The 55th GMC Motorhomes International Convention
2009 FALL CONVENTION REPORT First, a very big thank you to the Western States Club for holding one of their annual rallies in conjunction with the GMCMI rally. Carol and I understand how important they were in making the Pueblo Convention a huge success. The extra seminars, the Saturday dinner, and two extra social events gave added value even to those attendees who were not WS members, but participated in the WS "extras". And our thanks to the Mountainaires for all the extra help in keeping the place clean and orderly, and shuttling people back and forth to the campgrounds. It was quite a hike to the far corners of the campgrounds. Everyone who had toads was very gracious about offering rides to those who did not. Thank you very much for those acts of kindness and consideration for others. GMC'ers are the best. This convention was among the best we have had. Several people said it was the best ever. The facilities were attractive with lots of trees and landscaping and, in general, very well suited although a bit dated and in need of maintenance in some cases. Weather was good most of the time, a little cool, with very high winds one day. The seminars were excellent, both technical and non-technical. The food was some of the best we have ever had, and everything seemed to go off without a hitch. I cannot say enough about the Hodge's, Engman's, Baxter's, Hudspeth's, Stora's, Slaten's, Jim Buchanan, and others who just grab the bull by the horns and make it happen. The problem with mentioning names is that you always miss someone. My apologies if that someone is you. Again, the schedule was very full with seminars all morning, and into the afternoon in several cases. Open houses, coach weighing, Emery's Duracool demo, Dave Lenzi's front bearing replacement demo, Red Hat Tea, flea market, and book exchange filled the afternoons. Meals, socials, seminars, Lucy Weidner's hilarious production, Pinewood Derby Races, and Bingo filled the evenings. We are always amazed at how many people take the Bingo very seriously, and don't miss a night. Carol even tried it this time and won $20, so I suppose she too is hooked now. People were again very generous with donations for the food drive, and the ladies made 64 blankets, all of which were donated to "Compassionate Care" and " The Caring Pregnancy Center", who were very appreciative local charities. Carol took two carfuls to the charities Friday afternoon. That makes 434 blankets the ladies have made since the program's inception. Carol thought the ladies may be getting tired of this program, but they decided to keep doing it at subsequent rallies. Very commendable, I would say. Again, GMC'ers are the best. We had a maximum of 145 coaches which occurred Monday night, and had a total of 147 different coaches, a few for only a day or so. In addition, we had 11 off site or local registrations. 16 vendors were present, which is down a little from previous conventions, but all were good, quality, supportive suppliers. Many quality items were donated by the vendors to again make the raffle a big success. Thank you very much to all the vendors for your contributions to the GMC community, and to GMCMI. I think it is noteworthy that we had a first time vendor at this convention who sells gas fireplaces/grills. He said "you folks" have a wonderful thing going here, and we would like to be a part of it. This is from a husband and wife team who attend many different conventions. While there, they arranged for his brother to buy a GMC from Michael Bozardt, and they too are looking for a GMC to either replace or complement their SOB. That's quite a testament to our conventions and camaraderie! Carol and I try to introduce something a little new or different at each convention. This time it was the Pinewood Derby, thanks to interest generated on the GMCnet forum, and the precedent set by the Great Lakers. By default, since no one else seemed interested in doing it, I made 110 racer kits (including rejects and mistakes), the track, and the timer system, all of which are paid for, thanks to the sale of the cars, a $150 donation by Jim Kanomata, and a $350 donation by the Pacific Cruisers, initiated by Fin Beven. Thank you very much, Fin and Jim, for your enthusiasm, support, and promotion of this event. The hardware and software are now considered property of GMCMI, although no GMCMI funds were used to pay for it! Walt Halley and his noteworthy team of "experts" actually organized the race and managed its running. We were very worried about participation and lack of interest right up until the time of the race. Once the race started, we had no worries. Many people were there, racers and non racers, hooting and hollering and cheering. The racers ranged from works of art (Fin Bevens), to last minute chunks of wood with wheels (Fred Hudspeth, Laurie Burton). The next morning I sold out of all the racers I had brought along, even the rejects and blem's and 23' models by 10:00 in the morning. I believe there will be at least twice as many participants at Montgomery. Should be great fun. Billy Massey took the track home with him and will set it up for a Classic's rally, and to promote the event for Montgomery. So watch out for the fine tuned racers at Montgomery!! If you need racers, I think Jim K still has some, but I am out and will have to build another 100 or so soon so you can get them in time to get them ready for Montgomery. In a closing note, Carol and I have had enough fun putting on these conventions, and feel it is time to let someone else have as much fun{:>) We are resigning effective after the Fall '10 Convention at DuQuoin, IL. It is a paid position ($17,500/year, or 10 cents an hour, whichever is greater) and has some nice perks. So if you are interested please contact us or one of the board members and we will follow up with you. Regards, Druber VP Administration P.S. Sorry this got so long. This was an exceptional convention, and the Derby was a real hoot! |
Pueblo is in the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The grounds are very nice, and the facilities are excellent. The GMC Western States Club will have their Fall Roundup in conjunction with the Pueblo convention and we look forward to a resounding success as in Santa Rosa. The GMC Mountaineers are already busy gathering up information on things to do and sights to see in and around the beautiful state of Colorado. |
TRAVELING TO PUEBLO IN OUR GMCs Links to attractions along the way provided by the
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Activities while there (in reverse order) 10/03/09 10/02/09 10/01/09 9/30/09
9/29/09 9/28/09 9/27/09 9/26/09 9/25/09
8/05/09 The Pueblo convention is shaping up very well and registrations are rolling in at a steady pace. The grounds are very nice and well suited for such a convention, but most of the parking is a fair distance to walk (not quite as far as it was at Santa Rosa). Vendors and handicapped will have parking close to the buildings and the vendors will be right on the path from the main camping area to our buildings. For more information about the facilities, go to http://www.coloradostatefair.com/ The Chili festival http://imagespueblo.com/index.php/site/articles/food/annual_chile_festival_heats_thing |