Don't think too badly of Michigan prop aficionados, there is a hidden benefit from these events that I see. I for one became significantly more interested in props as a result of a second-hand invite extended to the R2 Builders a few years back.
I remember seeing a leather X-Men jacket that looked amazing, captain Kirk's chair, an amazing variety of lightsabers, a super cool pewter cast MIB Noisy Cricket, Rocketeer stuff, a cool Klingon or two, and I think a female Tusken Raider outfit. There was tons of other stuff, but that's what stood out in my mind. This was probably 4 years ago, and I still remember it as an excellent use of my time.
I also recall being quite geeked at another prop party to snag a BTTF Clock Tower flier for free! (My son still plays with the Trek figure somebody gave him at that party too. Thanks!)
I have since managed to actually become a new member after several attempts. I only wish I had more time to devote to this.
That said, I am willing/interested in doing some legwork in hosting a party in Grand Rapids if there's some interest. (I still might be up for a drive to Columbus too...) I know there are at least 5 or 6 R2 Builders in Grand Rapids, so I can only imagine there are a number of RPFers out there too, not to mention the surrounding areas.
It's quite likely that I could hold an event where I work, since we have space in the assembly side of our shop, tables that could be set up, with more than enough space to hold even 1:1 vehicle replicas.
But, I'll defer to the masters in this regard. If the consensus is not to bother, I'll go along.
It would have to be prior to late August or early September, however, since baby #5 is due around then and I'm not missing that event in favor of a prop party, no matter what door prizes are given out!
I don't have much to offer in that regard, but hope to have at least a couple of cool replicas I could donate.
...Please don't hate me for being a newbie...