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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.

Edie · 07-02-2003, 12:51 PM

The electric service provided by WBCCI is enough to keep batteries charged and maybe run a small fan. I have decided we will have to be off-site at all future International rallies we attend, because I'm not dealing with the heat again.

Maybe we could park at the same campground as any other forum members planning to attend, but park off-site.

thenewkid64 · 07-02-2003, 12:55 PM

Malcolm & Katalin,

There is almost allways a way to get early parking. If you want to be parked with other members of your WBCCI unit, see if they are offering a caravan to the rally. Another way to get in early is to volunteer to be a helper of some sort. The main rally functions do not start before the opening day of the rally, but there are many things to do in Lansing itself.

I am not aware of the actual activities that are offered for kids, there is a youth director and I think this years big kids event was a cruise.

overlander64 · 07-02-2003, 02:58 PM

Greetings Malcolm & Katalin!

Typically, the parking dates for pre-registered attendees who have not volunteered for committee assignments are June 25 and 26. I have pre-registered for each of the International Rallys since 1998, and have always received a parking date of June 25. Another incentive to pre-register is participation in the door-prize drawing for those who pre-register before the deadline (usually January 1) - - prizes are usually gift certificates to the Airstream store or WBCCI goodies.

There are usually near daily activities for the youth in attendance at International. I have parked near the Emericks (two daughters who are now teenagers) every year since '99, and their daughters have been involved in WBCCI affiliated activities on a near daily basis. The youth director and her committee work very hard to insure that the youth will enjoy the rally, and from what I have observed most do. The specific activities have varied tremendously from one rally to the next depending upon what was available locally, but some that I remember have included swim parties, bowling, trip to a zoo and arboretum, museum visits, a trip to an amusement park, a teen sock hop, and my list is far from complete. I am single an do not have children, but as a high school teacher I have quite a bit of practice observing the reactions of young people.

Problems with my tow vehicles as well as a few problems getting my trailer ready kept me from making the trip to Vermont, but I will be in Lansing as well as Springfield. I may be kicking myself, but I am planning to park on-site at Lansin; but know that I will be seeking off-site parking at Springfield.

I am confident that you and your family will enjoy the International Rally.

Kevin

Airstream402001 · 07-02-2003, 09:30 PM

I just returned home early from the rally in Vermont. Several people told me that WBCCI plans to rent huge generators [ like they have at FMCA rallies] for the rally at Springfield. Of course, there will be an extra fee for their use.
By the way, we Airstreamers seem to bring the hot weather with us to the International Rally. We had two 90 plus days last week in Burlington

Cliff in Indiana

**jcanavera** · 07-02-2003, 10:14 PM

Hurray! I know some folks in our unit worked over one of the International VP's who attended the Region 8 rally about the need for portable power. I'll have to check with one of our members, who volunteered to help design a portable setup to see if he was drafted to work on this. I'll follow up if I can get some confirmation.

Thanks for the info.

Jack

Pick · 07-03-2003, 06:16 AM

Jack, have them talk to Agrekko. These folks do a lot of business in the Cleveland area. I see them at concerts, and the cell phone co's use them to provide power for cell site before the local utility can wire the sites. This would be right up their alley. Their gensets are SUPER quiet.
Agrekko Website