, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation or gender.

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Richmond, CA  94804


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