The RV Builders Family Reunion would not be possible, were it not for the very generous contributions of the RVers below.

Trio Avionics

Grand Rapids Technologies





ExperimentalAero (Web site)

An Evening to Remember
Financials

On Wednesday, July 25, 2007, an estimated 500+ people gathered in a field in Oshkosh to celebrate the family of RVers. For the most part, things went smoothly. The exception was I forgot to tell people they could go through the lines as many times as possible.

This year we made only one run to the store -- for ice and a resupply of Corona. We ended up throwing out a few cases of hamburgers, tons of potato salad and cole slaw, but we were able to give away all of the remaining beer and soft drinks.

The BBQ started in 2003 as an afterthought. About 17 people showed up to share some hot dogs. My day job (journalist) prevented me from doing anything in 2004 (there was a national political convention at the same time), but 2005 saw about 70 people show up. And in 2006, about 400 showed up. Granted, this strained our resources since we only planned on about 250 people. So we've learned. We smoothed off some of the rough edges this year.

One thing won't change. We won't be a commercial endeavor in a sea of commercial endeavors. It's just a bunch of RV airplane builders and pilots pulling together to have a nice evening. This year, please consider helping.

Several have inquired about the financial situation. I haven't tallied the results yet but while we ended up a few thousand -- estmated -- in the hole, the money from sponsors -- see some of them on the left -- I believe will put us ahead far enough (We're talking $1,000 - $2,000, I'm guessing), to plan for a tent next year, replace a canopy that was destroyed by a storm this year, and drop the price )depending on menu) for next year.

We are also planning a charitable contribution, the details of which will be announced shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is this going to be?
A: At a Campsite at Camp Scholler. We're planning to be on 12th Street between Lindbergh and Elm, not far from the West End store. See a map of Camp Scholler. If you've got a GPS, our coordinates will likely be approximately:

N 43 58.489
W 088 34.718

Q: How do I get there?
A: Hopefully, by May, this site will have a Flash presentation of how to find us from virtually any direction.

But getting to our spot depends on where you're coming from. If you're inside AirVenture, walk out by Aeroshell Square, past Theatre of the Woods, West until you can see the Red Barn. Take a left after the showers. Take the Camp Scholler shuttle bus and ride it until you get to the West End Store. Get off and walk across into the field. You'll be near 12th. Just keep walking toward the showers. You can't miss us. We have a big white canopy tent donated by Marshall Alexander.

If you're driving, we recommend you try to park in the EAA blue lot and hoof over. Or call us and maybe we can swing over and give you a lift. If you end up down in the parking near the North 40, and you've got an Airventure wristband, (this also applies if you're camping in the North 40 or South 40), use the John Deere trams to get to near Aeroshell Square and follow the above directions. If you're driving from outside of Camp Scholler, it's a bit problematic because there's no parking in Camp Scholler for non-Camp Scholler residents. Recommend you park in an AirVenture parking lot and follow the above instructions. Don't worry. We'll give you a ride back to your car when you're ready to go.

If you're staying in town, we can try to arrange to come and get you, but this is really a pain in the neck. If you're from New Zealand, we'll do this for you. Or UK, or France or somewhere. If you're from the USA, we reserve the right to tell you to bugger off (that's a joke).

Q: If we park in an EAA lot, won't we have to pay admission?
A: EAA says if you park in the Blue Lot after 5 p.m., there's no parking fee. You do not ever enter the AirVenture grounds so you won't need a wristband or anything like that.

Q: Can I park at the campsite?
A: Yes if you have a scooter or a bike. No if you have a car.

Q: Can I bring anything?
A: Definitely bring a folding chair if you can. We don't provide any seating. But most folks like to stand around anyway. We can use some light after sunset too. Oh,and we never have too much ice. Although this might be the year.

Q; I can't find you. Do you have a cellphone where I can call you and you can 'talk me in?"
A: 651-246-5564

Q: Can I stop by in the days before?
A: Of course. Most every evening, we have a really fun time with a handful of RVers. Bring a chair and the beverage of your choice.

Q: Why should I go?
A: Because this BBQ is Oshkosh. It's just people who love being around other people. Everyone smiles. Everyone has a good time, whether they're outgoing, or shy, rich or poor. No one's trying to sell you anything. The sun sets, the grill is fired up, and there's an RVer everywhere you look. Yes, there are other venues -- Van's has their fine dinner the next night and Rivetbangers, I believe, has their dinner the night before. Each has its own flavor. Each should be savored.

Q: What if you have a bunch of food leftover?
A: It gets given away. Free. Last year a bunch of CAP cadets lost their food. So we brought the watermelons over to 'em. An RVer had a family reunion the next week, so we donated several cases of beer. We gave the neighbors hot dog and hamburger buns. Unfortunately, we had four cases of frozen hamburger that had to get tossed in the dumpster that night. Ouch. So, hopefully with this better planning, we won't (1) run out of anything or (2) have anything left. If we do, it's yours for the asking. I also understand the volunteer kitchen would be interested in any leftovers.

CAN YOU HELP?
Depending on what area you wish to help in, a few hours before the event starts will be required. You may also need a car. If you've got a scooter and wish to help pick up (or deliver) people back to their far-flung destinations, we could use that too. Got a generator? How about good sturdy tables? If you know, for sure, you'll be going to OSH and wish to volunteer, please contact Bob Collins . And keep checking this site or the RV Builder's Hotline newsletter for updated information.