by George T. » Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:08 am
Greetings from Colorado!
At last count there were 121 confirmations. Pioneer Village has three areas that we can use for camping. The main campground with power and water available. The primitive area, grassy with some trees and central communal water spigots. And an overflow area that is basically a large grassy field without power or water.
I can say that there will be LOTS of people there and that we will definitely be a small community unto ourselves. I have arranged to close off the street which is behind the main campground and the Village proper. This will give us additional space.
We should all be aware that this gathering has generated quite a bit of interest and space will be at a premium. If Pioneer Village proves to be too small for a gathering of this size, we may have to explore alternative locations in the same general area for the future. I chose Pioneer Village for several reasons. It's central location within the United States and for the unique collections housed within Pioneer Village.
Teardroppers are a special group of people. They share the love of travel, the outdoors and a mode of travel that is "outside of the norm". Whether our trailer is "homebuilt", "selfbuilt" or a "manufactured" unit, each one is unique. Each trailer has been lovingly outfitted to fit the personal needs of the owner[s]. Two trailers built side by side at the same time, to the same specifications, will be vastly different when the new owners outfit them for their personal needs/requirements.
With this in mind, teardrop trailer owners are a "hands on" group who are not afraid to tackle a project and follow a dream. Pioneer Village captures the essence of this American spirit. Whatever your interests are, you will find something to interest you. I spent a hurried two days doing a Chevy Chase “Vacation” tour of the Village and it just whetted my appetite for a more leisurely inspection. What intrigued me the most is that the items in the Village are not museum pieces, but everyday items that have been used as they were intended to be used and are still in good condition.
Pioneer Village and Minden will be a busy place during this event. This is our opportunity to share the spirit of teardropping with the Midwest. Let's show them just how special the teardrop community is! I personally am looking forward to meeting all of the folks that I have corresponded with over the years, but never face to face. I also anticipate that we will have a lot of folks that want to stop by to see a teardrop trailer firsthand, being curious or wanting ideas for when they build their own. I am sure that there might be a few folks willing to give “tours” of their trailer and share ideas/experiences…
That’s what this gathering is all about, people and teardrop trailers. Someone asked about a schedule of events. Pretty simple.
Thursday. Registration, settle in, explore and visit.
Friday. Explore, visit. A low key Dutch Oven "seminar” for some hands on, culminating in a Dutch Oven Potluck for supper. Along with this will be an old fashioned ice cream social using hand cranked ice cream machines.
Saturday. Explore, visit. An electrical workshop for teardrops. More???? Potluck, evening get together.
Sunday. Explore, visit, say goodbyes, head home.
Well, didn’t mean to be so long winded. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m getting excited! Minden, here we come!
George T.