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It is always a bit daunting to attend your first event of any type where you know that most people there have many years of experience. The following letter, written by Kay Fisher-Irwin, may assist you in navigating your first rally:
We are so delighted that you have joined our Airstream Club and we are looking forward to meeting you at the upcoming rally. Everyone will help you in any way that they can. I'll try to go over a few things now and if you have any questions, please email or call the rally hosts.
Our rallies are usually held on Thursday through Sunday morning with the exception of the Texas Vintage Rally, which starts on Wednesday. Many of us arrive a day early just to spend more time with our friends. If you wish to come in early, please check with the rally hosts since early parking sites may be limited. If you come in early, there may be no one to direct you to a parking space, so stop and inquire at the office if you don't see any Airstreams. If you come in on the designated start of the rally, the hosts will direct you to a parking space and assist you as necessary.
Dress is very casual. The only rally we dress up for is the Installation Rally in November and that's just for the actual evening of the installation. Dress for the annual officer installation in November is "church attire", otherwise, anything from jeans and tee shirt on up is fine.
You never HAVE to do anything. If a scheduled event are not your thing or you've seen it already, etc., don't ever feel like you have to do it to make someone happy. There are usually board games in the rally room in the evenings if you are interested.
Social hours usually happen about 4 PM every day when something else is not scheduled. Depending on the weather, it could be in the rally room or another building or around someones trailer. It's just a "happy hour" so bring your drink of choice, chairs if it is at someones trailer, and you can bring a snack to share (small amount as we always have way too much). Sometimes "happy hours" are not planned but just happen. Just know that everyone is included in every event so you don't have to wait for an invitation.
Bring "set-ups" to all meals unless the schedule says not to. Setups are your table settings and beverage.
Some meals will be fixed by the hosts, usually breakfasts and one or more evening meals. There are always a few in the group who prefer to sleep in and eat breakfast in their trailer, so don't ever feel like you have to set the alarm to be there. We are very laid back. Many lunches and sometimes an evening meal are "on your own". We are not always close to places to eat so it is good to always have something in the trailer to eat.
There is no breakfast served on Sunday morning. There is usually a devotions scheduled. If you come to devotions, you are free to bring your own coffee with you. Our devotions may be a spiritual talk or a book report. We take up a collection which goes to charity sometime down the road.
Airstreamers are always early! If it says 6:00 p.m. for dinner, the line will be forming at 5:45. That's just the way we are!
Pets? We have lots of pet owners in our group and many of the pets come with their owners to happy hour.
Rallies are the best way to meet your fellow unit members. |