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Helmi · 09-20-2005, 05:57 PM

Does anyone know the dates of the Sarasota Florida State Rally in 2006? I'm planning a trip to Florida and would like to include the rally.

Click here to see who is attending and let others know if you are going to attend

bjond · 09-20-2005, 07:34 PM

I'm going from memory as I haven't seen it published yet. I think it is the week of 20-26 Feb 2006 in Sarasota.

Guido · 09-20-2005, 08:44 PM

Herb is correct, but the Official rally dates are Feb 22-26th. The workers park early and Herb is a committee chairman so he goes in early as well to get it ready for the rest of us.

RivetED · 09-27-2005, 10:04 PM

I understand this is one rally to not miss, Deb & I are planning on making this year's..'06.

thenewkid64 · 01-04-2006, 01:30 PM

Here is the form to sign up for the rally. See you there!

overlander63 · 01-09-2006, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RivetED

I understand this is one rally to not miss, Deb & I are planning on making this year's..'06.

It is supposed to be the second-largest rally of the year, every year. If you live in the Southeast, or even anywhere East of the Mississippi River, and can't make the International Rally, you should try to attend this one. Check the Forum Rally forum for info on the forum rally at Florida state rally.

robandzoe · 01-09-2006, 08:36 PM

We do a Rally Report on www.theVAP.com and in it, it has the dates of Rallies for the upcoming month, including the Florida State and the post Florida State get together! We post it on the first show of the month for the next month. Later,

Rob

sigv · 01-15-2006, 11:13 AM

Just an FYI - the vap.com is down - says 'offline - contact system administrator'

05ModPod · 01-15-2006, 12:02 PM

Here is a pic of last years FSR.

Yes it is very big - have not been to an International yet - and I thought our Ontario Unit Rallies were big fields of Airstreams - topping out at about 70 each time - but this was 500+ - which we heard at one point this Rally pushed 1200-1500 in the late 70's early 80's.

We did not get to join in on too many functions as we were desperately trying to get our trailer plumbing fixed - for the rest of our holiday.

Being in our 40's the entertainment was a bit dated for us - but that is not to say the people there did not enjoy themselves - right up their alley. This was the most retirees we had seen at one time in our lives - and they sure do kick up their heels. Between the hours of 9-10

Although we were forewarned that the front was noisy (traffic) we had to try it out.(Thanks Rich L.) Noisy was an understatement! To us back road folk out in the country a 6 lane Hi-Way is real noisy - I think parked on a airport strip would have been quieter. Sirens, screetching lowd rumble cars and constant until about 3-4 in the morning then you had a couple of hours peace then it started up again at 5-6. So if noise is an issue for you - you might want to seriously consider the back. Also if you have Pets and want to take them for a run - the best spot was way in the back -- so far we had to drive them there.

However - Vintage is another issue - to park with the "group" then you suffer with the noise.

Not sure why Vintage has to be in the front(and I am sure it will be a hard sell for the organizers who have "always done it that way" to change) - there would be a bigger Vintage show if we all parked in a big circle in the very back. Stick one vintage show rig out in the front - with a big sign for the Open house on Saturday and then have arrows for the back where the open house would be. That way the vintage are not competing with the NEW - BATES RV all week long. I hear they have some cool vintage rigs they are overhauling for recruitment sales offices - maybe they could be the "Bait" or the Attraction - so that we could all move back together and would not be missed.

Probably could get a real nice open house affair going on - get a VAC table set up and encourage new WBCCI and VAC registrations - locally and across the country for the visitors that are WBCCI members but not VAC members.

Anyway just an observation......heading down again this year with our Globe Trotter and two fur babies.

In the pic below if you look really hard and get your imagination flowing you can just see the group of us vintage to the very far right and bottom of the photo - yep we made the front page alright but not the arial pic - shame...

05ModPod · 01-15-2006, 12:11 PM

For you younger folk who have a hard time sleeping

If you wake up a bit too late on the Sunday morning - you will miss the mass exodus - and be sleep soundly - but with a constant squeel of electric brakes as almost 500+ rigs leave all at once.

Seriously we were stuck in the field as our electic box was under 6 inches of water and we could find no one to turn the power off for us to unplug - so we hung out until the storm passed.

There were about 25 rigs all around us when we went to bed

sd90mac · 01-15-2006, 05:12 PM

Yes, we were there, and boy did it rain, not to mention the mud right outside our door. The entertainment was hokey, but we still had a blast. Don't forget you get ice cream every night. All of the older people we met were very friendly and seemed to enjoy our company. Terry even helped the older couple next to us get thier brakes fixed.
Also, we had coffee Sunday morning because I have a stove top percolator, and we were offering it to every one. So, if you need it this time around, we are in the 63 overlander, and the percolator will be with me.
Also for the ladies, I have a 12 volt hairdryer (bought at the flea market) and if need, I am willing to loan it out.
Hope to see all of you there. The more younger people who show up, the more likely we will get new ideas. The older population is not going to last many more years.
Marie

Helmi · 01-16-2006, 08:36 PM

We were there last year and seemed to be the only ones with small kids. There were no activities for children. This year we are headed back to Florida but will be going to the Tin Can Tourist Rally instead. We will also include a couple of nights on the Skyway Bridge.

overlander63 · 01-16-2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helmi

We were there last year and seemed to be the only ones with small kids. There were no activities for children.

Yes, that is something that needs to be addressed. And FIXED, if the club is going to attract younger people. Maybe the Forum Dinner this year could be at Chuck E Cheese's pizza place. (for those of you that don't know, they cater to kids and families). Hey, it's a start...

nangoff · 01-16-2006, 08:51 PM

I'm sure it must be published somewhere; what type facilities do they have at this rally. 30 amp everywhere? Water? (hopefully

, but doubtfully

) sewer?

Thanks,
Gerry Goffinet
6948 and coming

nangoff · 01-16-2006, 09:01 PM

Folks,

I need to pick some people up at the airport in Tampa on 2/26, scheduling flights now...can someone tell me when on 2/26 the rally is actually over? Does it typically conclude on 2/25 or are there typically closing ceremonies on the last day (26th)? If so, how late in the day? Thanks, Gerry Goffinet

overlander63 · 01-16-2006, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nangoff

I'm sure it must be published somewhere; what type facilities do they have at this rally. 30 amp everywhere? Water? (hopefully

, but doubtfully

) sewer?

Thanks,
Gerry Goffinet
6948 and coming

They offer rally power (3 amp) and city water in series with others in your row. They have dump facilities, but no live sewer hookups. Soooo, you can have lights and a tv set, but no electric heater, and no air conditioner. Breakfast is around 8 am daily (part of the rally), but you need to get there before 8 to get breakfast.
Other meals are your responsibility, with the exception of the closing banquet on Saturday evening, which is also provided with your rally fee. Ice cream is also provided after each evening's entertainment. On-site restrooms with showers are available, as is dial-up internet on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Forum Dinner and Movie is tentatively scheduled for Thursday night, as the Thursday entertainment is usually, umm, not as good as the stuff you see Friday and Saturday. Any requests for a specific movie should be made no later than a week before opening day of the main rally, so the AV people can count votes for a specific movie, and procure it.

overlander63 · 01-16-2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nangoff

Folks,

I need to pick some people up at the airport in Tampa on 2/26, scheduling flights now...can someone tell me when on 2/26 the rally is actually over? Does it typically conclude on 2/25 or are there typically closing ceremonies on the last day (26th)? If so, how late in the day? Thanks, Gerry Goffinet

Closing ceremonies are typically at 11 AM Sunday. ( I will double check this. If it is different, it will be changed in this post). Tampa airport is about an hour and a half's drive away, maybe a bit less, but you need to leave your Airstream before entering the airport. Clearance at the main terminal is about 8'.

nangoff · 01-16-2006, 09:29 PM

Terry and group, I'd like to stay in the vacinity of Sarasota for about a week after the rally. I suspect I can't stay at the fairgrounds. Is there another place you are aware of that I can contact and make arrangements? Thanks, Gerry

overlander63 · 01-16-2006, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nangoff

Terry and group, I'd like to stay in the vacinity of Sarasota for about a week after the rally. I suspect I can't stay at the fairgrounds. Is there another place you are aware of that I can contact and make arrangements? Thanks, Gerry

Yes, there is a state park a tad further south of Sarasota, called Myakka River State Park. Reserve now, as it is the height of Snowbird Season here.

05ModPod · 01-16-2006, 11:39 PM

Punta Gorda is just another 45 min south depending on what you are looking for - Paradise Park - Airstream - Class A only park with free golf on a 9 holer - full hookups for I think 119US for the week.

They usually have spots on the Visitor Parking section.