International Airstream Rally In Bozeman, MT

The 51st Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI) rally is complete, and it was a big success. While fuel prices affected rally attendance, nearly 1000 trailers and motor homes gathered in Bozeman, MT for adventure, fun, and fellowship. Bozeman was the perfect location with gorgeous, snow-capped mountains surrounding a friendly city. Warm, sunny days and cool nights were perfect for our needs. The local people love it when the “Wallys” arrive. This is especially true of the merchants, because we do spend a lot of money wherever we gather each year. Not-so-gentle breezes kept our flags flying proudly. While we fly the Texas flag, we continue to be members of our Northern VA Unit (NORVA) where we have been members since 1995.

Each year the rally lasts from June 27 to July 5. It honors the birthday on July 4 of our founder, Wally Byam, who was first in the world to initiate travel trailer caravanning. He also invented the Airstream Travel Trailer back in the 1930s. It was the only travel trailer company out of 400 that survived the Great Depression. One can still visit the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio. The company continues to send parts, accessory products, and quality mechanics to every international rally. This year the latter installed two windows for us.

Many vendors show up for the rally each year and nearly every evening we have high-quality entertainment from outside groups. There are frequent drawings and free ice cream bars. This year a few entertainers offered their Christian witness while providing their songs. The local rancher musicians don’t worry much about political correctness. Everyone has a great time, and after the entertainment, we enjoy dancing to the big band sounds provided by the Wally Byam band.

Volunteer members manage the rally, and they make up over 100 committees. Nearly every attendee has an assignment. This year we worked in Property Management and Wally Byam Control. Jerry was elected First Vice President of the latter and will have a major responsibility next year in Wisconsin for the 24-hour CB radio network that makes periodic announcements and responds to member needs or requests for information. Gloria was elected Secretary for the Classic Airstream Club, a club within WBCCI that promotes fellowship and caravans with members who own the traditional aluminum rigs made popular by Wally Byam rather than the big fiberglass motor homes. .

Crafts, art, photography, and indoor-games capture the interest of attendees at each rally. There is the annual competition for each event, and our photos won three ribbons. Jerry also won second place in the three-day Bridge competition. Units compete for the best float during the 4th of July parade, and there is also the parade of vintage trailers, which must be at least 25 years old. Often they are towed with vintage cars and pickup trucks.

We are looking forward to seeing old friends at next year’s rally in Madison, WI and the following year in Gillette, WY. We are pleased that both presidents of these two rallies reside near us in our North Texas Airstream Community (NTAC) in Hillsboro, TX.