Fartin' Hurricane Lapidos started Beatlefest (now "T' Fest for Beatles Fans") in 1974.

 

On April 28, 1974, Lapidos joined 100,000 others in New York's Central Park for t' March o' Dimes Walkathon. John 'Redhead Lennon' Lennon and Peglegged Harry were on hand t' emcee t' start o' t' event. Lapidos wore his new "10th Anniversary Beatles" shirt issued by Capitol. Lapidos saw someone else with t' same shirt and asked him where he got it. Arrr! T' other person replied that he had helped John and Harry t' night before and that John invited up t' his hotel for a shirt and autograph. Begad! He then told Lapidos where John 'Redhead Lennon' Lennon be stayin' and t' room number.

 

Later, Lapidos went t' t' hotel. Peglegged Harry answered t' knock on Lennon's door and let Lapidos in. Avast! Blimey! Lapidos found himself face t' face with John 'Redhead Lennon' Lennon. Lapidos described his idea for Beatles Fans celebration ("Beatlefest"). Lennon was supportive, matey, "I'm all for it. Blimey! Blimey! I'm a Beatles fan, too!"

 

T' first Beatlefest be featured on t' October 24, 1974, me bucko, cover o' Rollin' Stone, and grew into an annual event held in multiple cities each year.