I was not at last years get together , but have been to other events (weddings) where the music overpowers the reason why people get together . I guess I am getting old , as I remember when music was an important factor . I know if the DW and I were attending a get together , no matter how much we wanted to attend ,if the music got too loud, we would ask others to join us, leave and go to a place where socializing would not be inturrupted by the "urge" to celebrate by loud music . Make sense ? I know this thread is formed about the "get together" but it seems the issue of loud music has come up . Must have been a problem for some . Maybe a social peroid of sorts for a couple hours and then all you loud music buffs can have at it and us "old folks" will leave at our liesure .
DaSu wrote: I was not at last years get together , but have been to other events (weddings) where the music overpowers the reason why people get together . I guess I am getting old , as I remember when music was an important factor . I know if the DW and I were attending a get together , no matter how much we wanted to attend ,if the music got too loud, we would ask others to join us, leave and go to a place where socializing would not be inturrupted by the "urge" to celebrate by loud music . Make sense ? I know this thread is formed about the "get together" but it seems the issue of loud music has come up . Must have been a problem for some . Maybe a social peroid of sorts for a couple hours and then all you loud music buffs can have at it and us "old folks" will leave at our liesure .
No, DaSu the music was not loud at all and quite mellow. It was quite good. Actually most people left before the music started. About a dozen of us stayed until the entertainment was over.
Paul and Karen
New to us 93 Pace Arrow
01 Tracker Toad
Don & Carolyn wrote: The organizers for last year's get together put in a LOT of work! We want to thank them for all of their hard work. We really appreciate all of the time and effort that they put into the event.
We hope it is OK if we offer some ideas for this year's event. If we offend anyone, we apologize ahead of time.
Last year was our first time to attend. We found that we could not walk around and get acquainted with people at the Horseman's Grill once everyone was seated at the tables. Once we were seated, we could only visit with the people across the table from us. The problem was that the noise level was so high that we could not hear the people across from us. We were concerned that the music would make it even louder so we left early.
A suggestion: Are there any places outside in a park-like setting where we could walk around and chat with people? The food could be a simple picnic with brats. It could even be a pot luck with brats. Ask people to bring a lawn chair for sitting.
Last year it seemed that the prize drawings lasted a very long time.
A suggestion: If people would like an Rv.Net t-shirt, sell them for cost and have people indicate that they will be buying one when they sign up for the event. That way, door prizes can be minimal or none at all. But everyone would be able to go home with new friends and a t-shirt!
Last year we left at the beginning of the music. We usually avoid concerts or loud events.
A suggestion: Just focus on people getting acquainted instead of entertainment. Start out with the large group for the picnic but then break into smaller groups based on interest. "Pull up your chair here if you would like to talk about...." For example, start with smaller groups of people by region such as all those from the 5 state area of MN, Iowa, Wisconsin, SD, and ND all meet in one area. The purpose would be to see who is there from your 'neighborhood'. After a period of time, reshuffle and have people who would like to talk about traveling into Mexico (or other topics) meet in one mini-group. Generate a list of topics from now until the gathering starts. We could reshuffle a few times and that way we could meet more people in smaller settings.
The location for next year's gathering does not have to be centrally located. That limits the options. This is a once-a-year event and we (speaking for ourselves) would be willing to drive a little further.
Just ideas....
Having this event at a park would be nice, however, as you can see it is planned several weeks in advance. We can't rely on the weather being suitable for an outdoor event.
Seems to me a lot of folks leave when the free stuff is gone.
Since the t-shirts are donated from RV-net it would be hard to charge for them.
Here is a little behind the scenes information for those who are interested regarding the 3 previous Gatherings ~
Our previous Gathering locations have all been no cost to use the facilities.
Last winter we had a wonderful speaker from Mexico who volunteered his time and travel expenses to come speak to us and answer questions on travel to Mexico.
The entertainment has been volunteer. I must also add as kbix said very good quality of entertainment. Nothing too wild or loud ~ remember we are all Winter Texans and past the wild and loud stage of life.
Or if we occasionally try wild and loud it sure doesn't last too long anymore.
Most of the door prizes have been donated by the Affinity Group who sponsors the RV.Net Forum. Pawatt also added items to the collection last year.
It takes many Volunteers to make everything go smoothly. The volunteers are incredible.
Our goal has always been to keep cost minimal ~ Again we are all Winter Texans ~
From these Gatherings there have been many friendships formed which is the purpose of getting together.
I will also add those who left before the entertainment started last year missed a great opportunity to visit in a smaller group setting.
With these thoughts and goals in mind I look forward to more comments and suggestions regarding a Gathering for the upcoming Winter Season.
I also have no objections and would welcome anyone who has an interest in planning and putting the Gathering together this coming Winter Season.
DaSu wrote: I was not at last years get together , but have been to other events (weddings) where the music overpowers the reason why people get together . I guess I am getting old , as I remember when music was an important factor . I know if the DW and I were attending a get together , no matter how much we wanted to attend ,if the music got too loud, we would ask others to join us, leave and go to a place where socializing would not be inturrupted by the "urge" to celebrate by loud music . Make sense ? I know this thread is formed about the "get together" but it seems the issue of loud music has come up . Must have been a problem for some . Maybe a social peroid of sorts for a couple hours and then all you loud music buffs can have at it and us "old folks" will leave at our liesure .
No, DaSu the music was not loud at all and quite mellow. It was quite good. Actually most people left before the music started. About a dozen of us stayed until the entertainment was over.
I stand corrected about last years event but stand on my version of loud music making a strain on conversation anywhere .
I'm also hearing challenged, spent too many years at the Nascar tracks while I was working. With that being said, I could pass on a meal, just throw me a margarita and turn me loose. I also could pass on the music. Even with "mellow" music, it usually makes it hard to carry on a conversation.
I've been to every get-together so far and made some long lasting friendships. I realize all the effort that the volunteers have to do to put together one of these functions and it's certainly appreciated.
I guess I'm just a simple guy(no comments please)and would just as soon have an informal get-together without a meal or even door prizes, with the ability to mingle and meet new friends.
BTW, I'm not a music hater...heck I've been known to crank the volume on my guitar up to "10" every now and then also.
Larry & Ann w/Lucy the cocker
'00 Mountain Aire 350 Cummins/Spartan
Toad: '05 Jeep Liberty Ltd.
Typically what month is the gathering held? Is there a particular day of the week it has been held? What time does it typically start and how long does it last? What do attendees bring other than themselves?
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