Does anyone know if we have any pipe shows in Canada? Maybe Toronto? Or is there a reason I have never heard of any?
Keep your stick on the ice!....Barry....
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Pipes Magazine » Pipe Events
PIPE SHOWS in Canada?
(38 posts)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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I haven't heard of any pipe-shows in Canada, and I suspect there are a few reasons why. First, our inter-provincial and international shipping laws in regards to tobacco would make it prohibitive for any blenders who don't already reside in the province the show was being held in to attend with any amount of their product. Due to our strange taxation system, it isn't actually legal to transport large amounts of tobacco (read: more than can be justfied for personal consumption) across provincial lines.
I've also heard that in order for a new blend to be certified for Canadian sales, the CFIA has to approve each ingredient, a process that can take months. From my own dealings with the CFIA, I can tell you that they are always looking for recipies and processes when they are testing new products - and I can't imagine guys like Gregory Pease or Craig Tarler happily opening his notebook for a random beaurocrat in a foreign nation.
Then you have to take our so-called "clean-air" laws into account. We can't actually have smoking-tents at venues in B.C. (I think the Ontario and Quebec laws read the same, I haven't looked them up), and god forbid we want to smoke indoors! Heck, half of our hotels don't even offer smoking rooms any more. Not exactly attractive to a group of smokers...
Add to that our low population numbers when compared to the U.S. - and take into account the distribution of our population (most of us reside within a few hundred km of the 49th), and it just doesn't make sense economically.
Fortunately, if you're near a major population center you can usually still attend shows pretty cheap...especially Vegas in the fall (assuming you can cross international borders, of course).Posted 1 year ago # -
Yup, our Gov. sure does not like to see us have a good time.
If at first you don't succeed, have another bowl.Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks schmitzbitz, that answer makes a whole lot of sense to me.
I was thinking it might be nice if there is any interest in getting a Canadian contingent together and maybe travel to a pipe show in the US. I know the logistics would be rather large at this point, but just wondering if there was any interest in such a thing? Now, schmitzbitz mentioned Vegas as a possible location and I think that is an excellent choice given the deals on air fares, rooms, food, entertainment and such. If there was a show there in the winter, it might me a nice break. Would anyone be interested in such a thing?
Posted 9 months ago # -
was thinking it might be nice if there is any interest in getting a Canadian contingent together and maybe travel to a pipe show in the US. I know the logistics would be rather large at this point, but just wondering if there was any interest in such a thing? Now, schmitzbitz mentioned Vegas as a possible location and I think that is an excellent choice given the deals on air fares, rooms, food, entertainment and such. If there was a show there in the winter, it might me a nice break. Would anyone be interested in such a thing?
Just book a ticket and go. It will never happen if you wait for others to get on board. Wishing for a perfect date/location combination is not realistic. They happen when/where they happen. The shows need walk in traffic for them to survive.
Posted 9 months ago # -
I knew I had seen a thread about this recently.
Long post coming...I don't know about all the other Canucks on here, but as much as I'd love to travel to the States for a pipe show (and I do hope to attend one eventually) I really think we could pull one off here. Of course it would have to be a scaled down version for many reasons, like those noted above, but what if we started small just to see what the interest would be and to see what format it could take? "Test the limits" in other words. For example, CanAsianPiper recently stopped by my house to drop off the box pass. We had a great conversation about our pipes, showed off a few of them, and talked some tobacco. Essentially it could be considered the first meeting of the new Ottawa Pipe Club, or whatever we would call it, even though it was just two in attendance. These things have to start somewhere.
Here's my thoughts. Even though I'm in Ottawa I would be willing to volunteer to help put on a Pipe Show somewhere around the GTA, say for Summer 2013. This way we can draw pipers with easier driving/travel distances from Eastern Ontario through the Horseshoe, and hopefully not be affected by weather. Even though we would have limitations compared to the US shows, why can't we put something small together? All we would need is to rent a banquet or meeting room for a Saturday. Of course there's nowhere here would allow smoking inside, but maybe if we are outside the city in the 'burbs or the boonies that we could find a place with an outdoor sitting area. It doesn't have to be anything slick, it could be just informal and take the shape of a swap meet, a flea market, or just a really big pipe club meeting.
If it happens, and it works, we can then have a framework to do future shows that could be bigger. We'll be able to work out a lot of bugs or issues so that similar events in BC/Alberta/Maritimes, or wherever our fellow pipers can congregate, could happen.
When I was younger, and with zero experience, I booked punk rock shows at cheap community centres with no budget whatsoever and it worked. I'm sure this could work as long as we start small. Any thoughts?
Matt. I'll have my House the same as my metal and my coffee, thanks.Posted 8 months ago # -
The last pipe show in Ontario that I am aware of is the joint show that Burlington Pipe Club and Toronto Pipe club put on back in I believe 2003. A lot of people worked very hard on it and there was still a lot of politics and some in fighting. The show was held at a pub in Burlington within there meeting room but you could not smoke in the room. The no smoking indoors laws here have virtually shut down pipe clubs in this province. Burlington closed its doors because it had no place left to meet. It was a great group of guys and I was proud to be associated with them. The guys in Toronto are still hanging on but just by a thread and meeting in peoples houses. For how much longer I'm not sure. I can personally see a resurection of the pipe clubs and shows in Ontario until such time as the laws are changed. Don't hold your breath for that in our life time.
Posted 8 months ago # -
It's a shame really that it's come to that.
To be honest, every hobby or scene I've been involved in (music, paranormal, or whatever) always has some sort of infighting or drama involved. It just comes with the territory when you deal with people. Maybe the secret is to not have too many cooks in the kitchen? I'm going to keep this idea in my head. It would be a lot of work, but I'm pretty confident it could be pulled off even if I do it on my own. I was looking at banquet hall rentals online outside the GTA, but on the 401, and I think the odds of putting something together and breaking even are pretty good. Some rooms are less than $100 to rent. Set up a few tables and displays, maybe a workshop or two, and there you go.
Back when I was promoting shows, we would always charge less at the door if you brought a donation for the local food bank. In this case, I would put the event at free admission with a donation. Get some good vibes happening...
Posted 8 months ago # -
I don't know how to respond to this. On the one hand I think it's a cool idea, but on the other hand, I can't help wonder if pipe shows died in Canada for real reasons that are increasingly exacerbated (increasingly restrictive smoking laws, crazy tobacco taxation, decreased popularity in pipes [which may be on the upswing, but not like it was years ago], etc.) and not simply because of ego. It's hard to get vendors to come without an expectation of it being worthwhile; it's hard to get customers to come without an expectation of it being worthwhile.
Just try one small bowl and you will forever more be a Grousemoor whore.Posted 8 months ago # -
Mick, I hear you on that. That's why I'm trying to think of a different way to work it out. If anyone has any ideas floating around please share them. At the very least, maybe we can just have a PM forum meet up/swap for Ontario guys?
We can't do anything about the laws in place, and I certainly wouldn't want to risk any legal issues, but if the whole idea (supposedly) of the laws is to make it difficult for us to enjoy our pipes then I wouldn't mind at the very least thumbing my nose at them in defiance for one day. Lol!
Posted 8 months ago # -
Well seeing as not a lot of people in ottawa are pipe smokers, it'll be difficult.
Maybe if we talk to the owner of Ottawa Cigar Emporium, we can see if he will allow us to go on a Sunday (normally closed) and meet in his store. More than likely no smoking in the shop, but at least it will get a local vendor in the scene. It would be nice just to talk pipes and tobacco, show off each others collection and possibly buy some stuff.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Ghost if you are serious about it PM me and I can get you in touch with the guy that was organizing the last show to give you a heads up on what he went through and best ways to avoid the pit falls. I would be willing to help out where I can as well.
Posted 8 months ago # -
At the very least, maybe we can just have a PM forum meet up/swap for Ontario guys?
That certainly sounds more reasonable/manageable than a whole pipe show. BYOB, bring your own baccy.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Maybe we shouldn't call it a "Pipe Show" How about the 1st Annual Briar/Leaf-Related Hobby Expo, to confuse the local gendarmes...
Posted 8 months ago # -
Ha! I like it. "1st Canadian Congress on the Combustorial Applications of Erica Arborea in Modern Society ..."
Suffering from a serious case of "EPARD", also known as the Estate Pipe Acquisition and Restoration Disorder.Posted 7 months ago # -
I host a pipe show once in awhile. Only one or two pipes, usually, and usually no one comes (no one is invited). But the shows usually include single malt Scotch and sometimes football or hockey on the radio.
Anyone in central AB is welcome to attend, at almost any time.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Okay so that's two shows, Ontario and Alberta.
B.C.?
Posted 7 months ago # -
Hey Guys , this sounds very interesting indeed. I'm in Northern Ontario & would love for some kind of Pipe Smokers event to become a reality somewhere here in Ontario. Right now I only know of one other pipe smoker up here where I live & we try & get together every week & enjoy a bowl together. We also trade & try new blends , talk about pipes & just enjoy a nice relaxing time together. We both are new pipe smokers & didn't realise how rare pipe smokers have become. Any event that could happen we certainly would support as it would be a great way to meet fellow pipers & hopefully be a good way to introduce some of our friends to this great hobby.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Anyone in central AB is welcome to attend, at almost any time.
Careful what you ask for............lol. I live in Central Alberta as well. Thought it would be like hen's teeth to find another pipe smoker around here.
If there was some sort of a decent "pipe hobby" show in either BC or ON, for a weekend, I would be interested in possibly attending.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Where are you Brassonly? I'm from Huntsville
Posted 7 months ago # -
I'm in the Sudbury region
Posted 7 months ago # -
I sent you a PM Slownumbers
Posted 7 months ago # -
So i skimmed through all your posts therefore if i repeat something now i apologize but why not just start with a pipe meet so we all can meet fellow pipe smokers in our areas. im from Ontario me and my brother in law are new to pipe smoking and would love to meet and discuss techniques and pipes. ideally we would meet outdoors during warmer season so we can smoke of course.
But either way in down for anything really.
Pack and lite, hope for no bite. Tamp and Dottle, Pour from the Bottle. Sit back and smell, Ah..All is well"Posted 5 months ago # -
Smokeybear; you're talking about pipe-clubs as opposed to shows. Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal* all have large and functional clubs - other cities may as well, but if they don't perhaps you could get one going!
Here in Vancouver, we had found a pub (actually a couple) with a covered and heated patio that is happy to host our monthly meets. More recently, one of the local cigar clubs has opened up their doors to bretheren of the briar - the location is simply an empty building (note: not a place of business) which the club leases directly, allowing the circumvention of the smoking bans (although this does mean it's a BYO snacks and drinks situation).*Can't find an active link to the Montreal Club website although I am positive they are active (I'm on their mailing list it seems?!?). You can contact them through their Facebook page here.
Posted 5 months ago # -
I'd still be willing to organize an event at some point, but I think getting local "clubs" moving in cities that aren't very active may be a better short term option. I'm sure everyone has noticed an influx of Canadian newbies on the forum recently. Very cool!
Posted 5 months ago # -
With the current temperatures I desperately long for a cozy pipe club house when I shiver my way through a bowl of Nightcap at -28 Celsius ...
Posted 5 months ago # -
Good Day All
Finding a venue for a pipe show is the first obsticle. I would guess that you would need to set up something like Chicago. A show indoor venue ( with no smoking ) and a tent outdoors, which attendees could smoke within.
Both these issues can be dealt with. The largest obsticle is getting attendence. Honestly the number of pipe smokers in Canada is miniscule. There are pockets with active clubs, but we are really spread out. How many from ON or QC would fly to attend a small show in BC, or AB, or visa versa? How many sellers might show up, for a tiny show? Tough enough to get to medium sized US shows now.
At the last Las Vegas show there was under 200 walk ins. Las Vegas is not expensive to get to, the rooms are cheap, and the venue smoke friendly. How many Canadian's attended? Less than a hand ful.
Anytime anyone in the lower mainland wants to look at pipes, they are welcome to call and visit. There is a show room within my house for all the inventory, plus for those in need a shop with pipe cleaning equipment.
Before you try and create a show, maybe joining a pipe club, or the pipe clubs across the country is a good start. There are clubs in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal. There is also a Federation of Canadian Pipe Clubs. There are pipe enjoyers in Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Hamilton etc. It is time that those in these locals find other pipe enjoyers and work towards creating clubs.
Regards
BBPosted 5 months ago # -
I'd start a pipe club here, but I am afraid I would be the only one attending. hahahhah
Posted 5 months ago # -
I tried to Google "Edmonton Pipe Clubs" as well as "Federation of Canadian Pipe Clubs" and found precious little on either.
I did find that Burlington on Whyte seems to be the go to place in Northern Alberta, if not for the entire province. Also found out there are supposed to be about 500 tobacco pipe smokers in the Edmonton area according to a posting I read during my search. I guess I will inquire with one of the people at Burlington when I next get to Edmonton about an active pipe club in the Edmonton area and see what they have for information.
Posted 5 months ago # -
In Ottawa here myself, we should set something up, even a meetup....
Posted 2 months ago # -
Ive got a pipe club started in Oshawa, drew 8 peopke to the first meeting and i'm already at 13 for the next one. Anyone interested in heading over to Oshawa on April 25th is welcome. PM me for details if you're interested.
“A pipe in the mouth makes it clear that there has been no mistake–you are undoubtedly a man.”
-A. A. Milne
Posted 2 months ago # -
Hey there folks, our fellow forum member brdavidson is pulling together a Pipe & Cigar Club down here in Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and surroundings). We've a regular meet up and would be happy to see other forum members. Flip either him or me a pm for details.
As to a larger Canuck PM meet-up/swap/bowl-smoke... I'd be down with that. I might even have some pretty refurb'd pipes to swap by the time we got around to organizing this.
With the number of forum members in Ottawa, and the broader GTA maybe we should split the distance and meet in Kingston... in the summer when patios are our friend.
-- Pat
If this is coffee, then please-bring me some tea. But if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.
~Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
Posted 2 months ago # -
I really wish there was more going on up here in Canada for pipesmokers but with all the anti smoking regulations we have here I don't think we have much hope is seeing any pipe shows here in the great white north. I live in a very rural area of Northern Ontario so that makes it even harder to try & get something going even getting together once in a while with pipers is a challenge up here. I am always willing to get involved any way I can & would love to be able to just meet fellow smokers in any type of setting if that ever happens somewhere here in Ontario.
Posted 2 months ago # -
I'd be more than willing to drive to Kingston, hey Pat time for a road trip!!!
Posted 2 months ago # -
Well im glad I found this thread.......sparked some new interest I see!
Posted 2 months ago # -
Sadly that interest is always quite short-lived
Logistics just don't seem to work in our favor here in the Great White North ("Strong and Free"):
- Distances vs. Population
- Cross-Province border laws concerning tobaccos and goods
- Cross-Country border laws concerning all goods (let's face it most pipe makers are NOT from Canada!)
- No public / indoor / smoking venues
- TaxesA Canadian pipe show would be way to expensive to organize and set up on the one hand, but also for sellers to attend on the other hand - they'd pay a ton of money to get their goods in, would face a very limited customer base, and would be beat to death by all kinds of excise and sales levies.
Posted 2 months ago # -
A Canadian pipe show would be way to expensive to organize and set up on the one hand
Heartily agreed hfearly, for the rationale you laid out so well. Those are our challenges and limitations.
But given our small and active community here, perhaps a gathering of PM forum-ites some day on a long weekend is more realistic. Given the relative size of folks' cellars and stocks of estates a swap meet or trunk sale should also be doable. I wonder if there is enough interest...
Haven't finished my morning espresso yet. The fog will lift and I'll be more lucid later. It sure would be fun to meet other folks and share a bowl or two.
-- Pat
Posted 2 months ago # -
But given our small and active community here, perhaps a gathering of PM forum-ites some day on a long weekend is more realistic.
Exactly.
Posted 2 months ago #
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