Rosen, New Mexico, Early Nationals
I met Al several times in the late '80's and early 90's. He was a showman and could certainly be rude, at times. Later in is career he seemed to mellow, somewhat. At the last show I saw him in KC, we had a good conversation and I sold him a couple of cardboard signs.
As far a New Mexico is concerned, I have been to Santa Fe and Taos. Loved both them. Great state.
As for earlier Nationals, I attended two in Chicago, one in St Louis and I think two in Arlington. All centered around family vacations. The shows were great and prices were pretty much in line with what you would see elsewhere. Crowding wasn't an issue. At one of the Arlington shows, we were eating breakfast in the hotel restaurant when Muhammad Ali came in with his group and sat at a table near us. When he got up to leave he came over to our table and gave my young son and my brother's young sons signed copies of his religious pamphlets. That just wouldn't happen, today, with an athlete of his stature.
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