By Michael & Michelle Bozeman, F392595
September 2012
Where would you find RVs, chickens, cows, alligators, and pigs mixed in with friends, fun, and laughter? The place to be to see all of this was the 2012 Great Lakes Area Spring Spree (G.L.A.S.S.) at the Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, Michigan, on Memorial Day weekend, May 24 through 28. Attendees donned their best farm duds and joined in the spirit of the “Down On The Farm” theme.
The leadership of Greg and Laura Baker as rally masters, along with co-rally masters Paul and Delores Jameson, and Jack Ford, our treasurer, made this an event that will long be remembered.
The bell in the registration area was busy ringing for our 62 first-time attendees. Among them were international RVers Ross and Lorna Cameron from Australia. Mike and Joni Baker, along with Donna Slaughter and the registration volunteers, were responsible for the efficient registration experience. George Abbott’s work on the rally program was greatly appreciated by all attendees.
The rally theme continued at the information booth with the volunteers and their coordinator, Sharon Ford. The ambiance of this area was enhanced by aromas from a nearby barbecue stand.
Not far from the information booth was something new to the event, a games room. This was the idea of seminars and crafts chairman Barney Martin, and it turned out to be a favorite gathering place for many rally attendees. You could find friends and family gathered around playing cards and board games in good-natured competition peppered with laughter.
The grandstand was the hub for the rally’s entertainment, organized by Dennis and Judy Stoel. The stage crew, managed by Jerry and Jean Wessel, created an authentic “Down On The Farm” experience. Stage props and decorations included real antique tools and G.L.A.S.S.’s own mannequin version of Grant Wood’s 1930 painting “American Gothic.” The opening ceremonies, organized by Brian and Michele Hoxie, were quite moving and honored the multitude of military veterans in the audience, as well as the chapters of the Great Lakes Area. Jon Walker, national vice president, Great Lakes Area, presented chapter awards to the Frustrated Maestros Great Lakes Area and Northern Lights chapters for 20 years; the Apollo Great Lakes chapter for 15 years; the Blue Water RV’ers and the Great Lakes Converted Coaches chapters for 10 years; and the Ohio Arrows chapter for five years.
The Allegheny String Band kicked off the weekend’s entertainment on Thursday, having traveled from their farm in western Pennsylvania to be with us. On Friday, rally-goers joined in with Maria Rose and Danny Elswick of the “Midwest Country” TV show as they performed patriotic and old-time favorites. On Saturday, the chickens, cows, alligators, and pigs showed up during the return engagement of The John Bressler Show. John had rally-goers joining in a rousing rendition of “Old MacDonald Had A Farm,” complete with costumes and audience participation. On Sunday morning, Glenn Bulthuis and his band provided an uplifting musical service with a great selection of old-time hymns and songs. Glenn and his band made a repeat appearance Sunday evening as Glenn Bulthuis and the Tonedeafs with their “Music of the Beatles” performance.
The Frustrated Maestros Great Lakes Area chapter, under the direction of Paul Long, began their 20th anniversary celebration at G.L.A.S.S. Their performances were exceptional and had many people singing and dancing to the music, whether it was as an entire ensemble or in one of their small groups at the grandstand or the activities building. We congratulate them on their 20th anniversary.
The G.L.A.S.S. Diner was nicely decorated to accent the rally’s theme, much to the delight of everyone. Under the supervision of Don and Nancy Sharp and Don and Kathy DuCharme, volunteers from many chapters served up tasty vittles for rally-goers all weekend.
Other popular areas were the vendor building and the coach display area. Sally Sutton and her team tended to the indoor display area and had great feedback from the vendors regarding the vendor refresh center. You also could find the winning number for the daily drawing, managed by Karen Kannegieter, in the vendor area. Bob Sutton and Paul Nordbeck were equally busy with the outside vendor area, especially during the ice cream social, which was held in that area. The vendors were cared for by the vendor parking team led by James Thompson. Skip Horton headed up the building security team, and Clare Applebee’s gate security group did a wonderful job. Jim Riemersma and his security team maintained safety for rally-goers along with managing any emergencies that arose.
There were two teams of volunteers that all rally-goers met: the welcome team, headed up by Wanda Riemersma, and the parking team, managed by Leo Wathen and Alvin Scruggs. These volunteers greeted and parked all of the coaches this year. Ron Marquardt kept workers refreshed and hydrated with coffee, soft drinks, and cold water throughout the rally. Speaking of refreshments, Betty Pryor headed up the Ladies Afternoon Tea, which was well attended with many women decked out in their Red Hat finest.
The winery trips were a favorite activity again this year, along with the golf tournament organized by Fred Hamlin. Gloria Mills and her team supported rally-goers’ summer reading needs with the book and DVD swap, while Santhia Guinn managed the 50/50 raffle. Fred and Joan Hamlin were busy with the chapter fair that highlighted Great Lakes Area chapters and their activities. Jan Abbott, Eddie Slaughter, and the shuttle drivers were busy moving people to and from the many locations, while golf cart transportation was managed by Ken and Bev Trevena again this year.
Memorial Day is a special day at the G.L.A.S.S. Rally. As in past years, we honored those who have served this country during a parade that featured the Berrien Springs High School Band, the American Legion color guard, and many veterans. Following the parade we gathered around the flagpole for a special memorial ceremony. This event is very moving and reminds us of the true purpose of Memorial Day.
The Michigan Knights of the Highway have hosted the G.L.A.S.S. Rally for 35 years. This year’s 2012 event was the final G.L.A.S.S. Rally they will host. Next year’s Great Lakes Area rally will be presented by the Great Lakes Area MotorCoach Association, with planning and execution done by the area’s chapters. Special thanks to everyone who has been a part of the area’s 35 years of rally-going fun and friendship.