A Big Thank You!!!
Friday September 12, 2008
We'd like to thank everyone who came out and made the weekend such a success. We know that you all have many options to where you will travel and we thank you for spending our first year with us. We tried very hard to make a good impression and to treat you all like we like to be treated. Your gratitude and kind words of appreciation at the show meant a lot to us all. We will keep working hard for all the years to come to maintain a high standard and provide an environment for you to make this a destination for a great time and hopefully a well earned vacation as many of you did. We were really glad to hear how many of you came early and stayed past the show to enjoy the attractions and events that central Florida has to offer.
Labor Day weekend August 28-31, 2008, Cast Iron Tattoo and Steadfast Brand hosted the First Annual Tried and True Tattoo Expo at the Rosen Centre on International Drive in Orlando, FL. The expo, sponsored by Infinite Irons, Kingpin Tattoo Supply, TattooNow, Hooters, Adobe Gila’s, Vitamin Energy, After Inked, and Jason Ackerman, brought over 150 artists from around the world including headliners Bert Krak of Top Hat Tattoo, Martin LaCasse of Olde City Tattoo, Jime Litwalk of Hart & Huntington-Las Vegas, and Josh Ford of Lifetime of Sol.
Tried and True Tattoo Expo offered live tattooing, original artwork, live music, Kid’s Corner and the latest merchandise in the tattoo community including the release of “Lettering 3” by BJ Betts and “Easy Glo Inks” by Joe Capobianco and Jime Litwalk. The Art Gallery displayed pieces of various media from exhibiting tattoo artists including Dicky Magoo of Tattoos by Lou, Ant of Ascension Tattoo, Mark Longnecker of Endless Summer Tattoo, Jeff Ensminger, Myra O. of Autograf Tattoo, E-rock of Devotion Tattoo, Jesse Smith of Kaotic Enzymes, and Traveling Tattooist Gunnar. Saturday night Jake LaBotz, who has been featured in Rambo and Gilmore Girls, played prior to the Tattoo Contest judging and awards ceremony. The Kid’s Corner offered face painting by Mystifying Ink, Fun Spot’s prize wheel, temporary tattoos, balloons, and a “Best Color” coloring contest.
Friday and Saturday night Adobe Gila’s and Hooters hosted the Tried and True Tattoo Expo Block Party with free admission for anyone who showed their tattoo, drink specials, and live music from 6pm until closing. Many attending artists who came for the Expo either came early or extended their stay allowing time to visit area attractions around Orlando, a popular vacation destination. Tried and True Tattoo Expo grouped with Hello Florida to offer special discounts with Universal Studios, Disney World, Fun-Spot, Universal Citywalk, Downtown Disney, Wet-n-Wild, and other central Florida attractions.
