The weather was agreeable, although a bit warm by mid afternoon. The tree
studded grounds were very clean, with mostly grass and shade. An open sports
field was subdivided into section to accommodate the overflow, as there was
only about 90 actual RV spots with hook ups. However, those in the
improvised spots got a generous amount of lawn to themselves and a better
rate. There were ample, clean showers and a nearby area to try some 4
wheeling.
SOME DEALS: I bought a like new pup tent with attachments for $20, a near
perfect W.W.II bazooka $40 and an excellent GI intermediate cold sleeping bag
for $20. Now what to do with that bazooka?
My friends bought up far more at equally good prices, LAWS (tube) $30, Cot
for $20... and unlike San Jose, no 7.25% sales tax!
Since I was in a British vehicle I didn't track the parts being sold. As you
know British vehicles seldom need any parts. ; ) But, there seemed to be a
lot of US parts available! The best part was the networking, buyers and
sellers swapping cards.
This was my first true MVPA event and I was impressed by the integrity and
knowledge of the folks selling things. Everyone I spoke to was a fountain of
information and not just in parts trivia, but stories of military life and
mil-vehs ... sometimes funny, sometimes sad and sometimes heroic, but always
interesting. Like old Ed, a W.W.II, USN gunners mate who fired a 5 inch gun
without orders and struck a diving enemy sub...blasting away the conning
tower. Time has a way of embellishing things, so did it really happen that
way? Let me just say...when you're with a group of military historians it's
hard to stretch the truth too far! lol
Anyway....we won't forget the stories we heard, especially by those who lived
it. And we were reminded that each year they are becoming significantly less
in number. Which I think is another reason why the mission of the MVPA is so
important now. We're rolling history and whether we were there or not does
not diminish the historic value of those old vehicles or the memories of
those who drove them. Sometimes we tend to lose sight of that when we're so
focused on the mechanical aspects of this hobby. But, we're really doing a
public service and we ought to take some comfort in that fact.
_______________________________________
Just a few minor things that warrant consideration:
Welcoming committee ... every event should have one! We didn't...least I
never saw one! This not only shows the new arrivals where things are, but
makes them feel a part of things, especially if its their first event. This
will help assure everyone is aware of planned activities.. a courtesy, thats
all.
Those who have been attending Woodson Bridge for many years have secured
nearly ALL the river view sites and the other better locations by right of a
permanent reservation. This is both good and bad. It tends to establish a
sort of a clique or hierarchy and it prevents some creative intra-club
organizing... maybe by Jeeps, Trucks, Vendors, Armor, etc. which has its own
obvious advantages.
Permanent reserved sites is a reward for those old timers who want to
surrounded by old friends, but if we don't use every opportunity to bring in
new blood, make new friendships and generally promote Mil-veh's there won't
be a Woodson Bridge Event in 5 or 10 years... this is probably somewhat true
for all our events.
Lastly, poor press relations....We need all the free good publicity we can
get to promote this struggling hobby and encourage new participants. Never
pass up an opportunity for a press notice. This is key to maintaining our
future and protecting the value of your mil-veh
NEXT EVENTS:
Northern California......
SEPT 18th REDDING, CALIF. WINGS AND WHEELS, REDDING AIRPORT. SEPT 18th
BEALE AFB, MARYSVILLE, CALIF.
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