German Gathering at Gilmore's II

[81pumagtc]

Sorry...saw Steven's posting about Saturday and Sundays and was hoping...

Guess Sunday is all about Corvettes.


Dave

[67type1]

There was about a dozen cars at Gilmore's today. Michelle & Aki get the prize for most entries (Thanks!). Here's a few pics...

s1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee509/VWMX5Ray/2011%20German%20Gathering%20-%20Gilmore/

[akitsuji]

Ray,
Thanks for the pictures. Sorry I missed your offer to take pictures in front of the vintage Shell gas station.

Michele and I enjoyed the companies at relaxed nice summer day.
We also went to see the $3,5M Benz. It was a NICE beautiful car I ever seen. We also were looking for the 1943? Lincoln Continental which Michele's uncle donated to the museum last year. We couldn't find it, but we had a good time.

[81pumagtc]

Ray:

Thank you for the photos! We had a wedding today and could not attend, so this helps!

Still wish we could have been there.


Dave

[teamafx]

Looks like a fun time. Wish we could have also been there.

[Ruffuss]

I'm disappointed and flustrated? After thinking and wondering what changed from last year,from 56 vehicles the first year to less then 20 this. I think, maybe we're spreading ourselves too thin? Trying to get too much into our short season? Maybe we should concentrate on our core events? We're not getting the NEW! participation required to expand? It's the same core group of participation. We need new ideas and help, to continue our growth. Am I wrong?
My vote is to join with MVVW to promote the Air-Cooled Show at Gilmores, step back and observe. If they will allow us to take a back seat look and learn from it. Your ideas and comments PLEASE!

[bren]

I have to agree Kenn. I think we are getting spread too thin. I vote to drop the German Gathering also. I feel we should focus on the Bug Runs, Charity show and Color tour. From there I would like to see us participate more in other clubs shows etc.
If we observe other local VW clubs they do one to two shows per year. I think beyond that is too much.
This is my opinion. Hopefully we will get more feedback on the subject.

[vwrick69]

I would have loved to be there but I am forced to work every other SAT. Otherwise I would have been there it's a cool place. So, a show that is on "wrong" weekend I won't be able to attend.

[67type1]

I find my time being spread between three hobbies (VW's, bikes & other cars). Reducing the club events & knowing in advance the schedule really helps. Traveling & attending other shows is something I look forward to. You get to meet different people and see their cars.

It'd be good to hear other viewpoints & comments.

[revho]

I guess I will through in my 1.5 cents. I don't want to feel like I am stepping on toes, but if you want feed back, here it is.

With having 3 shows in 3 weeks because the spring run was cancelled and dropped in the middle of the charity event and German gathering, it being as hot outside as the bug run the week before, having gone to gillmore last year and walking the grounds (saw everything last year mentality), and it being Georgetta's weekend on to work, we just couldn't do it.

Not everyone can make every show. I know it takes alot to organize these events, maybe less is more in this situation. I would hate to see burn out happen to group members because of something like this not having a good turn out.

Kevin

[Ruffuss]

With the Bug Runs, Charity(South Haven Show) and color tour. Are these enough to fill our plates.
Other clubs charge to join we're free, free, free! Do we need to take a different look at this? Talked with Big Joe from Harsh Winter, they had much the same problem until they charged to join. Is a club member from a charge to join club more likely to help, particiate, voice an opinion, take the lead? I thought by keeping this simple it would help draw a crowd? It didn't. Having nearly a year to set the calendar didn't help, either. Move the date. Cancel it all together? Maybe if I just bow out as the lead would help?? I know everyone else has a life as or more busy, then I. Any further thought on the subject? I talked to a friend at Gilmores and they asked what happened I said I haven't a clue?? I spent hours on the phone and computer,asking question, setting the date and trying to fill everyone in. It's flustrating to say the least.

[gokart]

I will go to more events when I have a running VW. Hopfully before the color tour this year.

I was part of a VW gang in Louisiana that was much like this (no dues, etc). Over the years participation went in cycles. We did find that keeping it simple was best. We had monthly get togethers that were at the same place and same day every month (1st saturday) so everybody always knew where to meet. We did a spring and fall "show"/cruise at the local VW repair shop. We always talked about moving it to a bigger venue but every time we tried, it fell apart. Not enough dedication is available when most members work 40+ hours, have kids, etc.

I think what you're doing works. It was just unfortunate that the bug run got rescheduled and put 3 events in a row.

[SplashBug]

We say drop the German Gathering and focus on the Bug Runs and Charity show. No dues!. we started this club with fun in mind. Don't worry about G.G not panning out.You don't need a running V.W to show your support. you can always come as a spectator. we need those as well to make the show a success. Drop the drama and get back to Fun Mama and Mike

[gokart]

I did spectate at the charity show. Worked on my bug's headliner instead of the German Gathering.

I am hoping to drum up more involvment from/in Berrien county. I have given out several club business cards around St Joe. When I get my car on the road, I will host a gathering here and try to get more locals to come. I know of half a dozen VWs that are not involved in the club, yet. Perhaps if I get some help, I can get it rolling sooner.

[81pumagtc]

My two cents on the German Gathering.

First of all, stop beating yourself for the low turnout Kenn. It's not your fault, no one could do better, etc. etc. etc.

It's true.

You do an outstanding job.

I personally think there are several issues at work here. First of all, there were a lot of shows and events in a very short period of time. The Zoo in Lansing, the rescheduled bug run the week before, and the German Gathering. There was also an air-cooled show the week before.

I went to the Bug Run, Charity show due to a work emergency, missed the Zoo (even though it was only 20 minutes from my house) due to a work emergency, and had a wedding on the day of the German Gathering…so I might not be the best person to talk about it but I did think the turnout was low, but it may have been caused by the number of shows in the previous weeks.

I am not certain that we should make a decision to abandon it after one down year, and am not certain we are spreading ourselves too thin as a club.

As it is I think we have a pretty good schedule.

Normally the year starts off officially at the Drag Day/Bug Run in the middle of May. Of course it was rained out this year, so it was moved to July.

The Charity show is nice, but has been really really hot for the last few years since it is on a parking lot with no trees. Nice cars show, there is shopping near by, and a good restaurant nearby for the GoodVolks "after" party.

We would next have the "Club" day at the Gilmore. Nice place, lots of grass, and even some trees. There is even a nice restaurant on the grounds. Last year was nice with the Jensen club, but the Mustangs were a bit of a joke with only a handful attending, and the other group from Detroit for expensive cars. They came, but didn't mingle that I could see, and left quickly. I don't know who was there this year.

The fall Drag Day/Bug Run in October would be next, on October 2nd at Martin. Cookout there. Enough said.

The last "show" of the year is the fall Color Tour. For the last few years it has been organized by AJ (Yah AJ!!!) and it's a great time.

There are other events during the year put on by other clubs, and they kind of fill in the blanks.

I would personally still like to see the Gilmore on the schedule. It's fun, family friendly, and quite unlike the Bug Runs.

This brings me up to something err… controversial.

Personally, I don't really enjoy the Bug Runs. Before I get killed, let me tell you why. I don't drag race. No interest at all in it. I was excited to see auto-x on the schedule this year, but sadly, I think folks got their wires crossed. There is a small track at the Gilmore…and I have seen various sports car guys (usually British and Miata guys) make fools of themselves on it. It's fun!

I can watch drag racing for a little while, then my a$$ starts hurting, and the sun is just unpleasant. Also, I find it a bit expensive, there are very few trees to park under, and it's a bit loud. That said, I am also a minority of one, and a boring one at that. I might have been influenced by Bren and Mike's epic battles against all comers in the drags…probably would have.

I would have still be hot and sore, however. I am NOT advocating that we replace one of the Bug Runs, but I do think it would be nice to have a regular show to go to…hence the Gilmore. I can handle two racing shows, and two "gathering" type of shows a year.

I don't think I would change the no dues requirement, and if it the Gilmore dies again next year, we should maybe talk. Remember, the Gilmore


Dave

P.S. Don't trash me because I am not a drag racing fan…I would like to try different things before we kick the Gilmore to the curb...