I actually live in Galesburg, and I will be planning most of the meet there. We will only be in Monmouth the one day for the car show. The car show will last an entire day. It will be on a Friday, so try to make your plans around that. I am guessing that most people will show up Thursday evening for a mini-meet. There is a new Super Wal-Mart right off I-74 with a Buffalo Wild Wings right next door, both buildings are less than a year old. I was thinking we could meet up there and have a lil tailgate "party" that evening and wait for everyone to show up, then walk on over and have some wings and a beer or something. Afterwards, we can take the convoy to the hotel district and get everyone tucked in.
Anyone planning on showing up days before.... just let me know and we can plan some stuff on our own. We have had some talks about people showing up way early and having some "Eagle Clinic" sesions and some general "how to's". I figure we'll probably do most of this on Saturday, but I am down for hanging out early in the week as well. I may take the entire week off from work. Was it NJ that said he'd come down and paint my car? LOL! He needs to come the weekened before, so we can have it ready for the show!
Friday, July 31st, 2009
Maple City Cruise Night in Monmouth, IL. (about 14m West of Galesburg). For the early birds, maybe we can meet up in Galesburg at Perkins (not far from the hotels) and have a breakfast at 9 or so, then meet back up at Wal-Mart at 10:30-11ish and wait for any stragglers and "late" sleepers. I'd like to be at the show no later than Noon, but we may bump all of the times up sooner if it depends on getting a good spot in Monmouth. Times are subject to change, but I assure you I will have a (near) exact schedule before the event. I'd kind of like to take some ideas from the people that will be attending before I set anything in stone. The show goes on into the wee hours of the night, but I think alot of folks start packing up around 9pm. They have tons of great food vendors (ribeyes, burgers, brats, hotdogs, snocones, ice cream, corn dogs, etc.) bars will be serving beverages, live entertainment in the center of the show, 50/50 drawings, raffles, and all the good stuff. The show brings in rides from all over the USA totalling more and more every year. Last year was about 1200 cars. You literally will walk miles to see them all. The radio station that work for will be broadcasting live all day as well. I am trying to book a show with a couple of local bands for that evening as well... my band of course will be performing for the Eaglenest! I'm still trying to find a good venue that isn't going to cost me loads of cash. So, for those of you that like to party and listen to loud, hard, (but radio friendly) rock and roll.... you will deffinetly enjoy the after-set. For the faint of heart, there is no shame in heading back to your hotel and getting the well deserved rest you will be needing after the long day of festivities.
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
On this day, we will play it by ear. I am trying to plan a really cool eagle clinic session that will take a good portion of the early part of the day. Then I'm thinking a nice BBQ, followed by our own Eagle Cruise and maybe a ride out the to drive in movie theater! It's the largest cynderblock screen in the United States! Plus they have great food out there too, lol! I wanted to give out some awards on this day, but time and money got the best of me. Still a possibility. Regardless, the clinic and the BBQ will fill our day just right and I promise good food and good times!
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
I am guessing most will be leaving failry early. For those flying the coup early, we will all get together at a designated time and place to see you off. For the others, we can head back to my house and hang out, and maybe munch on some left overs. There are some pretty cool scenic places in Galesburg and the surrounding areas. For anyone interested, I could pull up some info and maybe find some online brochures and then I could give you the tour! I can also scout all the scrap yards and tally up the good parts... maybe we could go scavenging? Just whatever, we'll call this a freebie day unless someone comes up with some cooler ideas.
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The Press - I would like to involve the press as well. (radio, paper, tv) I am working on sponsorship. I am working on a banner. I am working on goody bags. And I will even be hiring a photographer to snap pictures of the event. Discuss. And remember to check this thread often because I am sure I will be changing/adding information on this post from time to time as we get closer to the date and more and more ideas begin to circulate.
4x4/Off Roading/Trail Blazing/Muddin' - I have been looking into this by request.... there is a spot about 87m from where I live. Roughly an hour and a half from Galesburg... all interstate I think. Mostly. Maybe, lol! 65 acres of trails and off roading... by appointment only. I don't know anything about it, but if there's enough interest - I'll give em a call and see what they would be willing to work out with us and see if they have any restrictions. I still may find something closer. Here's the link if you want to check it yourself...
http://www.offroadlands.com/park.asp?pid=577
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