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TinLoaf · 11-12-2010, 03:28 PM

Can't Afford The Rally
July 1-4, 2011
Whittington Woods Campground
14297 State Highway 37
Whittington, IL 62897
(618) 435-3401

There are a lot of folks who would love to attend the 2011 WBCCI International Rally at the Du Quoin Fairgrounds but just can't take vacation or simply can't afford it. In my case it's both.

I'd like to provide an alternative and I'm trying to work out the details. The public is welcome to attend the Vintage Open House on Monday, June 27th, but that won't work for those of us who work. I'm trying to find out if we'd be allowed to visit on Saturday to see hundreds of Airstreams together and to greet old friends.

There are at least four people who will be attending this rally without Airstreams and many more who do have Airstreams, but aren't WBCCI members. There will even be WBCCI members who want to camp, but can't pay $400 for the weekend.

I feel this would be a great way to introduce potential new members to the club - even those who dream of owning an Airstream some day. However, I'm worried that it could be taken as an anti-rally, and I definitely don't want it to take that direction.

Whittington Woods is a great campground and we've had several rallies there in the past. They're holding the two rows closest to the pavilion for us until May 15th. After that, they're opening what's left to the public. Unfortunately it's a holiday weekend and they will not be able to provide us with a rally rate, but will honor a 10% discount. Next year's rates have not been published, but it should be about $30 for full-hookups.

Rend Lake puts on a great fireworks show for the 4th. It's a fun weekend.

Make your reservation now using the campground's online reservation form or call Mary at 618-435-3401.

I know it's a long way off, but be sure to visit the rally calendar listing and RSVP if you're interested.

TinLoaf · 11-12-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinLoaf

Unfortunately it's a holiday weekend and they will not be able to provide us with a rally rate, but will honor a 10% discount.

The 10% discount is only for Good Sam Club members.

HowieE · 11-12-2010, 05:30 PM

Hats off to your idea. Maybe you should volunteer to arrange future WBCCI Rallies at a price more members could afford.

mcair · 11-12-2010, 06:41 PM

Just filled out the online form. Ready for more fun at Whittington!

Steelegood · 11-15-2010, 07:44 AM

We're interested, and am trying to work out the details (time off from work, on a holiday weekend), will let you know "IF & WHEN".

TinLoaf · 11-15-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelegood

We're interested, and am trying to work out the details (time off from work, on a holiday weekend), will let you know "IF & WHEN".

It would be great to have some folks in from Tennessee.

I think we'd have a lot better showing if it wasn't over a holiday weekend, but there wasn't any choice.

nvestysly · 11-15-2010, 01:07 PM

This sounds like fun. My wife and I are not particularly interested in the International but we always like camping and meeting people with Airstreams on the mind.

We'll certainly keep this in mind for next year. Thanks for putting this together.

Lucius

TinLoaf · 11-15-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvestysly

This sounds like fun. My wife and I are not particularly interested in the International but we always like camping and meeting people with Airstreams on the mind.

We'll certainly keep this in mind for next year. Thanks for putting this together.

Lucius

Hey Lucius,

Some of the same folks that you met at the 50th Anniversary Cape to Cairo Caravan will be there. Unfortunately Steve will be in Texas for the summer. It would be good to see you again.

Steve

TinLoaf · 02-12-2011, 09:17 AM

I have to admit, there has been very little interest in this rally so far. Maybe it's because of the holiday weekend. If we don't start getting reservations I think I'm just going to scrap it.

The campground sent me a note that only three people have secured reservations. They'll continue to hold our block of sites until May 15th, which is three more months.

nvestysly · 02-12-2011, 07:52 PM

We have been going back and forth about camping trips and other vacation plans. We usually have nearly the entire year planned by now but other things keep getting in the way.

We'll know for sure before May 15. I hope to finalize some of the camping trips in the next few weeks.

Lucius

Diego · 02-12-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinLoaf

I have to admit, there has been very little interest in this rally so far. Maybe it's because of the holiday weekend. If we don't start getting reservations I think I'm just going to scrap it.

The campground sent me a note that only three people have secured reservations. They'll continue to hold our block of sites until May 15th, which is three more months.

We're planning on coming. It'll be a homecoming for our trailer as we spent our first night in our Argosy there! Nice campground. We will be making reservations soon. Thanks for putting this together.

Lana

airstream66 · 02-12-2011, 10:49 PM

Went to the rally at Whittington Woods last year. Loved it. Will have to check with the misses on the schedule.

TinLoaf · 02-13-2011, 05:54 AM

I'm glad people are thinking about it. I was beginning to think it was looking like a dud. Hopefully when it pops up on the calendar ticker at the bottom of the portal page more people will start checking it out. I'd like to get at least 20 and right now we're at six for sure with Diego (that's two from Indiana so far).

nvestysly · 02-13-2011, 07:11 AM

Steve,

Don't be discouraged if you don't get 20 rigs to sign-up. I know 20 or more would be nice but 2 or 3 or 10 can be fun too. If it turns out that only a few sign-up I know it will still be a fun time.

Danielle and I have posted past events on the rally web page and had "rallies" with 3 - 6 rigs and had a great time. The Habitat Rally in New Orleans was a rally with 2 trailers - we had a great time!

Lucius

TinLoaf · 02-13-2011, 08:21 AM

There's no question we'll have fun. We even have live music scheduled. I just feel guilty that the campground is holding holiday weekend sites for us and nobody is reserving them.

TinLoaf · 04-18-2011, 12:16 PM

Just a reminder... Whittington Woods is only holding sites for us until May 15th. After that they're opening our block of sites up to their 4th of July weekend waiting list. If you're even thinking about joining us, please call and make your reservation now.

As of this writing we only have seven trailers.

Air Hamel · 05-16-2011, 05:46 PM

Made ours yesterday!!!! YAY!!!!

TinLoaf · 05-16-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air Hamel

Made ours yesterday!!!! YAY!!!!

Wow, you just squeaked in before the deadline. Glad you'll be joining us.

nvestysly · 06-17-2011, 06:05 AM

Hello,

Danielle and I changed our RSVP to no. Unfortunately we cannot attend this rally but it sure sounds like a good way to enjoy a weekend with friends.

Please considering hosting a "Can't Afford the Rally" airforums rally next year. We think it's a great idea!

Lucius

TinLoaf · 06-17-2011, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvestysly

Please considering hosting a "Can't Afford the Rally" airforums rally next year. We think it's a great idea!

It's too bad you can't make the rally, but Rend Lake is a great area to hold rallies and there will definitely be more. I hosted the May Southern Illinois Unit rally at the Army Corps of Engineers group camp across the lake and it was very well received. If I can get about ten firm commitments, I'd love to host an Airforums rally there later this year.

There has also been interest in another "Back to the Basics" rally at Hidden Springs State Forest for next April or early May.