Gary and Wanda Smith (16540-L)
Region Five Directors
Well, it finally happened. Planning for the Region Five Rally began in 2019. We all know what happened in 2020. Then 2021 arrived and the event went off better than we could have ever expected. We ended up with 58 coaches, down from the 75 that we had in 2020.
Bill Manion opened with the singing of the National Anthem. What a voice he has been blessed with, thanks Bill.
The rally began with our BBQ dinner. Haywards Smokehouse provided the meal and it was fantastic. On Wednesday and Friday mornings, the Valley Café came to the rally hall providing delicious breakfasts. They even provide REAL GLASS PLATES AND FLATWARE. This was the first rally that I know of, that disposable plates and eating utensils were not used. Wanda gets the credit for our well-decorated hall.
Our original plans were to attend the Festhalle in the small Bavarian town of Helen, for a meal and live music. Due to COVID, we opted to have a German dinner (authentic) and live music at the rally hall. Our co-hosts Jim & Barb Watson found the #1 band in North Georgia to perform. The Foxfire Boys played a variety of music from bluegrass to country to gospel. We could certainly see why they were rated #1. Many attendees attended a guided tour of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. We all were educated on the history and customs of the Cherokee Indian. Many also went to the Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee. The fairgrounds artist and craftsman booths were full of quality products for sale. Of course, you cannot attend without a funnel cake. The great food was capped off by a performance of Lee Greenwood. At 78 years old, he still has it.
On Saturday morning we had a Cornhole Tournament with metals awarded to the top three places. The Gold Medal went to Bob & Norie Hass, Silver winners were Tim & Connie Buchholtz and Bill Berg & Kenny Griffin walked away with the Bronze.
Saturday evening meal of Prime Rib and Baked Chicken with all the trimmings concluded the rally. Again, Valley Café provided the meal and it was prepared to perfection. Oh yea, glass plates and flatware. One thing that I can say with certainty, “don’t expect this next year.” Our guest speaker was Brett Davis, CEO of National Indoor RV Centers.
We had great participation from Newmar dealers and suppliers. They were National Indoor RV Centers, North Trails RV, Independence RV, Campers Inn, Freightliner Custom Chassis, Dometic, Spartan, RetroBand, MagnaShade, RV Life, and Farm &City Insurance Co.
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE NKK.
Thanks to all of our members in attendance for making this a memorable Region Five Rally. As always, Newmar members respond when needed. We chose the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia as our charity. Thank you for your generosity, $2,590.00 and two boxes of food, way to go Newmar!! Special thanks to our State Directors for their help and support.
On a sad note, Sunday evening before the rally Margie Harrop received a call that her son had died unexpectedly. She & Greg left early Monday morning. Please remember them in your prayers.
Love God Love Others. We can be reached at gsmith8800@gmail.com 912-656-8800.
