Mississippi Fiberglass Rally--September 30-October 2, 2016

A couple from Mount Vernon, IA came to look at my Ollie this morning. Heather Oliver arranged the inspection. They've been to the Casita factory and drove to Madison, WI last weekend to see an Escape. They told me about the Mississippi Fiberglass Rally at the Thomson Causeway Corps of Engineers campground in Western Illinois on the Mississippi River. Escape owners are responsible for organizing the rally and the owners of the company that manufactures the Escape Travel Trailers will be there. I think Casita owners also attend. I plan to arrive on Friday, September 30, 2016 and I'll leave on Sunday, October 2. The campground is near the small town of Thomson, IL. It's not far from Sabula, IA, a small town on an island in the Mississippi. Pretty area. It would be great if some other Ollie owners could make it. I can't attend the Oliver rally in Howenwald this year--I'll be at a wedding in California.

Don,

Wish we could make it. Will not be traveling through that area camping until next year!

Have a Great Trip!

Here's some additional information about this Rally.

Thomson Causeway – Thomson Illinois

September 30 to October 2

Plans are firming up for the second rendezvous on the Mississippi. We have twenty five campsites are now booked and the Hickory Point loop is filled, there are plenty of sites still available in the two adjacent loops. As with last year, we have a great mix of sizes and brands, including an Outback 13. Everyone is welcome; we are even going to allow Jim and Katrina to return with their motorcycle and trailer.

The buzz this year is the Great Lugnuts Contest to be held on late Saturday afternoon. Iowa Dave has engineered a precision machine to test your skills on judging the tightness of your nuts. Eric has arranged some great prizes. As we published earlier, the time of the contest will be announced 30 seconds before the start. Rules will change at will.

At the same time, or perhaps a bit before the contest, we will host a wine tasting in the Stone picnic shelter. We encourage everyone to bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share. There will be a cooler available for white wines to properly chill before the event. Rumor has it that beer will be available as well. If this is your beverage of choice be sure to bring it along. Wine glasses will be available as well. A fire will allow the festivities to go into the evening.

The shelter has not been rented on the night before (Friday) or the evening after (Sunday) so we have planned a fire and informal get together in the Stone shelter on each of those days.

Last year a group of bicycle riders left on Sunday morning for a spin on the Great River Trail. That same paved bike trail runs through Thomson Causeway and gives riders to opportunity to ride to Savanna or Clinton. We hope you can join the group for a “Go Slow Ride”.

The highlight of the rally has been the traditional open house on trailers. We would hope that you will open up your trailer for guests who are looking to see the inside of a fiberglass RV. This will start at noon and run till the start of “Happy Hour”. image002.jpgIf last year was an example we can expect a number of day trippers for the tours.

In the past there has been interest in having a potluck during the rally. This is not something I have any experience in organizing. If you are so inclined to organize an evening potluck on Saturday or a breakfast potluck on Sunday please let me know.

Escape Trailer Industries has been so kind to provide some nice “swag” for this event. Be sure to register at site 109 and receive a free gift plus an opportunity for the drawing. You will need to be On the banks of the Mississippi, the ice is out and they shoveled the snow.present to win.

We welcome those who are planning to attend and encourage any additional guests to join us on the Mississippi River.

Paul and Janet Braun

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Buzzy,

I think that would be the perfect wine!