When: Saturday March 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: VFW Post 720, 4853 E Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
What: Share delicious mushroom food, watch a super interesting presentation by AMS hall-of-famer Chris May, get to know your mushroom mates, and possibly outbid them on some vintage mushroom-themed antiques!
How: No registration needed... just show up and hang out!
We will have AMS hats ($20) and 2023 Annual foray shirts (ONLY $5) for sale. Cash only. Shirt sizes are limited.
----- Silent Auction -----
This silent auction includes a collection of antique mushroom ware including a porcelain bread box, porcelain flour and sugar storage containers, a spoon rest, glass toadstool sculptures, and more. Be the envy of your friends for having the rarest and most fabulous basidiomycete bling. With your purchase, you will support AMS efforts such as the Dr. Leathers Scholarship for mycological graduate students.
The silent auction will start at noon and end at 3pm. Auction winners will be announced shortly after 3pm at the event. Please bring cash to pay for items.
------ Presentation on Arizona Fungi -------
Learn from AMS founder and talented orator, Chris May, who will be presenting on Boletes of Arizona.
If you haven't heard Chris speak on our Arizona fungi before, you are in for a treat! If there is time, we will visit the iNaturalist website to share more about actual observations of some of the species he discusses.
------ Potluck Plans -------
If you can, please bring a dish to share at the potluck according to the following assignment:
Feel free to make a print out talking about your dish!
If your last name begins with letter I-P, please bring a main dish; if Q-Z please bring a salad or side dish; if A-H please bring a dessert
AMS will provide plastic utensils, paper plates, cups, water, etc.! The venue will have a cash bar, please do not bring any alcohol.
Please bring the proper utensil with which to serve your dish. If the dish is to be served hot, bring your own crock-pot, skillet, etc. and extension cord to be plugged in. There will be electricity on site.
If you bring a dish containing wild-picked mushrooms, you should note that sharing of mushrooms between members is at the sole risk of the individuals involved, and should comply with the Society's safety guidelines.
------ Vendors -------
We have heard from some truly excellent vendors who will be coming to the event!
Desert Magic with formulations using mushroom infused oils for lip balms, skin balms & salves. Fungirl's Fungi with homegrown mushroom products including the best mushroom jerky, Mush Better Brew who has delicious organic coffee with a blend of seven adaptogenic mushrooms. Lastly, one of our own, Ross Babcock will be selling hand-made live edge alligator juniper tables.
------ Directions for Parking at VFW 720 -------
Please enter the parking lot of VFW 720 from the west side of the building on Thomas Rd., as shown here:
There is ample parking in the back. When entering the building from the parking lot, please walk past the first entrance, which goes to the bar, and continue to the main entrance to the event hall (we will have a sign out front).