Flame away guys but I am going to tell it like it is about last years
decision.
Last year I voted to keep the Gathering at MVN and I will most likely do
so again this year unless someone can really put on a good presentation as
to why we should have it at another location. I am going to step up here and
honestly have to say that Wayne Williams shot himself down with his
presentation. After the first five minutes of the slide show, folks were
grimacing and squirming in their seats and after fifteen minutes of looking
at wildlife, trees, scenery, etc... people were looking for a nice way to
ask for the presentation to be ended. A presentation should be to the point,
concise, informative and not drawn out to the point of some folks actually
leaving the room. We want to know about the airport, we want to know about
flying around the airport, what we can do in the air and what we can't do
and where our planes will be parked and what services they have for us. We
want to know how the gathering will be managed. What forums will be
presented and what the banquet facilities are. Will there be food and
refreshments at the airport or will it be off airport only. Tell us about
the lodging and a little about the town. Most of us don't care if there are
casinos, river rides, tours, ball room dances, theaters, etc...... A true KR
enthusiast will spend his or her entire day and night at the airport. After
all, that is what we are there for, Right?
I also think that if the Gathering stays in a fairly central location
and managed as an annual event by the airport, along with the city's
support, the Gathering will grow each year. People will get used to the
location, they will get used to the airport, they will get used to the time
and will start making this an annual pilgrimage. Right now MVN is a short 3
hour flight for me but I am moving next summer two hours farther north up
the state of Wisconsin so it will be farther for me to fly to the Gathering
in 2007 regardless of where the Gathering winds up.
Now, that being said, I am a committed KR enthusiast and will fly to the
Gathering no matter where it is and if my plane is not up to it, I will fly
commercial or drive there. The comments made above are not to degrade,
insult, or hurt anyone's feelings. I hope there will be some optional
locations presented so that we can still have a vote as to where the
gathering will be held. After all, was the vote not taken last year? And was
not MVN the winner by a landslide. If Chris wants to keep us at MVN then he
must pitch the winning presentation. The votes at the gathering used to be
done with a raising of hands but last year the vote was by secrete ballot
which I feel should be the case again this year.
The sad thing is that no matter where the Gathering is, there will
always be someone unhappy about it.
Mark Jones (N886MJ)
Wales, WI
Visit my web site: www.flykr2s.com
E-mail: [email protected]
