On Saturday September 22, 2012 over 150 Southern California Ringers were treated to a party of special magnificence. Hobbits, elves and wizards gathered in Griffith Park and ate plentiful food, drank refreshing beverages, read the first chapter of The Hobbit, sang songs, played games, won prizes, received mathoms and had the most fantastic time celebrating the 10th anniversary of the event. Of course, reasons to celebrate also included the 75th anniversary of the publication of “The Hobbit” (September 21) and Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday (September 22).

LA Weekly did a story of special magnificence about the event, including background on TheOneRing.net and speculation from some well-known picnic goers about the upcoming Hobbit movies. For example, our own Cliff Broadway, a.k.a. “Quickbeam” offers this on why three movies: “A few million dollars [investment from Warner Brothers] equals another billion dollar box office,” Broadway says, explaining that with the set already built and the actors already in New Zealand, it made financial sense to expand. “But Peter, when you ask him in an interview, Peter will say, ‘I’ve got so much more story to tell.'” Continue reading for more pictures of the event, and follow the “Read more” link for the entire LA Weekly story. Read more…

Continue reading “Baggins Birthday Bash a hit, says LA Weekly”

We’ve been doing this little party for 10 years, The Hobbit has been in print for 75 years, Peter Jackon is releasing the first of The Hobbit films this year, and Bilbo and Frodo are co- celebrating their shared birthday, what better reason do you need to party like a Hobbit? This is a potluck, so bring something of your own, and be prepared to share in the feasting brought by others. Check out our Event page on Facebook, click the See More link in the description and you will see a full list of what others have offered to bring, then post a note to the event page, or email me at Garfeimao@TheOneRing.net to RSVP with what you plan to bring. Also in all that info are directions from most points in LA, including a map of the GriffithPark area. We’ve had good luck the past 6 or 7 years getting the same spot, but if our morning scouts discover the posted location is already occupied, we will update the page on Saturday morning with a new location, so you WILL NOT get lost.

 Events on our rather casual schedule will include, eating, drinking, having fun, playing games, including our now famous Golfimbul tournament, and a live reading of The Hobbit.  There may even be a surprise or two during the day. This is an ‘all ages’ event, there will be fun for everyone, so bring the family down. The sun will be out and warm, so hat, sunglasses and a bit of sunscreen would be most beneficial for your comfort, as well as maybe a blanket to sit on. Any questions, just post a note on our Facebook page or email me. We will also be tweeting from the event, using #Hobbitday and #TORn, so even if you aren’t able to atttend, look for posts and updates throughout the day from TORn staff and attendees alike.

We’ve been getting lots of mail alerting us to events all over the world meant to celebrate World Hobbit Day (September 22 -also Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday) and cap off a fabulous Hobbit week that included the debut of a new Hobbit Trailer. As a service to our readers, we’ve gathered information about all of the events we know about into one place so you can plan your weekends accordingly. Starting with world-wide second breakfasts tomorrow, and moving on to online events and local celebrations, the weekend promises food, friends and fun for all: what Hobbit wouldn’t love that? If you have an event that you’d like us to include, please drop us a line at spymaster@theonering.net and we’ll add it to the list.

Continue reading “Hobbit Day events around the world”

We must close out the group for TORn’s Hobbit Premiere Tour this week, so this is your last chance to join in this historic trip. Rooms in Wellington are in great demand right now, and we can no longer hold onto unsold space. So after Wednesday, anyone making an inquiry to join the trip will need to wait for a confirmation of space and a possible change to existing pricing. Please see our Tour Page for all the details, including schedule, contact information and the Registration Form. The tour will include 4 nights in Wellington during the time Wellington will be gearing up for the premiere, and then 2 nights in Auckland and a day trip down to Matamata, home of the Hobbiton movie set. There will be a Premiere party in Wellington, as well as the actual Red Carpet event, as seen in the photo, and a luncheon at Hobbiton.  All with a wonderful Fellowship of fellow fans, visiting one of the most delightful countries you can imagine.

 

Don’t be left wondering ‘what if’ once November rolls around and TORn’s coverage of the Premiere kicks into high gear.

The Higgins Armory in Worcester Massachusetts is hosting a Middle-Earth Day on Saturday, September 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to stories and games, activities include making a Gondorian shield (or designing one of your own), watching Arwen teach Aragorn the proper way to slay an orc and seeing if you can out run a dwarf! The program is free with museum admission.  The Higgins Armory boasts the largest collection of medieval/ancient armor and weaponry in the Western Hemisphere, so be sure to leave time to see the museum. For information on museum hours and admission prices, go here. For more information on Middle-earth Day at the museum, go here.

 

New York ComicCon is coming up next month, and TORn will be there!  Having had such a great time with folks last year, we’ll be hosting a party again this year – and we hope that you can join us!  More details will follow, but meanwhile, put Thursday 11th October, 8pm, in your calendar – and get ready to eat, drink and be the hobbit of your choice in the Big Apple!  Hope to see you!