On Nov. 4 at 6:15 p.m., STAFDA members are invited to the opening “Red, Hot & Country” party at the Opryland Hotel. Music will be provided by Nashville's Edsel West Band.

Following the party (at approximately 8:15 p.m.), country music singer Martina McBride will give a concert for STAFDA attendees at the historic Grand Ole Opry House, adjacent to the hotel. In her career, McBride has sold 16 million recordings and had 22 Top 10 singles. Earlier this year, she received four nominations from the Country Music Assn., including one for Female Vocalist of the Year and one for Song of the Year (“Anyway”). As luck would have it, the 41st Annual CMA Awards ceremonies will be held on Nov. 7, just a few days after McBride's STAFDA performance.

On Nov. 4, auctioneer and appraiser Ken Farmer (of Ken Farmer Auctions & Appraisals) will give tips and inside information on how to find bargains in your area thrift stores and flea markets. Farmer, who has appeared on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow, will give an insider's look at the program, now in its 11th season.

On Nov. 6, two unique tours are being offered. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., “Many Faces of Nashville” will focus on the music history of the city, including Music Row, home of many recording studios; the historic Ryman Auditorium (the “mother church” of country music); and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The second tour (9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) will visit The Hermitage, the home of former President Andrew Johnson, located on 650 acres. Recently restored, the mansion includes exhibits and collections of original furnishings. Lunch will be served on board the General Jackson paddlewheel boat as it cruises the Cumberland River.

On the last night of the convention (Nov. 6, 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.), join fellow STAFDA members at the closing party, featuring music by Nashville's Music City Wranglers. Local cuisine will be featured as well. Don't miss the final get-together before the 2008 meeting in Denver!

For the early arrivals, STAFDA will hold a golf tournament Nov. 3 at the Gaylord Springs Golf Course at 8:30 a.m. (scramble start). Gaylord Springs, a links-style course, was designed by former U.S. Open and PGA champion Larry Nelson. Golf clubs are available for rental.

For those who are going to extend their stay in Nashville, a motorcycle ride (Nov. 7-8) is being planned. STAFDA chopper owners have organized motorcycle rides in the past following the convention. This year's will travel alongside some of Tennessee's Civil War sites. The route will also travel over the Blue Ridge Parkway and include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the “Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap,” on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. The Gap is considered one of the world's best motorcycling roads.