Northeast Regional Rally Submitted by Mark Oros

What a wonderful weekend at Sampson Park in the Finger Lake Region of New York. The Second Annual Tin Can Tourist 2009 Northeast Rally was this past weekend and not only did we have 22 new members, but the size of the Rally doubled from last year. Members came from eleven different states to share their love and interest for vintage trailers and motor coaches. Bill and Denise Fletcher hosted this year’s Rally and once again pulled together a weekend full of good food, great friendships and musical entertainment. There was a perfect balance between attending TCT related information sessions, community meals and talking to fellow campers about their rigs. Some of the events this weekend included a chili cook-off, Janice Coon, being the winner this year, dish to pass/pig roast, music by string band Slewfoot with TCT member Stan Ink on Banjo and voting for your favorite classic trailer or motor coach. This year’s awards for top trailers and motor coaches went to the following proud owners.

  • Best in Show Ken & Michelle Defer 1953 Rodelite
  • Runner up Dave & Janice Coon 1961 Winnebago Canned Ham
  • Hon. Mention Brandon Clayson 1969 Arrow
  • Special Interest Wayne & Lise Reynolds Wooden Teardrop Homebuilt

The majority of people attending Saturday’s Open House appeared to be folks and friends just visiting to see the classic trailers and coaches. It is always a pleasure to see newcomers’ wide-eyed enthusiasm and know that the Tin Can Tourist bug will bite some of them and next year they will be back as members with their own vintage rigs. This year’s Rally was no different in last year’s in that it was the people that own the vintage trailers and coaches that made the Rally such a great time. Volunteers, such as Hunt and Susan Jones remind us in both words and actions that it is the special effort that we put into our TCT community that makes it so worthwhile. Whether vintage touring is a lifestyle or a one weekend a year hobby, please let Bill and Denise know that you are willing and able to help out at next year’s Rally (May 20, 2010) in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Special thanks to door prize supporters:  Dan Piper of Vintage Campers; Doug Keister;  Steve at Vintage Trailer Supply;  Brad’s Trailer Service;  Vintage Kingpins;  and John & Rita McCarren

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *