Region 3 Airstream Rally In Raleigh

After Florida, we drove north to the fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC to enjoy being with old friends at the Region 3 Rally, Wally Byam Caravan Club International. There were over 100 Airstreams from seven different southeastern states. Our Northern VA Club (NORVA) made up 10 percent of that number. There were the usual business meetings, seminars, group dinners, gift drawings, joker games, craft sales, and evening entertainment, The last night was the highlight with a terrific big dance band, and we took full advantage of the dance floor to renew our love for the great songs from the fifties and sixties, The rally ended with the unit flags being retired and a wonderful "prayer for the road" Christian service.

This was a rally with lots of free time. A big community flea market outside the Fairgrounds Colesium appealed to Jerry. We both enjoyed touring the Capitol and the Legislatitve Affairs Building. North Carolina is one of the few states where the legislature meets in a building separate from the Capitol. The latter is rather austere compared with most state capitols we have toured. Oddly, in the rotunda is a large, white, centerpiece statue of George Washington dressed as a Roman Emperor. That's what happens when an Italian sculptor who never saw George is commissioned to produce his likeness. Jerry remembers seeing this capitol the first time in 1955 when he was a cadet in training at Fort Bragg. As a native Ohioan, he was shocked to see two large concrete drinking fountains in front that were marked "colored" and "white." Fortunately North Carolina has come a long way since those days.

The North Carolina State Fairgrounds provided a terrific opportunity for the ladies--the Southern Women's Show. What a treat! Several women from NORVA took advantage of being able to just walk to the exhibition, pay their money and have a good day. From size 2 to 22 there were myriad fashion venders. One could get a make over, bikini wax, 100 dollar hair cut just to mention a few. There were over 500 exhibitors plus entertainment every hour for three days. Included were Sleep Number beds, Saturn cars, and offers of a chance to win a cruise. Our good friend Elaine and Gloria had their eyes done, and Gloria even got a lesson on creating pouty lips! Elaine is shown at a main rally event (top left photo) accepting our Superior Unit Merit Award for NORVA's many achievements last year during her tenure as president.