OMGOODNESS. Y'all.
Let's talk a bit about International -
This is what people in the airstream world call the yearly gathering / convention that has to do with ALL THINGS airstream. I know for sure that I cannot fully cover it in one blog post - so here's some highlights -
But first, some back ground - Craig and I attended the Vintage Airstream Club [VAC] Rendezvous in 2021 with our #AnnieLeetheArgosy - and this was our introduction into the world of VAC - but also the WBCCI [Wally Byam Caravan Club International] now known as Airstream Club International [ACI] - and we REALLY enjoyed getting to know other 'streamers.
We were intrigued with the idea of International, but couldn't commit to a week-long gathering -- both due to travel times [International Rallies are held in different places across the US each year] and, well, work. Also, to be honest - we weren't sure we were interested enough to do ALL THINGS AIRSTREAM for an entire week.
All that to say -- last month we found ourselves in Sedalia Missouri at the 67th annual Airstream International Rally. And let me say - the International Rally is SO MUCH MORE than workshops / vendors about all things airstream - and those were GOOD.
I think I'd have to sum it up and say it's about community.
We loved seeing so many familiar faces and meeting up with so many people we've met over these last four years. And we regret that we didn't have time to have a good catch-up visit with each and every one! [We're already thinking about how we can remedy that in the coming years -] Because we WERE BUSY y'all.
In addition to the [very] informative workshops we attended, we also had VAC activities, a few meals with both our Alabama and Music City Clubs, activities with some of our affiliate clubs, and our caravan friends... plus large group activities... whew...
And there were fun things on the agenda too -
And a 'workshop' for stuffing / sewing tiny pillows for preemies. Such a sweet donation to a NICU hospital - and a great time to visit with some new [Alabama] friends!
The VAC Party was THE BEST. Since it was October, they went with a halloween theme and the costumes were over-the-top... The music was THE BEST. and we had a blast.
I also did a fun little class where we made a crochet flamingo. And well. You've already seen my results on the socials... lol... But I'm determined to give it another go!
There was also a pajama party movie night... And while I made our pj t-shirts with a Wally Byam quote... -- See More -- Do More -- Live More -- I'll admit that our little group was just too tired to go to the movies... so we hung out in our clam and played dominoes...lol .
We had several opportunities to gather together as a large group with updates, announcements, the airstream band and choir, give-aways, church services, dances, and music. No doubt - there was plenty on the agenda to choose from!
One of the highlights of our week was the Region 6 Luncheon. [I'm still loving that BeReal app, lol] We'd met many of these folks at the Region 6 Rally back in the summer so it was fun to reconnect with everyone. [Region 6 is Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the panhandle of Florida.]
After the luncheon the Region 6 Leadership took a moment for the installation of Alabama's new officers. That's Mike Riggens our new Alabama president, Eric McHenry our ACI President, Craig - 1st VP, and Rob Fike, our 2nd VP.
We're looking forward to being a part of the leadership team for our Alabama Club [I'm corresponding secretary -] and think it will be a great year! [Of course I had to get a photo of Craig with our Alabama flag -]
Takeaways: We'd do it again in a heart beat. #AishlingtheAirstream was a joy to be in during these 15 days! From the Rolling Rally to our little VAC Rendezvous and throughout the entire International Rally... we had THE BEST TIME. Now that we know more about the agenda we hope to add in some time to catch up with friends we don't see very often... But we were going from sun-up to midnight most days...
Especially that night God's glorious lights showed up!
And side note: I am SO VERY GLAD Craig found these Lectric bikes [used] for us back in the winter. Everything was at least a half mile from our campsite and we were back and forth multiple times each day. These bikes helped save time and who-am-I-kidding? our knees, lol... Pedal-assist is the way to go - ha -
PS - The Katy trail just outside the fairground was wonderful!