News: North Carolina

Winnie Tarwheels
State Club
By Joyce Bynum

The NC State Rally was held May 1-3 at Camp Hatteras Campground on the beautiful Outer Banks. The theme was "Come Fly With Us" and the conference center was decorated with airplanes, hot air balloons, kites, lighthouses, seashells, and many more fantastic decorations that went along with our theme. Dorothie Johnson chaired the decoration committee.

Some members arrived a week ahead to take advantage of fishing and other activities available at the Outer Banks. There were 135 people at the rally and 65 RVs. Thirty-one people took bus trips to either northern points of the Outer Banks or to southern points which included a ferry ride over to Ocracoke Island. Six states were represented with two RVs from CA.

Tuesday more members arrived and there were hugs all around as we renewed friendships and caught up on the happenings since the last state rally. Tuesday 18 people gathered in Pat and Kathy O'Brien's Winnebago to watch the Carolina Hurricanes defeat the NJ Devils 4-3!

Wednesday night was "game night" in the conference center.

At the opening ceremonies Friday, members who were attending a NC State Rally for the first time were recognized and given a handcrafted airplane pin. Alonzo and Priscilla Morrison made these airplanes. Following the opening ceremonies, everyone was invited to a scrumptious spread of "finger foods."

Plemmons RV provided the rally with a "Store on Wheels" stocked with parts and accessories. Multiple seminars were conducted Friday and Saturday. Friday afternoon there was an ice cream social followed by a delicious dinner and cash bingo. After bingo, door prizes were given out and most members went away with not just one, but two door prizes. The Western Winnie Tar Wheel Chapter was in charge of meals, the ice cream, and games.

Saturday games were enjoyed and the silent auction generated much interest. Arts and crafts had 30 entries in 13 different categories. We were pleased that other states submitted items. Priscilla Morrison won the "Best of Show" with her cross-stitching of cats.

Saturday night we were entertained by Wrenn Mangum who had people screaming, rocking, rolling, mouthing the words, dancing and even two females who couldn't resist running up on the stage to touch Wrenn. You had to be there to sense the excitement! This was one of the BEST acts we have had in a long time.

Sunday we had a continental breakfast and said our goodbyes. Many said this was the best state rally in a long time.

At the close of the rally, new NC state officers were elected. Elected were: Steve Dubay, President; Charlie Albury, Vice President; Joyce Bynum, Secretary; and Gary Willox, Treasurer.

Winnebago-Itasca Travelers