<HTML>In a message dated 7/2/02 12:38:29 PM Central Daylight Time, joegarrett@earthlink.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I attended one convention through July 4th. I will never do it again! Everyone, stores, shops, were all closed, including most of the eating establishments. The hotel was on skeleton crew for that day, as well. NO WAY! Regards, Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon) </BLOCKQUOTE> I think you're over reacting, Joe. Nowadays, holidays aren't observed by businesses so much anymore, especially around convention centers, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yes, three  might be a few stores and small restaurants that would be closed, but most will be open. Besides, the 4th is on a Friday next year. That would be the only day those stores and restaurant would be closed. So make plans to come to Dallas, and support the PTG. Wim </HTML>