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**jcanavera** · 12-20-2021, 02:12 PM

Hi everyone. Sorry to be late getting this going but yes we are back again. 20 years for this rally and our dates are set for June 10-12th 2022. The park will accept your reservations at this point and we will be in the same area. Here's the link to the general park information. https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/...raineView.aspx

For reservations go to this link. https://camp.exploremoreil.com/login

Most of us reserve in the F1-F9 sites, and the P11-23 sites. Some also reserve in the E sites which are also very close to the other sites. While it's early to reserve at this point, understand you can cancel and will get a refund minus the initial $5 reservation fee.

Since this is the 20th anniversary, I've been looking at the possibility of maybe seeing if we can find a local catering business that might be able to provide the dinner this year, vs our usual Saturday pot luck meal. I contacted the local LeRoy Chamber of Commerce regarding identifying someone who could do this. At this point there is only one catering outlet who also actually has a banquet location near LeRoy, and could also provide food for us at the park. I haven't been able to get a response from them at this point so I have nothing to let you know. I've also sent them a written request but as of yet have gotten no response. I'll keep you posted as to what I find.

Obviously I'd like to hear your opinion regarding this idea where there would be a per person charge for the meal. Also important is that we probably would have to have advance payment or deposit to pull this off. While I'd love to be able to have the wherewithal to secure the deposit, I have read about the risk of people changing their minds or showing up unexpectedly, which then becomes problematic for the person(s) who initially expend the money to secure the event.

My other concern is that the Leroy entity that provides catering and the banquet site may consider our event as small potatoes compared to typical June wedding events that usually fill the weekend dates. Obviously those events are much larger and it's not unusual that liquor sales provide substantial income. As most of you know Illinois Parks are alcohol free zones that would limit the income a catering company could expect in setting up a dinner in the park. We could delve into folks in the Bloomington area but as you add distance costs will go up.

So your input would be appreciated, and the Saturday night potluck could be the fare if you all want to continue that. It was just an idea and I thought we could throw that put out to discuss. Once I hear from the caterers I'll share what I learn about prices, deposits, food choices etc. We then as a group can decide if we want to pursue this.

So stay tuned and I'll fill in the pieces as we get past the holidays. In the meantime be sure to get your reservations in and I've noticed some have already. I'm assuming those spots reserved in our area are probably be from our group...but don't let the grass grow under your feet. It would be nice to see the area blanketed with the folks from our group.

For those of you who never have attended, the park has electric available at each site. There is a dump station near the park entrance and there is drinking water available at outlets in our area and at the dump station. Be aware however that the water should be filtered prior to being put in your fresh water tank due to sediment in the water. There is also a bath house with showers and our sites are next to a large lake where you can fish, boat and potentially swim if the beach is open. There is also a small eatery and concessions store in the park.

I'm still planning the free hot dog fest on Friday at my site at about 5 pm, trailer tours on Saturday for those who would like to participate, and a movie outside on Saturday night at dusk. Typically we have had a pot luck meal on Saturday in the past. Some folks arrive prior to Friday so feel free to reserve extra days prior to the rally or after, if you choose to stay later. Check out is 3:00 PM.

Jack

Airtandem · 12-20-2021, 04:59 PM

Mike & Dana F-6

Silvertwinkie · 12-20-2021, 06:05 PM

Silvertwinkie- P20
Silvertwinkie's brother- F5

featherbedder · 12-20-2021, 06:52 PM

Bill & Penny F7

nswhite · 12-21-2021, 09:21 AM

Little out of the area now but as someone who attended a previous rally, Congratulations on 20 years!

**jcanavera** · 12-21-2021, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nswhite

Little out of the area now but as someone who attended a previous rally, Congratulations on 20 years!

A lot of fun times. When you do this for the length of time many of us have, you have seen many families who had small kids, and those kids are grown and out of the nests. 20 years and a gauntlet of dogs! I've had 4 pass over the rainbow bridge and #5 and 6 will be back hopefully in June. We've sadly also lost a number of folks over those years who either no longer camp, have health issues, or have passed on to their final destination. Thankfully we still have new folks every year and many of what were new folks, have become the base of those who return each year to celebrate this annual event. We are so blessed to have had the pleasure of making so many friends from all parts of the country.

Jack

Mikebrady62 · 12-21-2021, 03:04 PM

Just to clarify..... no alcohol at this event?? Or is this a red Solo cup kinda place?

**jcanavera** · 12-21-2021, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikebrady62

Just to clarify..... no alcohol at this event?? Or is this a red Solo cup kinda place?

Illinois state parks do not allow alcohol consumption within their borders. Obviously can and bottle wraps and cups are tolerated by most of the park officialdom.

You can be ticketed by the park rangers if caught. One year some of the group were openly drinking wine and the campground hosts observed it. They came to me and asked me to warn those partaking that the ranger wouldn't be giving warnings if he saw them.

Jack

silverslppr · 12-22-2021, 07:28 AM

Dyanna & Michael
Bear & our new rescue Teddi
Site 17

Mount'n Man · 12-22-2021, 08:34 AM

Brian & Jo Ann

P14

(I'll make ice cream regardless

)

Tikihut · 12-23-2021, 07:47 PM

Tikihut is in F 001 god willing and able in on Friday an leave on Sunday

Airtandem · 12-24-2021, 06:20 AM

GO CHRIS; looking forward to seeing you & Sadie
Mike

Chillitom · 01-16-2022, 10:31 AM

Tom and Sharon-E1
63 Tradewind

maccamper · 01-16-2022, 11:49 AM

maccamper is in site E13 this year. In on Thursday and out on Monday.

Jack, we're cool with sticking to the same rally meal routine ... sounds like it might make it easier all around to just go with our normal flow for food instead of trying to find a caterer. We'll support what is decided.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

nancy

PS yay, Chris ! Especially looking forward to you being able to celebrate since you have been to every one of the previous 20 rallies.

**jcanavera** · 01-16-2022, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maccamper

maccamper is in site E13 this year. In on Thursday and out on Monday.

Jack, we're cool with sticking to the same rally meal routine ... sounds like it might make it easier all around to just go with our normal flow for food instead of trying to find a caterer. We'll support what is decided.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

nancy

PS yay, Chris ! Especially looking forward to you being able to celebrate since you have been to every one of the previous 20 rallies.

I have made a couple of contacts one of which was very expensive. I have another but my concern is the amount of food available, trying to pull something together that everyone would like and attempting to collect the money in advance. Quite honestly everyone wants an advanced deposit and last minute cancellations and additions to the attendance list can make the financial side a mess.

Unless I hear a lot of voices wanting to go the catering route (which I haven't so far), my inclination is sort of continuing what has worked best for all these years.

Jack

**jcanavera** · 01-16-2022, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tikihut

Tikihut is in F 001 god willing and able in on Friday an leave on Sunday

I'd be tickled pink to see you there Chris. Nothing better than have a goal to work towards also!

Jack

Airtandem · 01-16-2022, 02:25 PM

we go with what you decide. mike & Dana

Mrs_RedSHED · 01-19-2022, 05:43 PM

RedSHED (Howard) and Mrs_RedSHED (Susan) - F-8

Mrs_RedSHED · 01-19-2022, 05:46 PM

Either is fine with us. I do love a good pitch-in!

Airtandem · 01-20-2022, 11:46 AM

ROLL CALL:

F-1 TIKI
F-2
F-3 BRUCE / LOREN
F-4 ROGER
F-5 JUDD
F-6 MIKE / DANA
F-7 BILL / PENNY
F-8 Howard / Susan
F-9 GINA / BOB / RANGER

P-13
P-14 BRIAN / JOANN
P-15
P-16
P-17 Dyanna / Mike / Bear / Teddi
P-18 Dani / 4 leg / friends
P-19 Eric
P-20 Jack
P-21
P-22
P-23

E-1 Tom / Sharon
E-10 Patti / Mark
E-13 Nancy / Laird