KRF III - Thank You from VK
Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:37 pm
To the fans across the world who attended Knight Rider Festival III,
This is going to be a long post and probably come across as more of an acceptance speech at the Oscars but it is something I feel compelled to do for the many people I encountered at the event and I feel deserve to be recognized for their efforts towards its success.
First I would like to apologize if I could not remember your name straight - please understand that due to certain conditions that were not met and beyond my control, I had to deal with a lot of extra duties and I literally pushed myself to the brink of mental and physical exhaustion to keep fans satisfied and do my best to help people achieve their needs to the very best of my ability.
Keeping track of names is not one of my strengths but it's something I've been working on. With so much going on in my head from so many directions during these events - it's hard to keep tabs on every person I meet.
Knight Rider Festival III was probably one of the most exhausting weekends I have experienced in a very long time. With that said though, it was a great event for the fans and I think very successful on the level that it was intended to be. I think fans enjoyed seeing the fleet of cars that showed including Tom and Diane Day's impressive Shelby Mustangs and Richard's "gimble" KITT.
Knights of the West Coast and Willitmakeit.com once again answered the call to bring and display their wonderful K.I.T.T. and K.A.R.R. replicas as well which really gave the number of cars that showed (21 I think?) a really nice boost. Also as with the previous festivals, Craig Martin's DeceptiKARR did not disappoint and the Attack Mode continued to wow the crowds and excite the elementary school children once more.
So with all that said, I want to thank everyone for their support of the event across every spectrum from people who donated to The Children's Miracle Network, to followers online, to the many gracious car owners who sacrificed so much to get their automotive works of art to Fremont Street, to our brave international travelers from Africa, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, and so on.
All of you made a difference in making this event as successful as it could possibly be. Your support is invaluable not just for the event or for charity but also your support of my efforts to make a positive difference at the event be it in person or through my merchandise offerings.
Thank you to all the VIPS who took time out of their busy schedules to make the event once again special for the fans who attended. Who freely signed autographs and posed for photos with fans and made the VIP party another great success as well as the autograph signing on Saturday. Thanks for your understanding (especially you Rebecca and Don) and patience when things didn't go as planned and for keeping things positive. Thanks to Oscar Goodman for allowing KRF to take place in his city for what is now the third event during his time in office.
With all of that said, I want to leave no one out in my gratitude for your support and encouragement through what was undoubtedly a chaotic but exciting atmosphere. It is on that note that I would like to take some time to recognize some specific people I met there that deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the success of KRF III.
Steve Fusco - I know you've been through so much over the last year and I want to say a personal thank you for sharing some of your experiences with me and the KOTWC crew. We really have a deeper understanding of what you've gone through leading up to the event and greatly appreciate the personal sacrifices you made to not only return to KRF but also come all the way from NY with a new KITT for fans to enjoy. Know that in whatever challenges lie ahead - we are always with you. I would go on record to say that no one made greater sacrifices to make this Knight Rider Festival event more special with sheer self sacrifice and heart than you did. My hats off to you.
Tom and Diane Day - Everything I could type up here, I've already told you in person. So rather than recap everything - I'm simply going to say thank you from the deepest regions of my heart of taking the time to support the festival and sharing your beautiful screen used Mustangs on the grandest stage where they could be appreciated most by the fans who adore them. Having the Attack KITT and hero KITT at the event was a tremendous asset towards the success of KRF III and I know a very special bonus for the fans out there who admired the cars from afar. I'm sure you pleased the fans of the new series as well as gained a few new ones.
Rest assured we will be doing more things in the future not because of money or status but because of the heart you two and the Day family possess to donate your time and efforts towards a brighter world for charities that need recognition and assistance to help those in need - to champion the cause of the helpless.
Paul Casey - Thank you for making a trilogy of Knight Rider Festivals possible. I know it hasn't been easy for you and your family but we can take pride that your efforts to showcase a nearly 30 year old show called "Knight Rider" in Las Vegas were not in vain. We raised money for charity year after year and the fans had fun along the way. You made history time and time again by getting people like Glen Larson and David Hasselhoff to appear together - a feat that has not been accomplished by any other Knight Rider event in recent history.
You helped us fans display our love of this series through photographs, meet and greets, and a display of replicas on the stage of Fremont Street and played tribute to our show on the massive Fremont Street Experience. Thank you for taking the time to keep the spirit of Knight Rider alive. I know Vegas appreciates your efforts and I always will too.
You helped me rise to the challenge as an artist and push myself to new levels of artistic mastery and you let me display what I can do where people could appreciate my artwork most. Because of your event(s), I have been able to build close and personal relationships with many of the cast and crew from the series I admired as a child. These life experiences would have never happened had Knight Rider Festival not taken place. For that I will always thank you and give you the credit you so rightfully deserve. This was your show and I am happy to have been a part of its continued success.
Yuki Imai - Wow, what can I say? Up until a couple days ago I was not fully aware of you and your partner's passion for Knight Rider. I didn't know you've been at all three events and have been substantial contributors to the live charity auctions. Thank you so very much for your business and understanding. I'm glad you could add another KRF item to your growing collection. Please do enjoy the signed KRF III event poster and the signed Hoff jacket from last year. Thanks again for coming out to the states from Japan and making a real difference. It is always an honor having the both of you appear at our events here in the states.
Craig Martin - You're like a brother and DeceptiKARR always comes through. I know you went through a lot to get to the show and thank you for choosing to be a part of history one more time. I'm always here for you if you need me and welcome to the international branch of Knights of the West Coast.
Richard Morey - Wow, your "gimble" car was really something. I'm not a huge fan of the mustang but I can say it was fascinating to see the differences between a replica and a real screen used car from the series. How NBC's people disabled certain mechanisms before selling off a screen used car and so on. I particularly enjoyed not just your stories of how you acquired the gimble car but also seeing the little differences like the button to activate the scanner being in the glove box. You are a class act and it was a supreme pleasure to meet you.
Ken and Erika Beard - My webmaster friend, you have been with me since the beginning and it was really something special to finally meet you in person. I know we'll do more exciting things in the future and your wife was very cool.
AJ Palmgren - Well AJ, you always go without saying right? I've never meet a more passionate person with a vivid lust for life and a guy who takes excitement in everything it has to offer. You are a good friend and a supremely understanding person. Your contributions as THE "Knight Rider Historian" are infinitely appreciated. It is a true honor to call you not just a tremendous fan of Knight Rider but also a close personal friend.
Joe Huth IV - Although regrettably we didn't get to chat much at the event - I want to say how much of a honor it was to meet you in person. I can see your passion for Knight Rider is as impressive as your knowledge of the series itself. You're a class act and even though we've had some bumps along the road here and there - you have my respect for everything you've accomplished in the past as much as you have today and in the future. I would very much like to catch up again soon and hear more about your experiences in uncovering the Comtron truck (what's left of it?) on the Universal backlot. Thanks again for everything - you are one fan who makes a true difference.
Jennifer and Ken Simpson - You have a beautiful daughter and real passion for Knight Rider. Always a pleasure seeing you all together and I'm happy Rebecca was able to sign your hitari car and T.V. guide for you. Thanks for all your support.
Jessica Hoskins - Your art is amazing. I really enjoyed seeing your sandblast work up close and I apologize for not having more time to admire it. Great stuff.
Ted (KITT2K) - Hey man, thanks for letting me take photos of your KI3T replica and letting me ride with you and your buddy to the car owners meeting. It was a real treat being able to experience that and you've done an amazing job with your car. It was also great to see Taoworm's orb up close and personal too. I know you drove a long way to the festival and it is much appreciated.
JUP – Loved seeing your unique hat and I hope you got some great footage of the event! Pleasure meeting you and thanks for coming out again.
Adam (KFCreator) – We only have a brief amount of time to talk but it was a pleasure meeting you and refreshing to discuss your thoughts of the event and also the origins of your avatar.
John Raye – Although we briefly spoke at the VIP party. I appreciate what you had to say there and thank you again for the support. I know things haven’t been easy but at least you took the time to set aside your differences with others and come out with a car to support the event. That’s redemption at its finest.
Peter Lonjezo - It was fantastic meeting you and hearing about your experiences at Stanford. Thank you for being an honest and passionate fan. I hope KRF III made a lot of positive memories for you and thanks for coming out.
Antonio Correa - Thanks for coming to the event and I was touched to hear about your experiences getting there and the passion you and your son share for Knight Rider. Please enjoy the books and I wish you all the best of success in the years to come.
Glen, Craig Wacker, and the willitmakeit crew - You know what I remember most about you two new members of Knights of the West Coast and your crew is how much you all smiled during the event. The passion and love you put into everything you do is really inspiring and I am very happy that in the end things worked out and we could get that brotherhood together once again at Cat's house. You two really do put everything you have into everything you do and I want you to know that it is very much appreciated. Willitmakeit.com is more than just a brand name - it's a mission and I have no doubts you will complete your mission to reach your dreams.
Michael Booher - Hey Mike, really a pleasure to finally meet you in person. You and "Mr. T" really rocked the show with your A-Team van and KITT cars. I think you're a great guy and I'm sure good things will continue to come your way in the future.
Jeff Cote - It might have took me a couple times to get your name right but I very much remember your face and the good things you did for the event. It was fun hanging out and catching up at Cat's place. I didn't get much time to chat during the event but let me tell you man, I think you and your car are awesome.
Ben Prins - My good friend all the way from the Netherlands. It was an honor to hang out with you - brief as it was and meet your dad. It looks like you had a fantastic time at the event and at Cat's place. I know Rebecca, Don Peake, and Catherine all enjoyed your company. I found it quite fascinating how you switched off from speaking in English to I believe it was Dutch. Great talent there and thanks for making the event that much more memorable.
Knights of the West Coast - I have a strong belief that a group should be recognized as a group rather than individually so I want to say simply to the group that has and continues to mean so much to me and the various Knight Rider events I've been involved with that you make all the difference. That's not just a line, that's an established fact. Everyone in Knights of the West Coast who builds cars or covers the events we participate in contributes to and documents pure Knight Rider history. You guys and girls are invaluable assets to the fandom and the love and passion you put into building your replicas is truly awe inspiring.
Steve, Gus, Alex, Jennifer, Isidro, Cesar, Dave Doggett (and Martha!), Daniel, Craig, Craig W., Glen W., Alex, Tom, Gary H, Matthew H, Realm, Dennis, Cat, and Jason - all of you made a difference by the various contributions you made to this years event - whether it was bringing your cars, taking photos, helping me out with my table, organizing the event/parking or directing cars, or just being there to lend support to keep things on track - all of you deserve a round of applause for your continued efforts to keep the spirit of Knight Rider alive. To those members of KOTWC who could not make it to KRF III, you were very much missed and with us in spirit.
Jason Piper, I just want to say that you really showed the kind of man you are at this year’s event and I am absolutely proud to call you a brother and a friend. You went above and beyond along with Daniel to really make this event shine and in the process of having to experience great loses – you kept the show going. You really are a diamond in the rough.
Daniel, you know exactly how I feel and everyone who knows me knows exactly how I feel about you. You’re my brother and dearest friend. You are the sole reason I am able to make these events and keep my head on straight during them. My amount of gratitude for you cannot be counted.
Slade – Man what can I say that I haven’t already told you? You’re an outstanding guy and thank you profusely for taking the time to help me out with my table and enduring the many challenges we had to go through to get things on track. Your assistance is priceless and Knight Rider Festival would clearly not be the same if you were not there. Thanks so much for being not just a valuable asset to my “merchandise team” but also a very good friend. If anyone deserved a “staff” badge, it was you.
Matt Sager – Always a pleasure man. I saw you working your tail off to cover the event and I’m sure whatever you gathered will make for a outstanding dvd of the event. If you need anything, you know where to find me. You always take the most unique photos that really capture the essence of each event’s key moments.
Fabry - Hey my friend, always a pleasure seeing you - especially when you travel all the way out from Italy to join us year after year. Knight Rider Italia will always have a special place in my heart as well as the fans of Italy who can't make the trek here to join us at the festivals.
You're an awesome guy with a great heart. Thanks again for taking the time to come out and experience what we had to offer not just domestic fans of the series but international as well.
David Tamutus - If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have had such great merchandise in the guise of event posters and KIT prints come together. You did a fantastic job with what you had to work with and despite a setback here and there with the "glow in the dark" - you proved to me you're just as much as fan of Knight Rider as anyone else and in that, also a man who embraces making choices to make things right when they go wrong. You're not just a producer to me but also a good friend. It was a true pleasure meeting you and I'm sure we'll have more grand adventures in the future.
Michael Pajaro - You know Mike, we don't always see eye to eye but I want to really express my gratitude for the outstanding job you did covering this year's event with your ipad broadcast. Thank you very much for taking the time to also promote my book and merchandise as well - I know you didn't have to do that and I thank you for taking the time to do so. I watched your coverage of the event and I think it was a real treat for the fans who could not attend as they followed along on the net to get a feeling of really being there as the event progressed day after day. Great work.
Sarah - Always fun to see you at each KRF event and observe the passion you have to cover each show to the best of your ability. It can get quite chaotic at times but you manage to come through with great footage and wonderful photos for your website. Thanks for saving the day and getting Attack KITT back on track!
Neil Epstein - Like Michael, we don't always see eye to eye and I know you worked your hardest to get to KRF III but it was not meant to be. Regardless, your coverage of the event online through your various news updates was fantastic and thanks again for doing what you could across the net to keep the show on track with respects not only to reporting the event but also managing the website updates and contributing to Summer of Secrets: Mission 2.
Gene Hudzina - Without you, there would be no event t-shirts for fans to enjoy. Although Dad and I pay for the production, you my friend are the best go-between negotiator out there. You worked your tail off to get these shirts produced and on time and as a result the fans had another outstanding high quality shirt to add to their collection. I know how badly you wanted to come to KRF III and unfortunately the job had to come first. You were missed and not forgotten. If anyone is as close to me as Daniel in terms of a brother, it would be you.
You are an amazing and talented guy with a massive heart. Thanks so much for all you do to encourage me to get through the obstacles in the road and stay the course. It is because of people just like you that I'm still here and why we still have new designs and merchandise to appreciate. Your support, friendship, and encouragement really does make all the difference not just in Knight Rider but everything else that I do.
The Shadowy Flight Podcast Team – Jason, Dan, Aaron, and the rest of your fine crew. Thanks for taking the time to support and cover the event. I know we didn’t get time to do any interviews or whatnot but I think just being able to take some time to hang with you guys was priceless enough for me. You guys are always cool to talk to, very professional, and it’s always a supreme pleasure to listen to your podcasts and coverage of all things Knight Rider. I wish you nothing but the best in the future and love discovering the many key moments you captured throughout the event. I think my “Wrestlemania Moment” for this year was taking a elevated photo of Dan and Jason from atop the stage that really captured in a single image how much passion you guys have for the festival and for Knight Rider. You guys are fantastic.
To everyone else's name I might not have mentioned, again - thank you for everything. It's because of the people that Knight Rider Festival has become as successful as it has. It is because of the fans and their passion that we gather crowds again and again. Whether you like the new series or the original - one common bond we all share despite our beliefs or opinions is that Knight Rider will always stand for something good in the world and as long as we continue to make choices to support it - Knight Rider will continue to ride on in the future to inspire generations to come.
Thanks for taking the time to read this lengthy post of mine (intentional this time!) and thanks for continuing to support the things that I do and that others do to make this fandom a better place.
One fan can make a difference but one unified fandom makes all the difference.
-Nick Nugent/=VK=
Author/Designer of The Knight Rider Companion
Digital Artist
This is going to be a long post and probably come across as more of an acceptance speech at the Oscars but it is something I feel compelled to do for the many people I encountered at the event and I feel deserve to be recognized for their efforts towards its success.
First I would like to apologize if I could not remember your name straight - please understand that due to certain conditions that were not met and beyond my control, I had to deal with a lot of extra duties and I literally pushed myself to the brink of mental and physical exhaustion to keep fans satisfied and do my best to help people achieve their needs to the very best of my ability.
Keeping track of names is not one of my strengths but it's something I've been working on. With so much going on in my head from so many directions during these events - it's hard to keep tabs on every person I meet.
Knight Rider Festival III was probably one of the most exhausting weekends I have experienced in a very long time. With that said though, it was a great event for the fans and I think very successful on the level that it was intended to be. I think fans enjoyed seeing the fleet of cars that showed including Tom and Diane Day's impressive Shelby Mustangs and Richard's "gimble" KITT.
Knights of the West Coast and Willitmakeit.com once again answered the call to bring and display their wonderful K.I.T.T. and K.A.R.R. replicas as well which really gave the number of cars that showed (21 I think?) a really nice boost. Also as with the previous festivals, Craig Martin's DeceptiKARR did not disappoint and the Attack Mode continued to wow the crowds and excite the elementary school children once more.
So with all that said, I want to thank everyone for their support of the event across every spectrum from people who donated to The Children's Miracle Network, to followers online, to the many gracious car owners who sacrificed so much to get their automotive works of art to Fremont Street, to our brave international travelers from Africa, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, and so on.
All of you made a difference in making this event as successful as it could possibly be. Your support is invaluable not just for the event or for charity but also your support of my efforts to make a positive difference at the event be it in person or through my merchandise offerings.
Thank you to all the VIPS who took time out of their busy schedules to make the event once again special for the fans who attended. Who freely signed autographs and posed for photos with fans and made the VIP party another great success as well as the autograph signing on Saturday. Thanks for your understanding (especially you Rebecca and Don) and patience when things didn't go as planned and for keeping things positive. Thanks to Oscar Goodman for allowing KRF to take place in his city for what is now the third event during his time in office.
With all of that said, I want to leave no one out in my gratitude for your support and encouragement through what was undoubtedly a chaotic but exciting atmosphere. It is on that note that I would like to take some time to recognize some specific people I met there that deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the success of KRF III.
Steve Fusco - I know you've been through so much over the last year and I want to say a personal thank you for sharing some of your experiences with me and the KOTWC crew. We really have a deeper understanding of what you've gone through leading up to the event and greatly appreciate the personal sacrifices you made to not only return to KRF but also come all the way from NY with a new KITT for fans to enjoy. Know that in whatever challenges lie ahead - we are always with you. I would go on record to say that no one made greater sacrifices to make this Knight Rider Festival event more special with sheer self sacrifice and heart than you did. My hats off to you.
Tom and Diane Day - Everything I could type up here, I've already told you in person. So rather than recap everything - I'm simply going to say thank you from the deepest regions of my heart of taking the time to support the festival and sharing your beautiful screen used Mustangs on the grandest stage where they could be appreciated most by the fans who adore them. Having the Attack KITT and hero KITT at the event was a tremendous asset towards the success of KRF III and I know a very special bonus for the fans out there who admired the cars from afar. I'm sure you pleased the fans of the new series as well as gained a few new ones.
Rest assured we will be doing more things in the future not because of money or status but because of the heart you two and the Day family possess to donate your time and efforts towards a brighter world for charities that need recognition and assistance to help those in need - to champion the cause of the helpless.
Paul Casey - Thank you for making a trilogy of Knight Rider Festivals possible. I know it hasn't been easy for you and your family but we can take pride that your efforts to showcase a nearly 30 year old show called "Knight Rider" in Las Vegas were not in vain. We raised money for charity year after year and the fans had fun along the way. You made history time and time again by getting people like Glen Larson and David Hasselhoff to appear together - a feat that has not been accomplished by any other Knight Rider event in recent history.
You helped us fans display our love of this series through photographs, meet and greets, and a display of replicas on the stage of Fremont Street and played tribute to our show on the massive Fremont Street Experience. Thank you for taking the time to keep the spirit of Knight Rider alive. I know Vegas appreciates your efforts and I always will too.
You helped me rise to the challenge as an artist and push myself to new levels of artistic mastery and you let me display what I can do where people could appreciate my artwork most. Because of your event(s), I have been able to build close and personal relationships with many of the cast and crew from the series I admired as a child. These life experiences would have never happened had Knight Rider Festival not taken place. For that I will always thank you and give you the credit you so rightfully deserve. This was your show and I am happy to have been a part of its continued success.
Yuki Imai - Wow, what can I say? Up until a couple days ago I was not fully aware of you and your partner's passion for Knight Rider. I didn't know you've been at all three events and have been substantial contributors to the live charity auctions. Thank you so very much for your business and understanding. I'm glad you could add another KRF item to your growing collection. Please do enjoy the signed KRF III event poster and the signed Hoff jacket from last year. Thanks again for coming out to the states from Japan and making a real difference. It is always an honor having the both of you appear at our events here in the states.
Craig Martin - You're like a brother and DeceptiKARR always comes through. I know you went through a lot to get to the show and thank you for choosing to be a part of history one more time. I'm always here for you if you need me and welcome to the international branch of Knights of the West Coast.
Richard Morey - Wow, your "gimble" car was really something. I'm not a huge fan of the mustang but I can say it was fascinating to see the differences between a replica and a real screen used car from the series. How NBC's people disabled certain mechanisms before selling off a screen used car and so on. I particularly enjoyed not just your stories of how you acquired the gimble car but also seeing the little differences like the button to activate the scanner being in the glove box. You are a class act and it was a supreme pleasure to meet you.
Ken and Erika Beard - My webmaster friend, you have been with me since the beginning and it was really something special to finally meet you in person. I know we'll do more exciting things in the future and your wife was very cool.
AJ Palmgren - Well AJ, you always go without saying right? I've never meet a more passionate person with a vivid lust for life and a guy who takes excitement in everything it has to offer. You are a good friend and a supremely understanding person. Your contributions as THE "Knight Rider Historian" are infinitely appreciated. It is a true honor to call you not just a tremendous fan of Knight Rider but also a close personal friend.
Joe Huth IV - Although regrettably we didn't get to chat much at the event - I want to say how much of a honor it was to meet you in person. I can see your passion for Knight Rider is as impressive as your knowledge of the series itself. You're a class act and even though we've had some bumps along the road here and there - you have my respect for everything you've accomplished in the past as much as you have today and in the future. I would very much like to catch up again soon and hear more about your experiences in uncovering the Comtron truck (what's left of it?) on the Universal backlot. Thanks again for everything - you are one fan who makes a true difference.
Jennifer and Ken Simpson - You have a beautiful daughter and real passion for Knight Rider. Always a pleasure seeing you all together and I'm happy Rebecca was able to sign your hitari car and T.V. guide for you. Thanks for all your support.
Jessica Hoskins - Your art is amazing. I really enjoyed seeing your sandblast work up close and I apologize for not having more time to admire it. Great stuff.
Ted (KITT2K) - Hey man, thanks for letting me take photos of your KI3T replica and letting me ride with you and your buddy to the car owners meeting. It was a real treat being able to experience that and you've done an amazing job with your car. It was also great to see Taoworm's orb up close and personal too. I know you drove a long way to the festival and it is much appreciated.
JUP – Loved seeing your unique hat and I hope you got some great footage of the event! Pleasure meeting you and thanks for coming out again.
Adam (KFCreator) – We only have a brief amount of time to talk but it was a pleasure meeting you and refreshing to discuss your thoughts of the event and also the origins of your avatar.
John Raye – Although we briefly spoke at the VIP party. I appreciate what you had to say there and thank you again for the support. I know things haven’t been easy but at least you took the time to set aside your differences with others and come out with a car to support the event. That’s redemption at its finest.
Peter Lonjezo - It was fantastic meeting you and hearing about your experiences at Stanford. Thank you for being an honest and passionate fan. I hope KRF III made a lot of positive memories for you and thanks for coming out.
Antonio Correa - Thanks for coming to the event and I was touched to hear about your experiences getting there and the passion you and your son share for Knight Rider. Please enjoy the books and I wish you all the best of success in the years to come.
Glen, Craig Wacker, and the willitmakeit crew - You know what I remember most about you two new members of Knights of the West Coast and your crew is how much you all smiled during the event. The passion and love you put into everything you do is really inspiring and I am very happy that in the end things worked out and we could get that brotherhood together once again at Cat's house. You two really do put everything you have into everything you do and I want you to know that it is very much appreciated. Willitmakeit.com is more than just a brand name - it's a mission and I have no doubts you will complete your mission to reach your dreams.
Michael Booher - Hey Mike, really a pleasure to finally meet you in person. You and "Mr. T" really rocked the show with your A-Team van and KITT cars. I think you're a great guy and I'm sure good things will continue to come your way in the future.
Jeff Cote - It might have took me a couple times to get your name right but I very much remember your face and the good things you did for the event. It was fun hanging out and catching up at Cat's place. I didn't get much time to chat during the event but let me tell you man, I think you and your car are awesome.
Ben Prins - My good friend all the way from the Netherlands. It was an honor to hang out with you - brief as it was and meet your dad. It looks like you had a fantastic time at the event and at Cat's place. I know Rebecca, Don Peake, and Catherine all enjoyed your company. I found it quite fascinating how you switched off from speaking in English to I believe it was Dutch. Great talent there and thanks for making the event that much more memorable.
Knights of the West Coast - I have a strong belief that a group should be recognized as a group rather than individually so I want to say simply to the group that has and continues to mean so much to me and the various Knight Rider events I've been involved with that you make all the difference. That's not just a line, that's an established fact. Everyone in Knights of the West Coast who builds cars or covers the events we participate in contributes to and documents pure Knight Rider history. You guys and girls are invaluable assets to the fandom and the love and passion you put into building your replicas is truly awe inspiring.
Steve, Gus, Alex, Jennifer, Isidro, Cesar, Dave Doggett (and Martha!), Daniel, Craig, Craig W., Glen W., Alex, Tom, Gary H, Matthew H, Realm, Dennis, Cat, and Jason - all of you made a difference by the various contributions you made to this years event - whether it was bringing your cars, taking photos, helping me out with my table, organizing the event/parking or directing cars, or just being there to lend support to keep things on track - all of you deserve a round of applause for your continued efforts to keep the spirit of Knight Rider alive. To those members of KOTWC who could not make it to KRF III, you were very much missed and with us in spirit.
Jason Piper, I just want to say that you really showed the kind of man you are at this year’s event and I am absolutely proud to call you a brother and a friend. You went above and beyond along with Daniel to really make this event shine and in the process of having to experience great loses – you kept the show going. You really are a diamond in the rough.
Daniel, you know exactly how I feel and everyone who knows me knows exactly how I feel about you. You’re my brother and dearest friend. You are the sole reason I am able to make these events and keep my head on straight during them. My amount of gratitude for you cannot be counted.
Slade – Man what can I say that I haven’t already told you? You’re an outstanding guy and thank you profusely for taking the time to help me out with my table and enduring the many challenges we had to go through to get things on track. Your assistance is priceless and Knight Rider Festival would clearly not be the same if you were not there. Thanks so much for being not just a valuable asset to my “merchandise team” but also a very good friend. If anyone deserved a “staff” badge, it was you.
Matt Sager – Always a pleasure man. I saw you working your tail off to cover the event and I’m sure whatever you gathered will make for a outstanding dvd of the event. If you need anything, you know where to find me. You always take the most unique photos that really capture the essence of each event’s key moments.
Fabry - Hey my friend, always a pleasure seeing you - especially when you travel all the way out from Italy to join us year after year. Knight Rider Italia will always have a special place in my heart as well as the fans of Italy who can't make the trek here to join us at the festivals.
You're an awesome guy with a great heart. Thanks again for taking the time to come out and experience what we had to offer not just domestic fans of the series but international as well.
David Tamutus - If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have had such great merchandise in the guise of event posters and KIT prints come together. You did a fantastic job with what you had to work with and despite a setback here and there with the "glow in the dark" - you proved to me you're just as much as fan of Knight Rider as anyone else and in that, also a man who embraces making choices to make things right when they go wrong. You're not just a producer to me but also a good friend. It was a true pleasure meeting you and I'm sure we'll have more grand adventures in the future.
Michael Pajaro - You know Mike, we don't always see eye to eye but I want to really express my gratitude for the outstanding job you did covering this year's event with your ipad broadcast. Thank you very much for taking the time to also promote my book and merchandise as well - I know you didn't have to do that and I thank you for taking the time to do so. I watched your coverage of the event and I think it was a real treat for the fans who could not attend as they followed along on the net to get a feeling of really being there as the event progressed day after day. Great work.
Sarah - Always fun to see you at each KRF event and observe the passion you have to cover each show to the best of your ability. It can get quite chaotic at times but you manage to come through with great footage and wonderful photos for your website. Thanks for saving the day and getting Attack KITT back on track!
Neil Epstein - Like Michael, we don't always see eye to eye and I know you worked your hardest to get to KRF III but it was not meant to be. Regardless, your coverage of the event online through your various news updates was fantastic and thanks again for doing what you could across the net to keep the show on track with respects not only to reporting the event but also managing the website updates and contributing to Summer of Secrets: Mission 2.
Gene Hudzina - Without you, there would be no event t-shirts for fans to enjoy. Although Dad and I pay for the production, you my friend are the best go-between negotiator out there. You worked your tail off to get these shirts produced and on time and as a result the fans had another outstanding high quality shirt to add to their collection. I know how badly you wanted to come to KRF III and unfortunately the job had to come first. You were missed and not forgotten. If anyone is as close to me as Daniel in terms of a brother, it would be you.
You are an amazing and talented guy with a massive heart. Thanks so much for all you do to encourage me to get through the obstacles in the road and stay the course. It is because of people just like you that I'm still here and why we still have new designs and merchandise to appreciate. Your support, friendship, and encouragement really does make all the difference not just in Knight Rider but everything else that I do.
The Shadowy Flight Podcast Team – Jason, Dan, Aaron, and the rest of your fine crew. Thanks for taking the time to support and cover the event. I know we didn’t get time to do any interviews or whatnot but I think just being able to take some time to hang with you guys was priceless enough for me. You guys are always cool to talk to, very professional, and it’s always a supreme pleasure to listen to your podcasts and coverage of all things Knight Rider. I wish you nothing but the best in the future and love discovering the many key moments you captured throughout the event. I think my “Wrestlemania Moment” for this year was taking a elevated photo of Dan and Jason from atop the stage that really captured in a single image how much passion you guys have for the festival and for Knight Rider. You guys are fantastic.
To everyone else's name I might not have mentioned, again - thank you for everything. It's because of the people that Knight Rider Festival has become as successful as it has. It is because of the fans and their passion that we gather crowds again and again. Whether you like the new series or the original - one common bond we all share despite our beliefs or opinions is that Knight Rider will always stand for something good in the world and as long as we continue to make choices to support it - Knight Rider will continue to ride on in the future to inspire generations to come.
Thanks for taking the time to read this lengthy post of mine (intentional this time!) and thanks for continuing to support the things that I do and that others do to make this fandom a better place.
One fan can make a difference but one unified fandom makes all the difference.
-Nick Nugent/=VK=
Author/Designer of The Knight Rider Companion
Digital Artist