Larry & Patsy Wood (12255-L)
Region Three Directors
The International Rally was held in July in Rock Springs, Wyoming, this year. Although it seems strange to be reading about it now, our publication deadline for the last issue of the Legacy was right before the rally started. It turned out to be so good and so much fun that we couldn’t let the opportunity pass to tell you about it.
Larry’s assignment this year was to oversee the Parking of the coaches. Patsy’s job was to make sure that Registration ran smoothly. We arrived early so that Larry could once again check the grounds of the Sweetwater Events Complex and to finalize the plan that would make it as easy as possible for everyone to get parked. On Monday, the Team Leaders arrived; the Team Captains arrived on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the rest of the volunteers arrived. In total there were 70 volunteers helping with Parking and Registration. A lot of them were first timers, but they caught on fast! After training on Wednesday and Thursday, they were ready to tackle the job ahead.
The busiest day was Friday when a total of 266 coaches were parked. Everyone did a fantastic job. A few last-minute adjustments were made to make things go even more smoothly. At the end of the day, our Parking volunteers were tired but pleased with a job well done. Registration also had their busiest day on Friday. Saturday wasn’t nearly as busy. Altogether we had about 431 coaches to park and register. Monday evening was the opening ceremonies. This was the proud group that carried the Region Three state flags.
We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the Team Leaders, Captains, and volunteers. Without your help, this would be an impossible task. Volunteering is also a fun way to get to know other Newmar members. Many of our first timers (and seasoned volunteers) commented that they enjoyed themselves so much they wanted to do their same jobs again next year. Our reply is “Yes, we would love to have every one of you work with us again next year in Sedalia, Missouri!” Be watching in future articles of the Legacy to learn how to sign up for next year.
Once the Parking and Registration duties were over, our team was free to enjoy all the activities for the week. We had a potluck dinner one evening for Region Three. Even though Marty Lown (Coachlight RV owner) was unable to be with us this year, he still managed to provide all the fried chicken for the more than 160 people in Region Three. He has done this for us for many years, and we have always appreciated his sponsorship. We also want to thank all of you who took the time to prepare something for the dinner. We certainly have some good cooks!
Some of our people participated in the Arts and Crafts Contest. Two of our Texas residents came home with blue ribbons. Michelle Moore of Texas was the Blue Ribbon winner in the quilting competition. She is seen here with husband Matt holding the prizewinning blanket.
Peggy Ragsdale, also of Texas, was another 1st place winner with her painting “Vase of Sunflowers.”
Missouri first timers, Greg & Sandra Finney and Bob & Mary Sue Briggs, listen intently as Joyce Fiebelman explains how the Mid-Mo Kountry Klub is organized.
September will have been another busy month for us. The first week of September Park City, Utah was our destination for the International Sheepherding Festival, one of things on Patsy’s bucket list. The day after we got back, we jumped in the motor home and headed to Texas for the State Rally hosted by Kathy & Mike Hutchens. Next, we headed to Sedalia, Missouri, to scout out the fairgrounds for parking and registration for next year’s International Rally, and then we headed for Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for the Razorback Kountry Klub Chapter Rally, which was hosted by newbies, Larry & Myra Markley. Our next trip coming up is the Oklahoma State Rally hosted by Natalie & Allen Jones.
This has been a good year for seeing old friends and meeting new ones. We look forward to seeing all of you again. Safe travels,
We can be reached at:
Larry: 918-630-7470 email: lwood630@gmail.com
Patsy: 918-640-9024 email: pwood299@gmail.com