[akhunterphil]

With any lucky my girls and their team mate will be shooting SCTP Nationals in Sparta mid July. Aside from a bunch of Alaskans cooking in the July heat, what can we expect from this shoot. I'm most interested in booking a place to stay and availability of practice shooting the days leading up to the shoot starting July 14th. Thanks for any advice you may have in general.

Phil in Alaska

 

[todddietrich]

Phil,
As a local to the area, we are always excited to have new folks to our area. There will be teams from all over the country. I will be the first to admit our weather can be very uncomfortable at times. We can have high humidity and temps in the high 90's. We can also have low 80's and low humidity. The weather is up to someone higher than us. The SCTP shoot will draw a lot of kids. I don't know how many rooms you are looking for, but my first choice is the Holiday Inn Express in Sparta. If you want more frills, but a 40 minute commute, look in Fairview Hieghts. You'll find more restaurants and shopping. Chester Illinois has a Best Western, but if you are flying into St Louis it's a longer drive. Have your kids bring spare hats with your team logo. They love to trade between teams. Send me a PM, if you have any specific questions.

Regards,
Todd
Asst Coach Marissa Meteors Shooting Team
Marissa, IL

 

[BigBadBob]

Phil,

Just as Todd stated, the weather cna be something else. 100 degrees and high humidity or 75 and low humidity. About the only weather that can be guaranteed not to be seen in July is snow.

Last year at the SCTP Nationals, there were over 1100 kids in the trap event alone. several 200 straights. My son had his best shoot ever with a 96 on first day and a 100 straight on second. he finished 14th. Lots of great folks and again we made some new friends.

We are from the St. Charles, Mo. area so it's only a little over an hour drive for us.

Bring plenty of sun screen and bug spray though we don't have the bugs like you guys do.

take Todd's advice on the motels but start looking now.

The practice fields should be open for the entire event. Check with the IDNR on their website for practice availability.

See you guys in July!

Big Bob, Assistant Coach, Gateway Gun Club Youth Shooters, St. Louis, MO>

 

[miketmx]

Be sure to avoid any Motel in Bellville IL, don't ask how I know this.

 

[oskerspap12]

Word to the wise............not being from the area I don't know all the ins,and outs,but I do know this..........DO NOT stay at the Sparta Motel.Motel Hell.
When,and if it catches fire,and burns to the ground Sparta will be a better town for all who live there,or visit.

D.P.Reynolds

 

[StonewallRacing]

I second oskerspap.... Been there, dun that.

I'm sure the Holiday Inn Express is filled, so I would look at O'Fallon area. 35 minute ride to WRSC. Plenty of food nearby.

Great experience for the kids, SCTP Nationals will be bigger and better than ever this year!

SW

 

[Bisi]

I've heard the Budget Inn has gotten stellar reviews.

 

[The Rock]

In July there should be no problem finding a good place locally to stay. The Grand is another story.

Best of luck to your gals.

Rock

Jim

 

[stokinpls]

Bisi


That video is a classic. 'bout the only thing the guy missed, was checking for an "upper-decker". ;-)

Bob Falfa

 

[akhunterphil]

Thanks guys for the heads up on the room situation. The holiday inn express is full that time of year so it looks like we are headed out of town for a room. I would certainly rather drive a few extra miles than stay in the roach motel.

Phil

 

[1oldtimer]

Expect to pay more as they will take advantage of the situation.
Clyde

 

[grntitan]

Clyde,

You can't make such a blanket statement. If you are referring to the Holiday Inn Express, I will agree with you. However, many of the other buisnesses have signed and agreed to not gouge the shooters who come to the area. Of course I have heard from many who attended the Grand in OH, and said the gouging occured there too. We don't wanna go there though do we? If it is happening, it isn't right no matter where it is or who is doing it.

I will add that most all cities take advantage of the events taking place in the area. For instance, price a Hotel room in a city when there is a NFL, NHL, MLB etc. game going on and then when there is not. Bet you see a huge difference. Still doesn't make it right though. I guess that is "free market" at its best or worst depending on which side of the coin you reside.

As always, just say'n.


P.S. Are you and your lovely wife coming again this year?

 

[over the hill]

I had a good experience with the Holiday Inn Express. (if you can get in).

Nice rooms, good breakfast, nice people.

When you figure in the driving time, gas cost, breakfast, it's about as cheap.



Regards....Gerald

 

[akhunterphil]

Todd, private message sent.

Thanks for the advise everyone!
Phil in Alaska

 

[Calkidd]

Phil, I stayed in this B&B which is just off of the Mississippi. There is an outdoor deck off of the second story. The lady who owns the house is wonderful and very hospitable. She will cook you breakfast in the morning, but the rest of the day is up to you. For what you get the location and food you can't beat her prices. She is very familiar with the Grand and has cater to many trap shooters in the past. The B&B is in Chester, Illinois and is about 20 mins from the Grand grounds. The roads to get to Sparta are back country and it is a very beautiful drive. Even though I made that trip several times there was always something new to look at.

Bryan

 

[1oldtimer]

Matt, It's not just major trapshoots but most all big events where you will likely pay more for lodging. The last few years at Vandalia were the same way. I guess its the American way. As for the Grand,I shot so poorly the last several years + some health issues. I will wait and see.
Clyde

 

[Michael Wascom]

Phil,have you talked to Neal Moss about this yet,He has been there done that with the SCTP kids in the valley already.

If by some chance you don't know who he is,I can get you in touch with him.

 

[320090T]

Try K-River in Baldwin. I haven't stayed there but it gets good reviews. There is a nice place in Redbud too and RB is a nice little town with good eats.