INDY RALLY August 27-30, 2012
Jon Walker, Larry and Char Jacobson
Since our Northern Lights Chapter volunteers at the Indy Rally we all arrived a few days early. Larry and Char Jacobson of course were the first to arrive as the two of them were Rally Masters. The Jacobson's were given a cooler by Jon Walker for taking on the responsibilities for Coffee Hour. Sunday morning we gathered to receive instructions for our duties. It's a 6:15 am call to set-up! YAWN! As volunteers we were somewhat told to believe we would all be parked together but not the case. We are scattered all around the fairgrounds. Poor Maggie and Rod. Rod gave their location as somewhere between Indianapolis and Elkhart. Thirteen of the fourteen from the Elkhart Rally traveled on to Indy. The Jacobson's, Joyner's, Anten's, Smart's and Don Kirkpatrick and his sister, Barbara were the additional members to join us. As far as my memory serves, the total count is eighteen coaches. I would like to add that we did meet up with Randy and Karen Stano. Temperatures are HOT.
Tuesday
Today was the first day of our volunteer work. Many of us were up early to help set-up for morning coffee. Early was around the six o'clock hour for serving at seven. There were lots of volunteer, lots of coffee and LOTS of glazed doughnuts. I must give Northern Lights a "pat on the back" for getting up and serving the morning treats.
The rest of the afternoon was spent browsing through the vendor building and touring the motor home displays. There were some BEAUTIES on the showroom floor. Jeanne and Don Rypma hosted the "Happy Hour" again today and will continue during this rally. A big thanks to them for offering their space for us to gather. A nice Margarita jug from the Bearse was enjoyed...at least by Ken Hamlin.
The evening entertainment began with a young country western singer, Kayt Jones. The sound system did not compliment her. The big attraction was Earl Thomas Conley.
The rest of the afternoon was spent browsing through the vendor building and touring the motor home displays. There were some BEAUTIES on the showroom floor. Jeanne and Don Rypma hosted the "Happy Hour" again today and will continue during this rally. A big thanks to them for offering their space for us to gather. A nice Margarita jug from the Bearse was enjoyed...at least by Ken Hamlin.
The evening entertainment began with a young country western singer, Kayt Jones. The sound system did not compliment her. The big attraction was Earl Thomas Conley.
Wednesday
Alice and Liz dancing to the "Stripper"!
Well, this is what happens when you don't write up the days activities at the end of the day. You or rather I don't remember what the days events were that I was going to pass along to you.
I do know I was asked to mention that Larry is sending Barb to Finishing School in a Cow Trash Box so she would learn how to reply to Shirley. I will go no further with this story.
We had another morning of pouring coffee. Once again we had plenty of our volunteers with "bright shiny faces". The afternoon was spent for most of us shopping at the vendor booths and walking through new coaches. Many rig owners were able to get technical people to come inspect their units for their varies issues.
Another cocktail hour was attended with the usual snacks and chatter. Off to the nights entertainment where Northern Lights, as well as all volunteers were selected to sit on the main floor for the THANK-YOU. The Rivoli Revue, a musical twosome sang humorous songs that they had created on the subject of motor-homing. Just hold your noses, gator haters!
I do know I was asked to mention that Larry is sending Barb to Finishing School in a Cow Trash Box so she would learn how to reply to Shirley. I will go no further with this story.
We had another morning of pouring coffee. Once again we had plenty of our volunteers with "bright shiny faces". The afternoon was spent for most of us shopping at the vendor booths and walking through new coaches. Many rig owners were able to get technical people to come inspect their units for their varies issues.
Another cocktail hour was attended with the usual snacks and chatter. Off to the nights entertainment where Northern Lights, as well as all volunteers were selected to sit on the main floor for the THANK-YOU. The Rivoli Revue, a musical twosome sang humorous songs that they had created on the subject of motor-homing. Just hold your noses, gator haters!
Thursday
Serving coffee and doughnuts was a fun time but we were all glad this was the last day. It is hard to get up and out of the motor-homes so early. There was a bit of competition between the two sets of serving tables. Dick, at the one station and Jessica, at the other, each offering the tastiest of coffee and doughnuts. Cocktails were at Alice and Ken's place. We had to hang close to the side of the rig that provided shade. An impromptu cook-out followed as Ken and Tom did the grilling of the meat. The last evening of entertainment starred the Dutton Family. The Dutton's are very accomplished string instrument players, singers, dancers and comedians. They have stage shows in Branson in the summer and Mesa, Arizona for the winter.
Thank-you to the rally masters and to all volunteers that did a wonderful job serving FMCA members.
Thank-you to the rally masters and to all volunteers that did a wonderful job serving FMCA members.