This page was last updated on June 11, 2025
The Spring Gathering is a light-hearted, two-day mini-CON focused primarily on Axis & Allies gameplay—though many other board games are enjoyed as well.
The event takes place in Wilder, Kentucky, just minutes south from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
We invite you to join us next year in 2026—and gamers from across the country—for a fun-filled weekend of gaming, camaraderie, and good times!
The event takes place in Wilder, Kentucky, just minutes south from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
We invite you to join us next year in 2026—and gamers from across the country—for a fun-filled weekend of gaming, camaraderie, and good times!
Spring Gathering XXIII, 2025
The Spring Gathering is now in the history books! It was held on June 6 & 7, 2025.
This year marked a milestone — for the first time ever, we sold out all available space at the hotel. Hopefully, everyone had a fantastic time!
I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your continued support and for coming out to make this year’s Spring Gathering a tremendous success. We had over 50 players in attendance, with gamers joining us from coast to coast — from San Francisco to New York City, from Maine to as far south as Memphis, Tennessee. We were even treated to a surprise appearance by none other than Craig Yope himself!
To those who couldn’t make it this year — you were missed, and we hope next year works out better for everyone.
As we look ahead to GEN CON, I’ll be working in the meantime to update SmoreySwamp with photos and memories from this year’s event.
Congratulations to all the winners of the four tournaments we hosted!
A few special shout-outs:
The Spring Gathering is now in the history books! It was held on June 6 & 7, 2025.
This year marked a milestone — for the first time ever, we sold out all available space at the hotel. Hopefully, everyone had a fantastic time!
I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your continued support and for coming out to make this year’s Spring Gathering a tremendous success. We had over 50 players in attendance, with gamers joining us from coast to coast — from San Francisco to New York City, from Maine to as far south as Memphis, Tennessee. We were even treated to a surprise appearance by none other than Craig Yope himself!
To those who couldn’t make it this year — you were missed, and we hope next year works out better for everyone.
As we look ahead to GEN CON, I’ll be working in the meantime to update SmoreySwamp with photos and memories from this year’s event.
Congratulations to all the winners of the four tournaments we hosted!
A few special shout-outs:
- Mike the Greater, my right-hand GM — thank you as always.
- Gary, for bringing Stalingrad (even if the rule book stayed home!) and for the time clocks, which worked perfectly.
- Luke, for stepping up, diving in, and learning the ropes.
- And to all of you — thank you for showing up and making it a memorable weekend. Until next time...
Spring Gathering XXIII Results
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AA50 Tournament 1st: Doug Thorpe, Gary Blevins 2nd: Adam & Brian Smith Global '42 Tournament 1st: Robin Bielefeldt, Brian/Tracy Hyde 2nd: Charles Michalek, Jeff Auer, Carl Vander Galien 1941 Beginners Tournament 1st: Noah & Thomas Lubbers 2nd: Aidan Green 192 2nd Ed. Tournament 1st: Keith Spradlin, John Rawski 2nd: Barry Dano, Vince Fantaci |
AA50 Winners Doug & Gary
G '42 Winners Robin, Tracy, Brian
1941 Winners Brothers Noah & Thomas
1942 2nd Ed. Winners Keith, John
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Pictures from this year's
SprinG gathering XXIII event:
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Hotel Information & Registration!
(click on hotel image below to go to Holiday Inn link)
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:Event Registration:
New Form just updated 2/13/2025 Please note: The Anniversary - AA50 Tournament is SOLD OUT for 2025!
:Event Details: Entry Fees:
Early Bird Pre-Registration/Gamer □ Friday (only) $10 □ Saturday, (only) $10 □ Friday & Saturday ($15) Registration at Door (Cash Only)/Gamer □ Friday (only) $15 □ Saturday (only) $15 □ Friday & Saturday ($25) How to Pay Via Pre-Registration: Please see Registration Form 2025 tab above for details and payment methods. (All kids and parents that are not playing in games are free). The cost is a one time entry fee for either one or both days including any event/game you would like to play. Badges will be provided upon entry and will NOT be snail mailed out with each pre-paid registration. The entry free is to cover the rental of the hall and all other incidentals. :Main Axis & Allies Events:
-Global '42 Tournament (Rd. 1, 12 pm Fri.) -(SOLD OUT) AA50 Anniversary Tournament - this event is now closed. -North Africa Tournament (TBD) -1941 Novice Tournament (event time TBD based on registrations) :Tournament Rules 2025:
(Some rules are subject to change) NEW GAME TIME & CLOCK ETIQUETTE Guide
These are the new suggestions for game play and time clock management in tournament play. Other Event Details! Door Prizes!
For each person paying entry fee, (1) door prize raffle ticket is earned for a chance to win prizes/games that we will be raffled throughout the 2 day event. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at $1 per ticket at the door only! Food
-There are grills just outside the game room for the use by the patrons staying at the Holiday Inn. -Food (hot dogs, etc.), drinks and snacks can be purchased for all attendees at the events main HQ. |
:Event Location (Hotel):
Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Wilder, KY Hotel Block Reservations: Available Thurs... Guests can make reservations either by calling the hotel directly at (859) 815-8855 or if they prefer to book online here’s the booking link: Holiday Inn Express Welcomes Axis and Allies Other Hotels (just seconds/minutes away)
Local Restaurants (within a minutes drive of the Hotel):
Other restaurants include: McDonalds, Subway, Waffle House, DQ, Skyline, Applebee's, Taco Bell, Raising Cains and many more...
:AA Tournament & Other:
Stalingrad We will have a copy of Stalingrad at the Spring Gathering to DEMO only so you will get a firsthand look at the game and be able to check in out before GEN CON. 
Click on box top above for OTB rules!
Additional North Africa Q&A
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First ever North Africa Champs!
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North Africa Final Map
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New AA GI Joe
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All information on the Spring Gathering Webpage has been updated as of: June 28, 2024
Old 2022 Spring Gathering Results:
There was a plethora of different games played including:
Wingspan, OverBoss, Scythe, Commanders & Tactics, Brass Birmingham, Feast For Odin, Black Orchestra, Settlers, Seafarers, & 7 Wonders in addition to the Axis and Allies games of Global, AA50, 1942 2nd, 1914, and War at Sea Miniatures.
One other extremely interesting and positive note from this years event. It was attended by many families joining in on all the gaming fun! Not to mention we had 2 families win two of the tournaments held. Some of the experienced AA and WAS players are now bringing their sons and daughters to learn and join in on all the exciting gaming action. To all those, thanks for coming out and taking part in this years Spring Gathering XX.
Tournament Winners:
Global '42
1st: Jeff Auer, Charles Michalek, Carl Vander Galien
2nd: Blaise Gennari, Stephen Green, Chris Miller
Anniversary Ed. (AA50)
1st: Judson & Zach Hagerup
2nd: Ben & Mike Sameck
1942 2nd Ed.
1st: Alex & Doug Thorpe
2nd: Walt Brewer, Mark Amann
War at Sea Miniatures Tournament
1st: Elisha Green
2nd: Greg Buell
Spring Gathering XX, 2022 Photos
Another exciting new addition to the Spring Gathering this year, Board Game Nation (Gary Blevins) joined us and recorded the G'42 final and did some interviews with the winners of each tournament. Soon as I get the link to this media files, I will upload them...until then enjoy!
1942 2nd Ed. Champs: Father & Son Doug & Alex
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G42 Winners: Charles, Carl, Jeff
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WAS Miniatures Champ: Elisha Green
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AA50 Champs: Brothers Judson & Zach
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WAS Tourney Semi Finals
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More PIctures from Board Game Nation:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RjCN7dncrSvctIR7-zSChnjWlwp_BlM9?usp=sharing
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RjCN7dncrSvctIR7-zSChnjWlwp_BlM9?usp=sharing
Greg Smorey Interview with Gary Blevins
Alex & Doug Thorpe Interview (1942 winners)
Global '42 Winners Interview
Hagerup Brothers Interview (AA50 winners)
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Games to be played without a set schedule.
(If you would like to add a game to the list of games played at the Spring Gathering, please e-mail me and I will be sure to add it!) Wingspan, Overboss, Castle Panic, Euchre, Lords of Water Deep, Black Orchestra, War Room, Terraforming Mars, & 7 Wonders just to name a few... 
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Non-AA Game Info & Rules:
(games we like playing at this event...) 
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Past Spring Gathering Photo Gallery
Global '42 Final
Congrats: Lake (L) & Matt (R) G'42 Winners
A Casual 1914 Game. Shawn is planning his next move
Nathan (L), Keith (M) and Phil (R) in 2nd Round action.
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Global Final...
1942 2nd Edition Final
Congrats Phil on 1942 2nd Ed. Winner
Black Orchestra. Thanks to Philip DuBarry for coming out and Demoing the game.
A Casual Game of Settlers? I'm not sure my wife keeps calling it Cataan?
The Great Escape. A new playtest game
by Philip DuBarry
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Max/Jason G42 Champs
Ascension Final
Congrats Global Winners 2017
Philip DuBarry explaining Black Orchestra!
Casual Game of Global
Global 1940 Casual Game
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