Galloping into Gillette

What a great International Rally.  Doug Tilmann organized a caravan to Gillette, Wy.  Several members gathered at the Days End Campground in Sturgis, SD.  They arrived at the fairgrounds on Sunday and were parked near the entertainment venue, display coach
es, and seminars.  There were even some classic coaches from the past.

On Tuesday evening, the Rusters invited all HC members to a lasagna dinner at their coach.  Can you imagine seating 14 adults in a motorhome for a sit-down dinner?  Well, Steve and Nancy showed us it is possible.  It was great to see the Schmiedts who traveled from Pennsylvania and the Creels who traveled from Alabama.  We also met two new members who joined the club during the rally.

Wednesday, new officers were elected and the A & W team won.  Our new FMCA President is Charlie Adcock and our new FMCA Vice President is Jon Walker who had served as the Senior Vice President of the Great Lakes Motor Coach Area.  That evening participants were
invited to tour the new motorhomes that were on display.  Many RV brands were present.

Bright and early members had an opportunity to attend seminars that covered a wide variety of topics from motorhome maintenance to cooking in a microwave oven.  There was a good representation of vendors who offered a variety of products, information on interesting destinations, and enticing caravan opportunities.  The day concluded with an outstanding performance by the Buckinghams, a group that played and sang songs from the ‘60s.  It was great fun and many of the attendees sang along as they remembered the words from songs when they were younger.

The fun continued on Friday and three of the HC members donated quilts for the Family Services Center of Gillette.  Hoosier Cruisers spirits were not dampened even though there was rain and even a little hail.  Many of the women attended a Ladies tea which included refreshments and a humorous speaker.
Saturday ended with entertainment by Marty Stewart who entertained.

Sunday was the end of the rally and some of the HC members decided to stay an extra day because it was so muddy.  The fairgrounds personnel were accommodating and assisted the members who had become stuck by pulling them out with a 4 wheel drive tractor.  All in all it was a great rally with members leaving with fond memories of fellowship and fun experiences.