Charlie ("Kleito"), is credited with our first two meets, in June of 2016 and 2017. These were small events that showed attendees just how unique and entertaining the northeast Tennessee area can be. These weekends had a relaxed feel, with a mix of roads, attractions and dining opportunities that made an impression similar to our experiences in Eureka Springs Arkansas (also held in June). You will find an almost unlimited supply of restaurants and attractions within a few miles of the hotel.





Charlie never intended to replace any meet, Dragon or otherwise, with "The Snake". And the Fall Dragon appears set to continue to be the most heavily attended event the Crossfires have in north America. Recently, several Spring Dragon attendees have observed that our attendance has stagnated around 15-24 cars. Planning committee members have begun to question if we are not 'overexposing' "The Dragon" with two meets a year. After much discussion (mostly at the 2019 Spring Dragon) the idea of trading the Spring Dragon for a Snake meet seemed to agree with most (all?) attendees - with the assurance that the Fall Dragon will, of course, continue.

I (Pizzaguy) want everyone to know that this was not my idea, but it was an idea suggested to me. Polling my planning team as well as past Dragon and Snake attendees made me realize that, perhaps, I should listen. It became clear that it was time to give this idea a try. Once we see what our attendance is, we will know what we will do in 2021 and beyond - so don't ask, cause no one knows.

Our contract is with Holiday Inn:
Holiday Inn Johnson City
101 West Springbrook Drive
Johnson City, TN 37604
423-282-4611

Our room rate is $104 per night plus taxes of 16.5%. Breakfast is included with your room charge - thanks to Tar Heel David and Charlie for that.

To book your room, call the number above and mention "Crossfires at the Snake". Keep in mind this arrangement is with the Hotel, not with Holiday Inn Corporate, calling the national number will get you nowhere. Here is a direct quote from the Group Event Manager:

"Individuals can start calling into the Hotel to make reservations. Please have them contact the front desk at 423-282-4611. If the phone rings more than 3 times it will roll over into our (national) reservation line and they will not have access to the group block. The best times to call would be 10am-2:30pm or after 8-9pm in the evening. Thanks, we look forward to your group being our guests."

From the girl at the desk as I made my reservation:

"Tell them about five rings, if they get an automated voice welcoming them to ING, hang up - I get the complaint often that those call takers can barely speak English."

So, if it rolls over, HANG UP and try again/later.

When you call, they will need a credit card to reserve the room. Upon checkin, a hold will be placed on the card for the entire stay's room rate, taxes and $20 a day incidentals. Upon checkout the hold will be released and a permanent charge will be made of the room rate, taxes and any incidentals you actually bought or used.
If you are a "no show", you are charged one night plus taxes.

Our contract is for rooms from Thursday, April 16 to Monday April 20. Our block is released to the general public on March 16, 2020. Those calling after March 16, 2020 for a room may get a room at the contract rate, or at a higher rate, or may not be able to book at all. To book your room, call 423-282-4611 and mention "Crossfires at the Snake" to be added to the group block.

Please note: This is not the lodge, things will be a bit different. Some things you all should know about my talks with them:

• The Bar and Restaurant will stay open until 11pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (Usual close is 10pm.)
• We will have a meeting room Thursday and Friday evening from 9 to 10pm for our driver's meetings.
• Rooms will all be "two queen beds" and will be assigned at checkin.
  • Those wanting a King room, or other option, will be given one as they are available at no extra charge.
  • They are going to try to keep us all in the same hallway(s) if possible.
• Pool is outdoor and will not be open that early in the year.

This facility worked well in the past, it is not the "Holiday Inn Express", it offers the following amenities that seem to matter to those of us who attend overnight GTGs:

• All in one building:
  • Adequate number of rooms for our group
  • Full restaurant (will be open)
  • Bar/Lounge (will be open)
  • Meeting room
• Adequate parking
• Close by:
  • Numerous off-site Restaurants
  • Numerous Convenience and Drug stores

Before anyone asks, let me ask and answer a question:
"What is going on at Bristol Raceway that weekend?"

Essentially, nothing. That is another reason to choose these dates, if we were trying for a weekend where something is happening at Bristol, the contact at the Holiday Inn told me that "local hotels would be already booked by now".


As always, once you book your room, please post in this thread and I will add you to the list in post #2.