39th Wing Ding

My first one, and I am somewhat disappointed. Expected many more vendors, and a good many of ones there had nothing to do with Goldwings, or any motorcycle. The hurricane may have had some effect, but one vendor I spoke with said she did not think this was the main cause. Her experience (30 years) has been that pre-registration usually runs 3000+, but this one only managed around 1200. She blamed the venue (Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas). Too expensive all the way around - $3.00 for a small coffee or bottle of water, $8.00 for a salad or sandwich - plus $10.00 a day for parking with no in and out, or $50.00 for the entire event with unlimited in and out (normally $22.00 a day with no in and out whatsoever, you leave, it's another $22.00 to park again).

Did, however, make some purchases and have some items installed on the Prowler. May attend again Saturday (last day) with one of my sons who also rides. Volunteered at registration for two of the days, but ended up needing to only work one. After the first day, there was only a trickle of people showing up.

Wonder how much effect Hurricane Harvey had on the attendance...people fearing they couldn't get home to areas east and south of DFW and therefore cancelled the trip..

The parking fees and restrictions sound ridiculous.

My son-in-law said the same thing about the vendors at EAA's Osh-kosh in Wisconsin - so MANY vendors had nothing to do with aviation...says its been getting worse every year.

[QUOTE= My son-in-law said the same thing about the vendors at EAA's Osh-kosh in Wisconsin - so MANY vendors had nothing to do with aviation...says its been getting worse every year.[/QUOTE]

We don't see a Wing get together in Fl from Dec To March 10th, Then us snowbirds are gone.

I agree many vendor things dont relate to hobbies and servicing our own machines. Some of the crap is like the annoying TV scams that don't have a purpose. Tools relate to most everyone though. We volunteered at the seabase for many years. We see mostly the same supplies for Airplanes antique tractor boating RV's to hot rods. I find Tool & Die shop supplies down here in Fl , they don't ask what Im using it for.

Happy Wrenching



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