Oregon Trail Winnies & Itascas
Newsletter
September 2011
UNDER THE BIG TOP was the theme for the 40th annual Rally conducted by the Oregon
Trail Winnies & Itascas. Seventy coaches participated in the four day affair, including
eleven “First Timers” getting their first experience at an outstanding Oregon State
Club Rally. Six Oregon Winnebago Industries dealers provided support for our meals
and social functions, while sixty-eight contributors provided door prizes Sixteen
vendors provided RV goods and services or other “must have” products to the attendees,
while fifteen seminars provided useful information regarding a wide variety of products
and services being offered, including maintenance tips, food preparation and storing,
vehicle towing, solutions for coach handling problems, generator use and maintenance
tips and keeping the coach clean.
Interspersed with the seminars and visiting with the vendors were various games and
competitions, including pinochle, bean bag baseball, cribbage and the Tournament
of Games that took place on one or more days of the Rally. After dinner on Thursday
the big draw was bingo with many prizes for those that connected the dots. Friday
evening had three couples with the same logo mark on their name tags sitting together
for dinner. After the meal each table engaged in a “Battle of the Tables” competition
to solve brain teaser problems that ranged from simple to complex. There was also
time for social events including the Ice Cream Social, Margaritaville Social and
the Wine & Cheese Social, the latter included live music with a four piece band that
had everyone up and moving to the music.
Needless to say, we also had great meals. The OTWI Chapters prepared and served
Friday and Saturday lunch and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Thursday and Friday
mornings greeted the attendees with fresh baked donuts, yogurt and bananas that were
well received. Thursday, Friday and Saturday were catered dinners that were outstanding.
Not only were they delightful and in generous portions, they were complete meals
well received and enjoyed by all.
For our after dinner Saturday evening entertainment, with a large number of attendees
dressed in their favorite “Under the Big Top” costume, we welcomed the Al Kader Shriner
Clowns that performed a variety of skits and tricks and magic that kept everyone
laughing and having a good time. Then it was time for the awards to the winners
of the various games, followed by a drawing of the winning raffle tickets for the
many items on the state raffle table. As the Rally came to a close, it was amazing
to see the many folks helping clear the wall and table decorations, empty the trash
and transform the hall from its circus atmosphere back to normal.
Perry McCart, President (Now Past President)
Oregon Trail Winnies & Itascas
