HitchHiker International Rally - 2009
Updated: 10/09/09
The Du Quoin
State Fairgrounds is a huge place. It included 1,000 campsites. This is the view
across a lake from where we camped before joining the rally. The following
paragraph is copied from their Web site.
The Illinois Du Quoin State Fairground may be the area's earliest and most successful reclamation project. Back in 1939 when William R. Hayes bought the Old Black Gold Strip Mine that joined his original 30-acre fairground tract and set to work filling, leveling, and landscaping the acreage. Today, there are 1200 beautiful acres with 12 lakes and ponds (salvaged strip pits), and 30 miles of winding roadways, not to mention the showplace mansion and stables, the grandstand, and the mile oval track that yearly showcases the World Trotting Derby.
We
could see the horse racing track from our window. Several horses were pulling
sulkies, a couple were being trained behind a pickup truck.
The
fairgrounds was very busy. They seemed to have several events or activities
going on each day in addition to our rally.
This sand sculpture was left from a previous event. It was holding up against the wind and rain exceptionally well.
We attended one event prior to the rally - Cowboy Mounted Shooting - 2009 competition.
The area had a lot of rain recently so the ground was saturated - it squished as you walked. Puddles were common. So, you can imagine what the tow vehicles and heavy HitchHikers did to the turf. Many of us made ruts. Several got stuck. Some people left early for a campground and returned for the closing dinner and program due to more approaching rain.
The
parking committee had a tough time finding 'dry' spots for the 94 units
attending the rally. They worked during a heavy rain on Sunday adding to the
difficulty of their job.
Good job, guys and gals.
Monday was the official start of the rally. Of course, most people were already on the grounds by then. The last of the attendees probably arrived too late for the early morning golf outing. The Wearable Store opened and registration was winding down.
Dolores
told the 'First-Timers' all about HitchHikers of America International. The
First Timer meeting was well attended. About a third of the HitchHikers at the
rally were First Timers.
Other than this meeting, the day was pretty much set aside to catching up with 'old' friends and making 'new' friends.
Opening Ceremonies were followed by a time of welcome and hospitality.
We
were welcomed to the area by a fairgrounds representative.
Dolores introduced the vendors.
At
one point Mike found something funny. Maybe it was the way Dolores introduced
him.
For those who do not know, Mike Mitchell is the CEO of NuWa.
Sherry
Branham announced that Larry would not be attending much of the rally due to
medical treatments. She stepped in and did a good job of filling his shoes.
Again, for those who do not know, they own the company that manages the club and sells the wearable items.
The hospitality part of the evening was a collection of desserts. We were told, all of the calories had been removed. And, we believed it.
Tuesday began a full schedule of activities. It started with a continental breakfast and presentation by SkyMed.
The
next was a discussion with Mike about the future of NuWa and any topic the
attendees wanted to talk about related to NuWa products. Mike handles the
questions very well.
Mike has a great staff of people who usually attend the rallies. However, Mary Lou and I consider it unusual that a CEO attends a company sponsored rally and appreciate Mike's effort to do that.
Throughout
the day some vendors conducted seminars. We always attend the seminars for the
information they provide even on a subject we may be quite knowledgeable.
A
effort is made to provide seminars that will appeal to both men and women.
This is a cooking seminar - one man attended.
A couple women attended the seminar on water filtration.
Mid-afternoon,
our ice cream was provided by an insurance vendor.
The ladder golf competition began. The games were fun . . . and competitive.
Potlucks and meals together was a common way to share food and fellowship. Several of the local clubs gathered before the evening programing.
At the evening program, we celebrated birthdays and anniversaries
The
entertainment for the evening was provided by Blend. It is an A
cappella quartet singing 50s and 60s songs with a twist of fun. Quartet members
are college students.
A couple of our members helped them on one number.
Wednesday started with a breakfast catered through a local restaurant. It was good. Well worth getting up for.
Again, seminars are an important part of any HitchHiker Rally. Even with the poor economy two of NuWa's suppliers were present at the rally. The number of suppliers was down substantially this year. Hopefully, next year the economy will strengthen and more suppliers will participate.
Dicor rubber roofs
Thetford toilets & refrigerators
These guys are very knowledgeable and they keep your
attention.
We help them buy relating some humorous experiences with their
products.
This
year, a seminar provided information on
www.nuwaowners.org . The site includes a huge amount of information on NuWa
products.
The forum is invaluable to RVers. The forum is a resource for HitchHiker owners but also for owners of any RV brand. The forum is loaded with experienced 'experts'.
Beanbag baseball was a popular game.
Jokers was a fun table game.
Wednesday evening we had a pet parade. The cats and dogs were segregated for obvious reasons. We will not show all the pets - sorry folks.
The cats were shown first. Apparently, there was no restriction in the rules that the cat had to be alive. A stuffed cat(toy) was taken out of a cardboard box. Fred was waiting for the owner to be taken away in a white jacket with straps. Seriously, it was a very funny scene.
The
cats were followed by a wide variety of dogs. Some were rescued dogs - including
three grayhounds.
The
entertainment for the evening was Bingo. Unfortunately, Mary Lou did not win
anything this year.
Thursday
started with a presentation by Sherry. She discussed the future of HitchHikers
of America and next years International Rally. Due to the RV industry downturn,
she told us HHofA was the only club that had a tour last year. She also mention
that all manufacturers have reduced or stopped their support of their travel
clubs.
For now, HHofA is going to hold our International Rally as long as we can. Next year, we will have one tour leading into the Fall of 2010 International Rally in Texas.
Lunch
Thursday was our traditional Red Hat Luncheon for the women and our second
Greasy Hat luncheon for the men.
The caterer has been used by Larry before. In addition to providing good food, he was a 'stand-up' comedian. He added humor to his providing of the "vittles".
Between meals, we had the opportunity to go to the Arts and Crafts Sale and the Patio Sale.
The catered dinner was another success.
Every
time someone slid a chair on the cement floor, the scrapping sound was loud. So,
Dolores started her announcements with, "I know this is going to be noisy" ...
but ... attached to the bottom of one chair at each table is a small piece of
shipping tape. The person sitting on that chair gets the table centerpiece. All
the chairs being moved at one time created a 'roar'.
The
evening program was preceded by awards and other presentations. Certificates
were presented for oldest and newest HitchHiker, distance traveled, oldest and
youngest member and others.
A
solemn time is when we recognize those who have died during the prior year. The
name is written on a ribbon worn by our Memory Bear.
On
a lighter note, our travelling bear named Hilda HitchHiker was passed on to
another couple. She will travel with them during the next year.
At
the Opening Ceremony on Monday, Dolores announced that she and Don were retiring
from the position as our Events Managers. They had served us for seven years.
So, when one of the stools her uncle has been making as a prize was awarded this
year, it was the last one.
As
a thank for the work they have done for the group over those years, an envelope
was send around to collect money to give to Dolores and Don.
From
the size of the box, you would think the money was all in change. But, we
understand that the gift was converted to hundred dollars bills at a local bank.
The
entertainment for the final evening together was a five piece band named
Night Flight. They specialize in today's country and classic rock.
They were a good band but, unfortunately, they played too loud for the small size and low ceiling design of our room. Many people left at various time during their performance. This caused some of our usual 'good-byes' to be missed because nothing was scheduled for Friday morning. Other years we had a continental breakfast on Friday.
We thank all the volunteers who helped in various
ways
to make this rally a success.
Dolores and Don,
We again express our personal appreciation
for your leadership at the
rallies and the
tours we have shared with you.
Our best wishes are extended to you as
you retire as Events Managers.
Fred and Mary Lou