The final day of the Fayetteville Comic Show was held on Sunday, March 1, 2020. The first two days in Fayetteville, Arkansas turned out to be a great time with fellow Twin Peaks fans from around the world. For the last day, we gathered together to pay tribute to an icon, hear stories from the stars and take a trip down memory lane at one of the best video arcades in the United States.
DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3
CONVERSATION WITH THE CAST
The morning started back at the Graduate Fayetteville for a Conversation with the Cast of Twin Peaks. Most of the stars listed above attended with the exception of Sherilyn Fenn.
The panel discussion was held in a packed Spoofer’s Spoon Room, the same conference room where Cosplay Karaoke and the Donut & Coffee Social were held on Saturday.
Here’s a 45-minute video of the conversation which includes questions from the audience.
I loved seeing that many cast gathered together on stage. It’s something I had not seen since the August 1996 Fan Fest in Washington State.
One of my favorite stories came from James Marshall who described how his song “Just You” was created.
James did the best impressions of David Lynch.
There was only one question that was slightly related to potential Season 4 (What song would Rebekah Del Rio want to sing with Chris Isaak?).
LOG LADY PARADE
Following the panel conversation, several of us paid tribute to the late Catherine Coulson, The Log Lady in Twin Peaks.
Blake Morrow, a long-time Twin Peaks fan and an incredibly talented photographer, had a vision for this tribute on July 24, 2019. At one time, there was discussion about having the Guinness World Records team certify the gathering. It was decided to forgo that option and just celebrate Catherine’s memory by dressing like her for the panel.
After reviewing all of the Log Lady’s outfits from Twin Peaks, I settled on one inspired from Episode 2017 in Season 2.
Originally, I wanted to dress like Windom Earle who dressed like the Log Lady in Episode 2021. I couldn’t find a suit and skirt set that matched. So I settled on a vintage Pendleton shirt, maroon turtle neck and brown skirt. I looked for a few weeks to find the exact Board Shirt she worn in the episode. No luck.
We arrived around 10:00 a.m. at the Graduate Fayetteville. Karen held a photo of Blake who was unable to join our celebration.
Nina and Dylan got into the spirit with their Log Lady outfits. Nina also distributed a small button (see above) to all participants that included a nod to Catherine’s iconic glasses, acorn brooch, and log.
More “Ladies Who Log” arrived before the panel at 10:30. Logs were provided for those who didn’t travel with one.
Upon entering the panel room, we found “Reserved for Log Lady” signs on chairs.
We gathered in the conference room, waiting patiently for the panel to begin.
Even “Blake” had a seat for the panel.
This was truly such a unique experience being surrounded by others who dressed like Catherine Coulson. From her first appearance in the Pilot Episode to her final goodbye in Season 3, she made such an impact on the lives of so many.
Even “Jerry Horne” (Karl Reinsch, Mayor of Twin Peaks) was shocked at seeing all of the ladies who log.
After the panel was finished, we each took turns sharing our favorite Log Lady quote and then exited the room.
Here are two videos by Jennifer Marie and Karl Reinsch of our tribute.
After the tribute, we took more photos in the hotel lobby, like this one of me with Karl who is dressed as Jerry Horne from Season 3.
A group shot of the Log Ladies in the hotel lobby. I can only imagine what the girl at the desk was thinking.
Jennifer Marie took this awesome group photo of us gathering at the Graduate. Katie Buffo then gave it the Twin Peaks treatment.
GROUP PHOTOS
Around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, many of us gathered in front of Alexis Diaz’s owl mural for a group shot.
There were a few folks who didn’t make the 2:00 shoot, so I added them to this image above.
One final edit was made to the group shot with additional fans who shared lower resolution images. They got to join the VIP area on the roof (which only made me want to join that area too).
Seriously, I love these people! The BEST DAMN TOWN!
ARKADIA RETROCADE
While walking back to the hotel from the owl mural, Shea Mathis stopped his car and approached a few of us. He explained he owned an arcade – Arkadia Retrocade – a few miles down the road. Shea is a Twin Peaks fan and even had a VHS tape in his car containing episodes recorded during the original 1990s broadcast. After dinner, several of us made our way to his arcade.
I’ve been to many arcades in my life and I can honestly say that this is one of the best in the United States. Wow! Shea said the arcade usually closes at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday nights, but he kept it open just for us. Admission is $5.00 and you can play as much as you’d like on 125 classic video games.
Here’s a 7 1/2-minute video that showcases what heaven looks like to any fan of classic arcade games. I still can’t believe this place is real.
Shea even included a few nods to Twin Peaks including a photo of Laura Palmer from the picnic video.
There’s also a hidden Great Northern Hotel key chain.
I was delighted to see Shea’s hand drawn Owl Cave artwork. He drew that based on the Owl Cave petroglyph years ago. He truly is one of the original fans and I love it!
I also loved his dog. She was so adorable. Posed for every shot I took of her. Look again at the group shot – that was a 10-second timer and she knew where to look.
Jeremy Beitler captured this candid shot of Nina, Josh and me enjoying beverages between game playing.
Here are a handful of other shots from the arcade. You can follow Shea on Twitter – @ArkRetrocade
FAREWELL FAYETTEVILLE
One last group shot at the Northwest Arkansas Regional airport. While many of us wondered “Why Fayetteville?” when the comic show was announced, I left thinking “Yes, Fayetteville!” It was a damn fine weekend with friends who love this show as much as me. I realized that a Twin Peaks event could be held anywhere as it’s fine, descent people who make it the best fan community around.
Thank you to Donna and Paul for organizing this inaugural event, the staff who made the experience a smooth and enjoyable one, the staff of the Graduate Fayetteville who embraced all those crazy Twin Peaks kids and their Log Lady outfits, and my fellow Bookhouse Boys and Gals for traveling to northwest Arkansas.
See you in the trees.
