National Airstream Potlatch and Salmon Rally

Here we are at the 29th National WBCCI Potlatch and Salmon Rally held at Land Yacht Harbor Airstream Park in Lacey, WA. We have wanted to attend this annual event for years, so this year we finally made it. There were over 200 registrants, and Carol Ortiz did a fabulous job as Rally Host. Her abundant energy, enthusiasm, friendly manner, and creativity impressed all of us. Even members of the Washington Unit, Rally Host Unit, agreed that this has been the best Potlatch in years. We were divided into 10 teepee tribes in honor of the nearby Visually Indians, and we competed all week for points. We learned that Indian chiefs used potlatches to celebrate any big event. The chiefs’ status rose according to the generosity they displayed. Guests came from miles around in their canoes and on horseback to participate in the fun, feasting, and competition.

Competition events were held daily at this year’s rally just like the Indian potlatches of yesteryear, and every nearly every night we had a different dress theme to include Italian, Mexican, 50’s-60’s, and a “dressy” night. We were members of Teepee 8, and we finished in second place closely behind Team 6. We all gained weight with the continental breakfasts, pow wows (happy hours), sumptuous feasts, and evening cookies and ice cream. The best dinner was the grand finale salmon banquet. Each evening we had outside entertainment, some of which was good enough to perform at our international rally. There were tours on most days; the one we liked was taking the ferry to Anderson Island. Each day seminars were held on different RVing subjects to include computers, maintenance, tires, septic tank, etc. The best thing about the rally was the fellowship with other Airstreamers, and we gained several new friends.

The spiritual aspect of WBCCI was not neglected, as we enjoyed a couple of uplifting, inspirational services. This rally was indeed a bargain with a rally fee of only $125. We encourage all Airstreamers to attend this wonderful rally in future years. The terraport at Land Yacht Harbor is a great place to be in August. We have had the best weather in the nation during this month.