By Andrew Nyquist
This year was finally my time! You see, for the past three years, I have longed to make the trek to New York City for Todd Harrison and Minyanville Media’s big “Festivus” party. But 3 kids in 3 years seemed to complicate things… but, not this year! Last Thursday, my wife and I wished our now 2-year-old happy birthday, kissed our kids goodbye, and headed to New York for some “hugs and handshakes,” as Todd says. And let me tell you, 3 years of anticipation and hype was met and exceeded… and then some.
But before I share some pictures, let me take a minute to add some color on why this was an important event for me to attend this year (and now each year going forward). Since I was a young, up and coming investor in the early 2000’s, I’ve been following and reading Todd. And for those that know and read Minyanville, you know that he is so much more than an investor. I have always viewed Todd as a mentor (whether he likes it or not!).
From early on, I identified with his passion for life, community, and friendship. And his tact and character taught me A LOT about media, and how to act with care and class. Trust me, as a nobody from nowhere, I needed someone to passively cultivate my passion and love for the markets and educating… and to give me an opportunity. I am proud to say that I am an active contributor to Minyanville and will always support and be a part of the Minyanville community.
So, thank you Todd. You transcended the art of investing and educating for me, and made my journey a lot easier.
Below are some pictures from Festivus 2012. Bear with the quality, as most were taken on my smartphone. The party gathers some of the best financial minds from Wall Street and Main Street in an effort to raise funds for the Ruby Peck Foundation, a foundation created and energized by Todd’s belief in educating children and named after his loving relationship with his grandfather Ruby. As Todd says, “It’s for the kids!”
For more on the inspiration of Festivus, Todd Harrison, and financial great Doug Kass, be sure to read “So Inspired” by The Reformed Broker, Josh Brown.
Please join me next year at Festivus!
with Options Expert Adam WarnerÂ
 with Pension Partner’s Michael Gayed
 with The Reformed Broker, “Downtown” Josh Brown
 with Minyanville contributor Peter Prudden
 with Minyanville chief Todd Harrison | Source: Minyanville Media via Soho Blues Gallery
 with my rock, Jenny
with See It Market’s Alex Salomon, T3’s Scott Redler, Minyanville’s Michael Sedacca and Michael Comeau, Portfolio Manager Brandon Perry, and Peter Prudden –Â ‘Hook em Horns’Â
Twitter:  @andrewnyquist and @seeitmarket   Facebook:  See It Market
Any opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author, and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of his employer or any other person or entity.
