Wally Byam Caravan Club Rally in Missouri

On-Stage Performance

Life was good at the International Rally in Sedalia, MO, but the weather was triple-digit most of the time. Fortunately we had 30 amp electrical service, and our air conditioner never failed. On the downside, just before the rally began, we sent for the EMT for Gloria, who was immobile and incoherent in the middle of the night. It was discovered that she was suffering from a severe bladder infection. She spent the better part of three days at Bothwell Regional Health Center and received excellent care. Following her discharge she was given a referral for physical therapy, and that was most helpful. She was taken back to the ER by Jerry five days later. That time it was determined that she was dehydrated;  she was given fluids and released. Many other Airstreamers were in the hospital during our stay. How much the high temperatures had to do with it we don’t know.

Gloria Directing the Bridge Tournament

Gloria did not allow her health to get in the way of managing the three-day Bridge tournament. She carried out that assignment well with the help of her husband and one of our Texas neighbors. Jerry won the blue ribbon on day two of the tournament. The CB station operated without problems except that there were not enough workers, even though we closed it from Saturday noon until Monday mornings for the first time.

1935 Airstream Still on the Road

We had two trips to the hospital and lots of work to do on our respective committees, but we still had time for fun, group meals, and entertainment. Only about 360 Airstreams were at the Missouri State Fairgrounds for the rally. Compare that with over 2200 that were present at our first international rally in Rapid City, SD in 1996. Regrettably, like many organizations, the old club is shrinking. Nevertheless, we look forward each year to seeing old friends from Canada and across the U.S. One of the main attractions is a parade of vintage Airstreams. One goes back to 1935.

Canadian Wows the Audience with his Fiddle

Every night there was entertainment in the air conditioned arena. Our WBCCI Band has a professional director, and their music is top grade. They played several times, but their evening concert brought out their best. On Canada Day almost everyone wears red, and the Canadian evening entertainer was a talented fiddler who could play from any position—even while turning a somersault. With him were a couple of relatives, including his mother on the keyboard. He also had a beautiful young lady step-dancer who is a terrific professional.

Unit Bulletin Board Contest

Airstreamers love eating out, and Sedalia has no shortage of fine restaurants. There were international, region, and unit dinners and luncheons. There were also happy hours. As committee chairmen, we were invited to an awards luncheon by the International President and given a special Airstream clock.

Band Plays for March of Officers and First Ladies

Mirabai's Photo Wins Blue Ribbon

Contests were an important part of each day. There were card games, horseshoes, art and craft competitions, best bulletin boards, and unit publication contests among others. Gloria won a 2^nd place ribbon for a photo of Jerry touching the top of a lighthouse in a miniature seaside village in Newfoundland last summer. Jerry won five photo ribbons. The best one was a blue ribbon in the HUMOR category. It was of our granddaughter “celebrating” her third birthday in Guatemala. The rally ended with a July 4^th indoor parade, a community fireworks display at the fairgrounds, and an impressive evening flag ceremony. It is during the latter that the gavel is traditionally turned over to a new international president.

Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City

We stayed in Sedalia an extra day until July 6 in order to give Gloria an extra PT session at the hospital and celebrate Jerry’s birthday at the classy Madison’s Cafe in Jefferson City. While there we toured the magnificent Missouri Capitol. We don’t know if we’ll make future rallies or not, but if we do not we shall savor this one despite Gloria's health issues and the hot weather. Missouri is a beautiful, scenic state with myriad tourist attractions, and Sedalia is certainly a city worth visiting.