Esapades 57 in Tucson, AZ

Escapades 57 is a done deal. Twenty seven Shanty Shaker rigs made the trek to Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, AZ in record setting temperatures. Most of the group were parked in FHU thanks to the Awesome Parking Teams coordination. A few were out on the grassy Polo field with partial hookups and a few others ended up in boondocking.  Despite being spread out over the Fairgrounds the group still came together for Happy Hours and meals.

 Sunday morning marked the opening of the Marketplace with various  RV related vendor products as well as the first day of Chapter Row. The “Row” is where members can visit representatives from various Chapters and BOFs (Birds of a Feather…as in flock together)  and hear about their activities and the area they represent. A big thanks to Diana and Bob Simon for representing Chapter 25 and recruiting some new members.

On Sunday afternoon Opening Ceremony was held.  After the cursory introductions and accolades were given, we heard from Kay Peterson, Co-founder of Escapees.  She is full of spunk and can barely be seen over the podium. She told a story about eating a buffet with her late husband, Joe, where she returned to the wrong table after getting her food. She asked her husband if he thought the waitress thought she was senile. He replied, "well, thats better than being stupid" By the way, Kay just celebrated her 90th birthday.

The evening entertainment was a group of Native American dancers that was enjoyed by all who attended. Plus Peggy McCauley won a door prize, a dash cam ! 

Monday, and every day, started with coffee and donuts in the Hospitality area followed by seminars for your learning pleasure. Topics included RV Satellite TV, LED lights, Driving Safely, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, Free Camping on Public Grounds, Technology for Travelers, Troubleshooting RV Refrigerators, Towing Tip, Using Social Media for Fun, Geocaching Basics, Google Photos and so much more ! These seminars are one of the many things that make attending an Escapade so worthwhile.

Speaking of the Hospitality area, did you notice the table decorations?  They were made by Matt and Carol Matteson from our Chapter. Very cool !

Monday evening entertainment by Woody and the Longboards had us dancing in the aisles. Hearing the oldies by the Beach Boys and the Eagles bought back fond memories of the 60s and 70s. The evening left us nostalgic and exhausted. The Morlans, the Millers and the Regniers won door prizes this evening too. Great night for the SS !

 

After another long day of seminars, we gathered around the chapter’s new propane firepit for some relaxation and star gazing.

On Wednesday evening, a huge barbeque was held. Five guys grilled 50+ hamburgers and 80 hot dogs. Awesome side salads, fruit, veggies and desserts were provided by members and a few guests. Garth and Judy Carle and Don and Tracy Braun drove in for day from Prescott to join in the SS fun. We had 60, yes, 6 0 people attend.  It was a great meal before heading off to see the Escapades Got Talent show.

Thursday afternoon was the Closing ceremony and last chance to win a door prize. Good luck hit the Chapter again !  John and Wendy Pumphrey won the Rose Parade HOP  (HOP= Head Out Programs: trips organized and hosted by Escapees)  Congratulations ! This is the second time the Pumphreys won a HOP. Several years ago their name was drawn to win a trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.(time for lottery tickets??)

A group of SS then headed to Happy Hour and Dinner at Chueys Restaurant. After dinner, it was time to start with the goodbye hugs as most were leaving the Fairgrounds the next morning.

Marty & Peggy working at Registration Desk

Bruce helping with Transportation

 917 rigs and 2,652 people attended the 57^th Escapade. The next chance to attend this fun event is May of 2018  in Sedalia, Missouri Put it on your calendar now !