By Michele Shields, F395470, & Cecil Gray, F317425
December 2012
The Midwest Prairie Schooners chapter (MWPS) celebrated its 35th anniversary July 13 through 15, 2012, at The Great Escape RV Park & Campground in Higginsville, Missouri. The chapter, which covers the greater Kansas City area and points beyond, was chartered as the GMC Prairie Schooners on July 28, 1977, but the name was changed to Midwest Prairie Schooners in 1979.
Currently, 48 member families belong to the MWPS chapter, and 34 member family coaches (68 members, plus guests) made it to the rally. Two of the current members attending the anniversary event have been active for nearly all 35 years of the chapter’s existence. John Sinnett joined in 1979, and Richard and Ellen Butts joined in 1981. Other current members have been with MWPS from one to 16 years, with 30 joining the chapter during the past five years.
The theme of the anniversary rally was the 1970s, and all activities gave a nod to the culture of the decade. Thursday’s kickoff event was a potluck supper followed by a night of watching TV shows from the 1970s. On Friday night, members met in the clubhouse dressed as TV characters from the era. The list of “celebrities” in attendance included Laverne De Fazio and Shirley Feeney (“Laverne & Shirley”); Fonzie (“Happy Days”); Endora and Samantha (“Bewitched”); “Hawkeye” Pierce, “Hot Lips” Houlihan, and Klinger (“M*A*S*H”); Granny and Jed Clampett (“The Beverly Hillbillies”); Fred and Wilma Flintstone (“The Flintstones”); Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz; and characters from the variety show “Hee Haw.” The night ended with a “Family Feud” game show, with chapter president Rick Jones playing the part of emcee Richard Dawson.
Following breakfast on Saturday, the highlight of the rally was the “Laugh-In” skit with all of our favorite characters, including “tasteful” Mrs. Judith Beasley; announcer Gary Owens; hosts Dan Rowan and Dick Martin; The Judge; “dirty old man” Tyrone and “ugly prude” Gladys; Ernestine, the telephone switchboard operator; Edith Ann in her rocking chair; Goldie Hawn; and Wolfgang, the German soldier. Special guests were Sonny & Cher who performed “I Got You Babe.” We hope to see the video soon, as there was plenty of ad-libbing.
Saturday evening was a catered affair. The clubhouse was converted into a Las Vegas-style supper club with music that paid tribute to the Rat Pack (Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and friends). Members were dressed in more formal 1970s attire. Unfortunately, the planned dance was cancelled due to the high temperature inside the room, despite the cooling equipment. So the festivities moved outdoors where members gathered in groups to visit and swap lies — no, we mean, stories.
Following a group photo on Sunday, it was time to say our good-byes until the August rally.
The hosts did a tremendous job planning and carrying out the rally events. It’s not easy corralling that many people, especially in 100-plus temperatures. However, Rick and Leah Jones, Ken and Pat Voorhes, Gary and Janett Derzinski, and George and Joy Rasche were great hosts. It wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without the participation of our members, who really get into the act whenever given the opportunity.
The Midwest Prairie Schooners hold a rally each month from April through October at RV parks or state parks in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. For more information about our chapter, visit www.mwpschooners.com or contact Rick Jones at (417) 664-2900; e-mail: rjones@islabels.com.