Just curious if anyone was planning on going to the Mid America Bonsai Expo in Chicago, IL at the end of this month (Aug. 19-22?)? Or if anyone has gone to ones in the past. I plan to go the 21st and I'll be sure to post pics.

I dropped off this tree last night.

well, it was heavy, if nothing else.

there are quite a few really good trees there, so anyone within striking distance should go.  trees from notable bonsai folk.  there were about 120 trees when I checked in, and another 15 or more waiting in the wings.  the vending area looked good too, although i was outside looking in.  its a beautiful place for a show.  don't miss a chance to go if you have one.

I've been wanting to go to this event for years, but something always come up.  Well, something came up again this year and I'm already committed to be in Lexington, KY this weekend.  Next year, no matter what, I'm going.

Looking forward to the report from those that get to go.  Please do share your experience so I know what I'm missing. 

This tree took Best of Show.  Its a corkbark elm.
I liked the tree for its bark and, of course, small leaves.
It has the typical inverse taper issues most cork species have. Now, that said, inverse taper at the base in Japan is not a flaw and is sought after.  Here, in the USA, most people view it as an atrocity.  This one is mild regardless.  Anyway, this tree has nice bark and good radial roots.  The old bark extends out onto the branches, giving it the appearance of great age.  I liked it, and it was one tree that I noticed during set-up.
There were a few things that detracted from the tree.  The branches were thin.  There was wire on some branches and the wiring was poorly done (for a show).  The branches lifted too much for the style.
Overall, its a good tree and I like it, but I would not have selected it as Best of Show (even omitting my trees from consideration).
I think it belongs to Jack Douthitt.  The tree is worthy of some award despite the things that, imo, detracted from it.

This tree won 3rd place in the professional class.  Its a yew.
This tree is bigger than it appears, and has great presence.  The trunk line is very appealing, with grace and elegance.  The live vein and dead wood work well together.  The canopy is layered beautifully.  It is one of the first trees to catch my eye during set up.
The only thing that distracted my eye was the base.  The jins and thick roots compressed into the small area are somewhat distracting.  That said, they lend to the appearance of a stable foundation.  Tough to say, but there may be just one jin too many at that location for my liking.  In any case, that is a minor issue.
I really like this tree a lot.  I would have had it in the top 3.
The tree belongs to Sara Rayner.  She made the pot.  Here is her website: http://www.redwing.net/~daalms/

This maple clump took and award of merit.
It has a great base and aged trunks.  Very appealing. The pot color is good for maples.  I don't recall the number of trunks.  The tree has a light, airy presence.  This is mainly due to longer leaf stems.  I don't know the variety.  The emerging leaves are reddish pink and the leaf stems are pink.  I don't know if the stems hold their color or turn green.  The branches need time to develop, or it may be a variety that does not ramify well.  Anyway, its hard to not appreciate a japanese maple with such a nice base.  Its a good tree.

There were other trees that earned awards.  I just don't have photos of them.  Also, as far as I know, there was not an award list produced.