"Escapade, our national rally is the largest and most extensive gathering of the Escapees community. It is a fantastic way to learn more about the RV lifestyle from professionals, as well as from experienced RVers, all while having an amazing time! Escapade packs a wide variety of seminars, social gatherings, nightly entertainment and much more into five, fun-filled days."
That about sums it up ! Five jam packed days and nights ! Shanty Shakers had about 22 rigs attend this year (that is why there were only 12 people at the monthly meeting 😄). Most of us were able to park together but some were in the Staff area, some in Handicap area and a few in Boomers area.
We gathered Thursday night at the Spotted Bull Eatery one exit away from Fairgrounds so we could caravan in as a group. Dinner was good, the beer was better but the Karaoke in the Saloon was not so good according to our sources. 😝
We spent Friday getting settled in and registered. Despite the chilly wind a small die-hard group still gathered for the beloved Happy Hour.
Sunday morning started with opening of the Row of Chapters (aka: the Row). Wayne and Lynn Selden represented Chapter 25 and stayed very busy talking to fellow RVers. Later that afternoon was the official start of events with the Opening Ceremony. There were two highlights from that time. The first was the recognition of the Chapters celebrating milestone anniversaries. Our group stood and whooped and hollered when Chapter 25 was announced for announcing their 30 year anniversary.
The second highlight was hearing John Luptons name drawn for the $250 prize of the night. But why did Debbie go up to collect the money and was later seen sticking it in her pocket? 😉 (Note: John was working on the sound system).
Speaking of John and Debbie, they graciously hosted a St Patrick's Day potluck with corn beef, cabbage, potatoes and Irish stew (provided by Barbara Downing) that evening. It was a great time ! Then back to the event center for the evening entertainment provided by the American Rogues, an American/Canadian Celtic Band to "help get your Irish on"
Monday the seminars began along with the Arts and Crafts. The Row stayed very busy and Chapter Director Lockie Sailer presented Wayne and Lynn with the Certificate recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Chapter's formation. Do you want to know what the most frequently asked question was to our Row Reps? It was "what is a Shanty Shaker?" Do you know how to answer that? (hint: Look carefully at our logo)
Brian Downing taught a beginners and intermediate painting and a few of our members attended. Never thought Wayne had it in him 👌 Speaking of Brian, he also won 3rd place in two categories in the photo contest. Proud of you, Brian !!
Since the wind finally died down, the group had a Happy Hour. People passing by told us we had the best HH going on !
The next few days were filled with seminars, shopping at the Vendor Fair then more of the same.
Tuesday evening we had a huge Bar-b-Que with hamburgers, brats, side salads and desserts. By this time our gatherings were growing as we picked up several new Chapter members and of course invited the neighbors since we were taking over the area. Thanks to the guys for grilling !
The gathering continued on past sunset and out came the propane firepit. It was a good day with good food and great friends !!
We need to give recognition to our Chapter members who served many long hours working as Staff.
Carol and Matt Matteson worked as Assistant Coordinators. They were both so busy, their pictures had to be taken separately.
John Lupton worked with the Sound Team. Debbie worked as Seminar Host and wherever else she was needed.
Marty and Peggy McCauley worked the Registration table, and Marty taught a seminar on VA benefits.
Bruce and Sue Herriott volunteered to work the Volunteer Desk
Bob and Dianna Simons had a table on the Row representing the WARE (Western Area Rally for Escapees) rally and attempted to recruit the next hosts. (anybody have a picture of them? Please email to Shantyshakers25@gmail.com to be added)
Thursday evening if you were not totally exhausted yet, there was a Fiesta by the Cantina with food trucks and live music. (sorry no pictures)
Carol and Matt made the table decorations in the Hospitality area. When all the coffee and donuts were served, the decorations were sold and the money donated to CARE.
Speaking of coffee and donuts...here is a screenshot from a Facebook post
It was a great week with a lot of camaraderie. The 60th Escapades will be in Rock Springs, Wyoming on June 21-26, 2020. SAVE THE DATES NOW !! The venue has 1200 FHU sites so there will be plenty for whoever wants one.
Awesome !!
ReplyDeleteCarol Matteson
Great job ! Lots of fun !
ReplyDeleteWayne Selden