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2009 Grand National Rally "WITSTOCK"
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| The 2009 Grand National Rally was held this past July as usual in the field across from the Winnebago factory in Forest City, Iowa. The theme this year was "WITSTOCK" in reference to the times back 40 hears ago. Even with the economy, 1200+ motorhomes attended the week long rally. Our own state was well represented as usual with 11 rigs in the Arizona state row and 20+ rigs total throughout the rally campground. Some were hooked up to 50 amps while others were parkers or helping out with planned activities. One of the main activities during the pre-week was the Wingard sale of the new batwing attachment for enhanced UHF digital channels. He had brought 300 of them and was sold out before the actual rally began. They brought in 200 more. Of course they couldn’t fix our webmaster’s ailing satellite dish, so we are using the portable dish for another year. |
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| The weather was great this year and nearly half of our people arrived during the pre-week rally. Some even came to the Iowa State Rally which preceded pre-week on the rally grounds for the first time. Our President & Secretary, Don & Merith Cowden arrived early also and had the head of the row setup with our state sign and Merith’s Witstock banner well before the actual rally began. The flags along main street were placed in the ground following opening ceremonies Sunday evening. It was announced at the opening ceremonies that Florida reportedly had nearly 150 rigs in attendance. |
| Seminars began on Monday morning as well as beanbag baseball. Our Az-Nv combined team won the first game and lost the second game by only 1 run. Then on Monday evening, Arizona departed from the traditional caravan to the Branding Iron restaurant and ended up at Sally’s restaurant in downtown Forest City. She opened up the restaurant just for us as she usually is open only for breakfast and lunch. As usual 40+ people attended the excellent buffet at a great price. |
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| Of course Tuesday evening was row party time. It appears now that everyone knows about the Washington clam chowder, the Iowa peach fuzzies, and the Arizona MARGARITAS. There was a line out to the road from 4:00 pm until we ran out at 5:30 pm. Our past president tried to warn Don & Merith about the notoriety, but they were overwhelmed by the response. Don brought out the super Jenga game and as you can see, the ladies participated as well as the men. A new record of 34 rows was achieved. The Forest City Security guard showed up again to try their hand at the game. |
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| There was a spirited competition between two jazz bands traveling up and down the main concourses. The music was great and even Ella and Urban Sanders danced up a storm . There was great entertainment with music back to the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, helpful seminars, and of course the introduction of the 2010 motorhomes. Only dreams for most of us. Paul and Barb Smith’s bath and a half model (how about those colors) was sold along with the only new 42’ tag axle model available. Two of our ladies, Ella and Margaret completed the Women on Wheels seminars. A couple of rigs had to leave early, but a number of our people stayed until Monday morning enjoying the ever opening field and companionship. Hope to see you there next year. |
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Questions? / Comments: Contact Our State President |
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Be Safe Traveling |