The Editor Still Bytes Back
KansasFest 2023: A Celebration of Apple III’s Legacy
KansasFest 2023 has concluded, once again leaving the retro Apple hobby faithful with a treasure trove of exciting developments. This year’s event with its focus on the Apple III computer, was graced by Apple luminaries Wendell Sander and Dave Ottalini as keynote speakers, and as usual, was nothing short of spectacular. Come along with us now as we delve headlong into the highlights of this gathering of the Apple geeks.
Physical and Virtual Fusion
KansasFest 2023 was a true barnburner, combining both physical and virtual events. With over 30 engaging sessions and a slew of new products, the event left Apple enthusiasts electrified and mystified. Of course this year’s event, being the first physical rendition of Kansasfest since 2020, would offer both the usual excitement as well as some special challenges for those in attendance. But those challenges would not deter those who waited for the past several years with the yearning in their hearts to once again attend an in-person event.
Once again A.P.P.L.E. (Apple Pugetsound Program Library Exchange) made their annual appearance playing their part in the event with their virtual session by presented by A.P.P.L.E.’s own Hollywood star, Brian Wiser on the morning July 30.
New Manuals and Rediscovered Gems
Among the exciting releases were fresh manuals for Space Intruder, Networks II, Apple II Keycaps font, and GBBS Pro 2.3. However, these were just the tip of the iceberg. Attendees were treated to the resurrection of the long-lost August/September 1984 issue of Apple Orchard and a promotional issue for the obscure Computer Command magazine, preserved thanks to Brian’s dedication.
GS+ Magazine Finds a New Home
Steve Disbrow’s GS+ Magazine found a new home with A.P.P.L.E., becoming its official distributor. Steve’s humorous promotional video added a touch of fun to this announcement. A.P.P.L.E.’s store also expanded its offerings, including T-shirts and other intriguing items, with more details set for the September issue.
The “Covid Cup” Challenge
KansasFest 2023 wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the “Covid Cup” challenge. The proverbial menace to mankind’s most loved social cravings, the large gathering, once again reared its ugly head, taking down several of even the most hardy of the attendees to the physical event of Kansasfest 2023. While we sincerely hope everyone has since recovered from the shared experience of the 2023 version of the “crud” that made the rounds, it’s almost ironic that even the supposedly unflappable and unstoppable editor of Call-A.P.P.L.E. fell victim to this summer’s malady and this without even having stepped out the door. With a 100% infection rate within the house, we continued on, attempting to work through the days and the brain fog that accompanies the “crud”.
First-Timer’s Perspective
Each year of Kansasfest, there is always that one person who is wide eyed and shows up at Kansasfest looking like the proverbial “deer in the headlights”. This aspect of first time issues is usually resolved with a quick meal, the how to do’s and the first glimpses of the Kansasfest lanyard and swag bag. Of course, these are the people who usually have the best perspective of how much Kansasfest means to the retro Apple community.
In this issue of Call-A.P.P.L.E. this unique perspective on KansasFest 2023 comes to us from first-time attendee “proud Apple fan and Canadian” Chris Rupnik. Join him as he explores the hobby through the eyes of a newcomer in this timeless source of fun and excitement.
Revolutionary Tools Unveiled
The digital version of KansasFest featured the shocking introduction of the Apple IIgs Launcher by the WITA2GS team. This innovative tool allows users to launch their favorite Apple IIgs apps and games without leaving the machine or swapping floppies, eliminating the search for those dreaded “other” GS/OS disks.
Micah Cowan and Brendan Belina also joined the fun with their A2PLay music platform, offering a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in the next issue.
Applesauce Client Software Updates
John Morris continued to impress with several updates to his Applesauce client software, expanding its support to include the dreaded TRS-80 and more CP/M formats, ensuring the preservation of even more vintage software.
Take-1 Gets a Major Facelift
A realization that KansasFest was just around the corner and a sudden deluge of new materials incoming prompted Bill Martens to refresh the Take-1 Movie Library website. A major eBay score in the late hours fueled a passionate effort to scan, edit, and create more archival materials. That lunacy having been completed, the Take-1 Movie Library site has now been updated, offering new materials for download, including manuals for Animation Packages 1 and 2 and the release of the 10-disk mega movie Star Voyagers 3000. An exciting Animated Movie Contest adds a creative twist.
Introducing the “Apple II Game Page”
A moment of inspiration led to the creation of the “Apple II Game Page,” a comprehensive catalog of all Apple II games produced in recent years. Daniel Henderson played a pivotal role, supported by 8-Bit Shack’s demos during KansasFest breaks. This project is ongoing and will be expanded upon when time permits.
Preserving Vintage with A.P.P.L.E.
In a remarkable turn of events, A.P.P.L.E. has stepped in to preserve the Vintage is the New Old website. A.P.P.L.E. now hosts the entire site, including its database and content on its servers. Users can Explore this valuable resource at the new URL: https://www.vitno.org.
Exciting Prospects Ahead
The August issue hints at more exciting projects on the horizon. A server update is scheduled for the first week of September. This update, coming 14 months after the last one, promises increased disk storage space but also highlights the need for more powerful hardware as software requirements grow.
September also brings the annual Apple announcement of the next iPhone and iWatch. It’s time to place those orders and eagerly await their arrival. Even the author’s trusty iPhone 11 is beginning to show its age, leaving us pondering the vintage status of older Apple devices.
The Retro Spirit Lives On
With the close of another Kansasfest, which takes place amidst the ever-evolving world of technology, the 8 and 16-bit retro machines continue to hold a special place in our hearts, minds and our desks. With the addition of the VITNO website to the fray here at A.P.P.L.E., users expect more news from other platforms in the pipeline. Of course we would be remiss if we did not mention the hours of unfailing help that we have received from Sarah and Paulo, in restoring the VITNO website. With their help and the help of many others in the retro computing community, the spirit of these sites will live on far beyond our times.
A Note about The Northern Spy
The magazine also extends its gratitude this month to The Northern Spy, who returned with his musings about the Apple and Macintosh world after a brief hiatus. It was another reminder how travels tend to disrupt even the most reliable of sources.
Parting Thoughts
Now that we bid farewell to another memorable July and August, we relish the success of yet another KansasFest. Despite the challenges in house leading up to the event, it was the warmth and camaraderie of old and new friends saying hello and renewing our faith in the retro Apple II hobby that made it all worthwhile.
As we say goodbye to Kansasfest 2023, we eagerly anticipate the return of July and another exciting rendition of KansasFest in the coming year.
