Springfield, Mo - WBCCI International Rally, 2005

j54mark · 07-01-2003, 08:35 AM

Let me be the first to welcome all WBCCI Rally participants to Springfield, Mo. for the 2005 International Rally. According to the morning paper, the dates are June 25 to July 5, 2005. I presume that means activities are planned for June 26 to July 4.

Some of you will want to be making plans now - to upgrade your air conditioning! You can expect it to be about 90 degrees, with humidity to match. 100 is not unheard of. On the other hand, we hardly ever have a tornado in July.

The rally site is a large, relatively level field cleverly located across the street from an industrial park. However, road and highway access is excellent.

There is a lot to see and do in the area. I believe that before leaving Springfield a local ordinance requires you to show proof of having visited Bass Pro Shops at least once. There is also the neighboring Wonders of Wildlife aquarium/wildlife exhibit. Off hand, I can think of nine lakes anywhere between 15 and 90 minutes of driving. Branson with all the shows, amusement parks, outlet malls, etc., is just 35 miles of four lane highway from the site. History buffs can go to Wilson Creek Battlefield for the story of the second full scale battle of the Civil War. The "Precious Moments" complex (you either know what that is or don't care) is 55 miles west. For fishing, you have to choose lakes (bass, waleye, crappie), rivers (smallmouth, catfish), or go for trout at Bennett Springs, Roaring River, or Lake Taneycomo. Railroad buffs will want to see local Santa Fe railroad history.

When it rolls around, should there be any interest in a Airstream Forums get-together, I expect to be here.

Mark

**jcanavera** · 07-01-2003, 03:21 PM

Well well, isn't this a suprise! Something in our own backyard. I'll have to scout this out further but if you are willing to stay in Branson, 38 miles south, you have a choice of some really nice campgrounds with full hookups available. I don't believe there is much in Springfield proper that would serve as an alternate although there may be a KOA closeby. July in Missouri is blistering so a low amp hookup is not in my plans.

Thanks for the advance word. Just curious was this information just announced in Vermont?
Regards,

Jack

dtbw · 07-01-2003, 03:46 PM

Jack,
Yes the 05 International Rally site was announced in Vermont.

Back in April at the Region 9 Rally, I was talking with Max Carmichael and he told me that Nova Scotia had fallen thru and although they were looking at several alternatives, the Branson/Springfield MO area looked the most promising. Wish that WBCCI would consider setting up an power distribution grid (even at extra cost) such that we could run our AC. Southern MO is not a place I intend to find myself in late June with NO AC, so guess we will either be offsite or join the generator section.

**jcanavera** · 07-01-2003, 03:50 PM

The great side of this is that there is probably no other area in the country, short of Myrtle Beach S.C., that could provide so many alternate sites within easy drive of the main rally grounds.

Jack

63flyingcloud · 07-01-2003, 04:51 PM

This may be our big chance to get a photo of Jack wearing a beret!

j54mark · 07-01-2003, 05:04 PM

"Wish that WBCCI would consider setting up an power distribution grid (even at extra cost) such that we could run our AC"

The paper mentioned that the local utility company would be provding "water and electricty". I have no idea if that means an electric grid. The kwhs are there - a large industrial park is just across the street.

Something else you will want to see: Firefall. This is one of the very best July4th celebrations in the country, no kidding. It runs from about noon to the fireworks at 9:30 or so. Many, many live performances, capped by the symphony orchestra and fireworks. It will probably be scheduled for the 25th, with a rain date of July 2.

Mark

overlander64 · 07-01-2003, 05:09 PM

It almost seems impossible that the International will be close to home two years in a row. With the International in Michigan in 2004, it will be less than 500 miles from my home in IL. Then, in 2005 to Branson/Springfield at less than 330 miles -- - I won't know what to do when not faced with at least one 600 mile day to get to the VAC gathering area.

As a long-time resident of far Southern Illinois, I know that this will be the first rally where I will be seeking off-site parking so that I can use my air condtioner - - I do not intend to swelter like I did in Dayton in 1999. It will mean missing a very important part of the International experience, but it will be a necessary concession. Today, we have 98 degrees with 99% humidity at my farm in far Southern Illinois (20 miles South of Carbondale).

Kevin

**jcanavera** · 07-01-2003, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 63flyingcloud
This may be our big chance to get a photo of Jack wearing a beret!

Oh Noooooo!

Jack

RoadKingMoe · 07-01-2003, 08:46 PM

Hey... don't we have some Photoshop gurus here?

thenewkid64 · 07-01-2003, 08:48 PM

Amfab where are you??????

**Pick** · 07-02-2003, 10:22 AM

Michigan in 2004?? Where?

thenewkid64 · 07-02-2003, 10:25 AM

Lansing in 2004

I hear they have asked for cool weather!

kamadeca · 07-02-2003, 12:22 PM

Can someone please give me the dates for the 2004 International in Lansing Michigan. As it will be our first International, how early can we get on to the site?

Are there things for kids to do at the Internationals (ages 13 & 17)?

A little early I know, but have to plan vacation around the rest of my staff.

Thanks

markjoandall · 07-02-2003, 12:39 PM

The international rally is always from june 25 through July 4. I believe this is because Wally Byam's birthdate was the 4th. I may be off a day or so for his birthday, but the rally is always dated the same.