How did you deal with the Hershey rain??

[ex98thdrill]

I thought I'd start a thread to not complain about the weather but to see what you guys did. I'll start by asking four questions and see what the rest of you did.

1. Were you there?

2. What days were you there?

3. What did you do?

4. What did you do when the rain started?

My answers:

1. We were there and during the week got to see Steve Moskowitz, Novaman, Peter Heizman, Peter Gariepy, Ron Green, Bookreader, D. Binger, Sal G., etc. I know there were others, but these are the people that I remember seeing.

2. We got there Tuesday at noon and left Saturday afternoon.

3a. Spent all day Tuesday doing a quick walk around of the Chocolate, red and white fields until dark.

3b. Spent all day Wednesday going through the Blue and White fields, met with Novaman Wednesday afternoon, had dinner with him, went over to Rick Hoover's shop and had a great time (thank you very much Rick). After leaving Rick's, we took Novaman back to his camper via GPS.

3c. Spent all day Thursday going through the Chocolate Field and hit part of the red field a second time.

4. On Friday we planned on going through the area of the red field that we had missed, it was raining, we didn't see a lot of vendors open, so I took my dad over to the AACA Library to get out of the rain, show him the library, and do some reasearch on a 1928 Chevy that we're working on (dad was impressed with the library). Left the Library, went through the car corral and looked at those cars, found out that the race car and high wheeler demonstration was cancelled, so we went back to the truck via rows in the Red Field that we hadn't seen. Seeing that we didn't see that much open, we drove to York to tour the Harley Plant. After getting there, we found out that there were a lot of car guys going through the place, and there were no tickets left to tour the plant. The 2pm tickets for the last tour were gone by 11:30. We went back to take a tour of Chocolate World, took the tour, had dinner, and went to the museum for Judging School.

On Saturday we brought our 1978 King Cobra onto the show field to go for a 1st Preservation Award, we both judged, looked for the DFer's meeting, didn't see anyone, and left as soon as they announced on the PA system that all car owners could leave the show field if they chose to do so. We loaded up, and had the trailer backed into the shop at 7:30pm.

A good week, got to spent time with some great people, and like a circus it is still "The Greatest Show on Earth" .....but always better when I can pick on Gerald Ford er, I mean, Howard

[Shop Rat]

We were there. Sorry I did not get to meet you, I would have liked to.

We got to the campground on Tuesday night.

We walked the fields (missed the Blue field and some of the Red due to rain) on Wednesday and Thursday. I was able to meet several of the forum members that had flea market spaces.

We heard the rain before the alarm sounded on Friday and decided to sleep in until nine. We visited the AACA Library for the first time. Admired the new roof and Bill got some documentation for our '63 1/2 Falcon Sprint convertible he wanted. It sure is a nice facility.

We visited several favorite places to eat with friends from our club that came up also.

Bill and I, and our friend Rodger Woodrum that stays with us at Hershey, all judged and enjoyed the cars despite the rain. Bill and I keep wonderful rain suits from Wear Guard in the RV for such occasions. And my new waterproof leather boots kept my feet snug and dry.

[Guest imported_CarFreak]

We walked around all day Friday in our rain gear but still ended up soaking wet. Soooo - Saturday we put rain ponchos over our rain jackets & pants and stayed pretty dry. Didn't want to carry umbrellas through the show field and have to worry about the cars. Did see a lot of others carrying umbrellas though.

We usually camp out but when I heard the rain forecasted found a couple rooms. Different hotels each night but was nice to be able to dry the shoes over the heaters at night.

Also went to an antiques mall nearby later on Friday that had a pretty good bunch of vintage petroliana and asst automobilia. Saw a lot of Hershey-goers there.

We only had Thursday as a good day to view the swap and it wasn't enough. We checked out all of the open vendors on the white, chocolate and red fields on Friday. Didn't buy too much but we tried really hard to spend our $$$.

As I mentioned in another post we skipped out of the car show by early afternoon and went to the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg (worth the trip). Spent a lot of time at the AACA Museum last year.

[ex98thdrill]

We were there. I judged the fire trucks, my dad judged the 70's production cars, and my Mustang was parked on the end with not another car anyplace close to it. The car will probably never go to Hershey ever again. Unless we have something going for a 1st Junior or Senior, we'll probably have either the woodie or the old pickup there instead. It's a case where those two vehicles are more fun to bring out, gain more attention, better parking, etc. We've had a lot of people asking us where those two vehicles are, so we'll bring out what the people want to see out of our collection. Besides we are known more for those two vehicles, than we are for anything else. Even once the fire truck is finished, once we get to the Preservation Award level, we'll go back to bringing the pickup and the woodie, because the fire truck will have to be driven. With the firetruck only having a 15 gallon gas tank and no power steering, brakes, AC, etc., it won't be comfortable to drive. The pickup has been in in the collection for 42 years, but the woodie is the mark of how my father has spent his life, working on cars, and working with wood (he's a retired carpenter), so those two will be our primary show vehicles.

Once we can achieve Senior Grand National status with the truck and the woodie, the King Cobra will only be coming out for AGNM shows.

[Steve Moskowitz]

Yes, I was there or at least I think I was! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Had the rain gear on but was soaked through nonetheless...another "charming" day at the Fall Meet! We have been spoiled the last few years so this brought things back to reality. Still, had a lot of fun and it is still the greatest event around! As always, thanbks to the Hershey Region!

[Restorer32]

We were on the showfield with a '58 Cadillac Eureka Flower Car. Talked to lots of folks, thoroughly enjoyed the day despite the rain. At least it wasn't cold and rainy. Seemed like there were even more foreigners in the flea market and on the showfield than ever before. I think it's great!

[kuhner]

Got there about noon Thursday, had a great spot to park my car and trailer, thanks to Nearchocalatetown. Looked at parts till about 7PM, went to a VW cruise in up the road.

Friday dug out the rain gear, went through the car coral, and chocolate field, till about 3Pm.

Saturday drove the car down, caught up with old friends, met some new ones, looked at cars.

Still had a great time.

greg

[DaveBerg]

Karen and I were there the whole time. Wed. was most of the White Field and a late day meeting. Thursday was a meeting in the morning with the Blue Field and part of the Red Field and Chocolate Field in the afternoon. Friday was a meeting in the morning and the car corral in the afternoon. Saturday was judging, some no shows, yes, but still some really great cars, the kind that it seems only come out for Hershey. While we would all prefer the sunshine of the the couple years past, I'd rather be at Hershey in the rain than any other antique car event in good weather. Hershey is very special. We just made our hotel reservations for next year. I can't wait!

[West Peterson]

My camera is waterlogged.

I decided that for those who were brave enough to put their cars on the show field, I'd reward them by photographing their cars (Obviously not all of them, but at least some of the most interesting ones).

Friday night, Steve told me that he hoped I got as wet on Saturday as he got on Friday. I did... though I'm not sure why he wished that on me.

Many thanks to Jeff Orwig for helping me. Jeff has been behind the camera for several years at Hershey (while being responsible for showing some of the finest cars ever to grace the field), and I'm not sure he's gotten enough credit. He also helped me at Greensburg.

[Steve Moskowitz]

For the experience West, for the experience...!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[charlier]

I arrived in Hershey at my friend's house late Thursday afternoon. Went to the VW Cruise Night on Route 39 that evening. A group of 10 of us ventured out early Friday morning to walk the various fields looking for parts, literature, etc. There were a lot of empty spaces and closed vendor tents, but that is life in the rain at Hershey. We picked up our registration packets for the car show and decided to call it a day. Had dinner at the Hershey Italian Lodge that night(my host for the weekend is a member) and had some VERY good food.

Saturday we took a quick cruise to the show field area to see what attendance was like. When we got back to the house I said "What the Heck", got my VW out of the trailer and headed for the show. I spent most of the day talking with people who either sold or serviced my model of VW over the years. Those conversations and others with the car owners in my class were, for me, a big part of what Hershey is all about.

When I got to my house about 60 miles east of Hershey, I came to realize just how fortunate the Hershey area was when it came to the amount of rainfall. Where I live we got 10-12 inches of rain on Friday & Saturday. The local newspaper called it a 100 year rain. By some accounts, Hershey did not get that kind of rain or experience some of the flooding problems and closed roads that other parts of the state did.

This was my third year coming to Hershey. I was spoiled the first two years with the sunny weather. Over the years having attended many, many car shows I have found that the true test of any show is how it deals with adversity. In my opinion, Hershey is a Class Act. Seeing so many staffers with smiling faces and sunny dispositions working so hard in the rain speaks volumes about the people who produce this event. To those people I say "THANK YOU" for your efforts which made the weather easier to deal with.

[Ron Green]

Me and my New Jersey guest hit the white & chocolate field all day Thursday along with the car coral. He found some stuff for his 39 Cadillac at great prices. I purchased some knickknacks just because my tote bag didn't feel right empty. Wife buys new dishwasher and clothes dryer after I leave for Hershey, has it delivered and installed, then calls me at Hershey to give me the good news.

Friday we planned on going to the Swigart auto museum up the road however the women decided that the Gettysburg shopping outlets would be much more fun. Men decided to go there rather then put up fight (losing battle), besides I needed some clothes.

Saturday hit the flea market or what was left of it. Stopped at Eastwood to pick up some supplies when they started putting a bunch of free stuff (booty) out that they didn't want to drag home. Valve spring compressors, paint, solvents, waxes, paint jars, etc. The motherload of free junk! Lucky the van was close by.

We all had a good time even though the weather was bad. Wife finally outspends me this Hershey weekend. Will need to develop better wife cost control plans for next year as the washer and refrigerator may be next.

Pat, it was nice talking to you.

[stock_steve]

Hey Charlie, did you get 1st Junior for your Rabbit? I heard thru the grapevine that Ron finally got 1st for his Squareback--very cool.

We arrived late Wednesday, checked in with our host, then went to eat with some other friends, and finally walk the car corral until we got thrown out (10pm-ish). Thursday was wonderful walking the white & blue fields (we had heard the forecast and decided to try & cover the non-paved fields first), then a fun cook-out at our host's space in the evening. Friday was just walking around and trying to see as much as we could in the flea market, though not a lot was open or even still there. We stopped in briefly at the auction, but going into a well air conditioned place like than when you're soaked to the bone isn't too comfortable, so didn't hang around too much. We heard the rain forecast thru Saturday afternoon, so elected not to unload our car, but still walked around and saw as much of the show as we could, including Charlie's Rabbit--even walked WAY over to see ex98thdrill's cool King Cobra. Wore my DF-er buttons, which now look like some kind of Grateful Dead tie-dye design, thanks to the water! Didn't realize it at the time, but my wife also spent some time chatting with Mrs. Shamus (of that riveting couple from upstate NY), about her airstream trailer reclamation project.

In all, it was another classic Hershey experience. We'll be back next year...

[ex98thdrill]

It was good talking to you too Ron (and Peter G.). As soon as they said we could leave, I figured that I was wet enough and mananged to make it home at a decent time.

[charlier]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey Charlie, did you get 1st Junior for your Rabbit? I heard thru the grapevine that Ron finally got 1st for his Squareback--very cool.

</div></div>

I could not stay around for the Banquet so I have no idea about how my Rabbit did. I would imagine that sometime in the next week or so the results will be posted on the Hershey Region Web Site. Glad to hear that Ron got 1st for his Squareback. Nice to see and you Diane again.

[1957Birdman]

I drove up from Rockville, MD on Saturday morning with a friend in my 1957 T-Bird, hard top firmly attached and Rainex on the windshield (the wipers don't work at the present time). We also had towels to mop up where the car was leaking. When you own an early T-Bird you learn to take towels with you at all times. We were on the grounds of the Giant Center by 9:10 AM. Umbrellas were the rain gear of choice, golf ones especially popular. There were a few interludes when the umbrella came down, but not many. By 2:20 PM we decided that was enough and headed home. Although I would still come up again when it is raining, I doubt that I will do it when the remnants of a tropical storm are pushing my tail up the road.

[R W Burgess]

Just for the record, I arrived Thursday afternoon, in time to visit the AACA Museum and the last days of the Corvette exhibit. I met Hulon McCraw there and we had a long conversation about a sick friend.

Next, decided I better go to the local WalMart and buy the rain gear! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I bought a new pair of boots, shaving gear, eating goodies, and trast bags, lots of trash bags! Since I had dropped a load with my rig in Gettysburg, I slept in the Tractor, after leaving the trailer in Gettysburg. Was sleeping well, until I heard what seemed like someone playing basketball in the parking lot where I was!????? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

"What time is it, anyway?", I ask myself!

Looked at the watch, 2:00am, looked out the window to find two kids throwing a football, (dropping occasionally, dribble?) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> A little yappie dog was also enjoying the "game". Geez, don't these people ever sleep. As it turned out the kids and their family's camper had pulled in beside me as I slept. I felt like blowing my "four air horns' as I left outa there at 6:00am that morning!

Got to the field at about 7:30, went in, met Want37hd/Bob Swanson, always my first stop, saw Past President, Earl Beauchamp, pass by, told him I didn't appreciate "his" weather conditions(He's been going to Hershey longer than me...much longer).

Walked to the white field, caught up with Bob Kinker, gave him a hard time, then as I was looking for Terry Bond's Spark Plug Flea, I passed by a nice new outdoor building, noticed an AACA Sign, peeked in, and saw three very dry, nice looking women...got plenty of time to stop here, I say to myself.

Hung around about 45 minutes helping Judy Beauchamp, First Lady Brenda Zimmerman, and Karen Berg(Dave Berg's wife) with the AACA Annual Renewal of dues. I even got to meet some new members while helping out, lots of fun.

At this point I was wet, miserable, feet hurt, time to leave. I don't handle wet feet and sore backs well. I did go by the AACA Library before leaving Hershey to see the Ann S. Eady typewriter, the original "trophy" with all of the award winners from the beginning typed on a page still in the typewriter. My name's not on there yet, Steve!!? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I also got to speak to Kim Miller while there. I have something "important" to post about her, that is pending for the time being. The Library and Research Center was very busy, as was the Museum. No better time than a rainy day to check out our AACA Jewels!

Soory to be so long winded, but you asked, Pat! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Guest SalG (Sal Grenci)]

I drove down Tuesday night and I was planning on leaving Friday night anyway. So when it was raining when I got up I just took my time, ate and left the hotel about 9 am, I was home changing a diaper about 1 pm. I walked the fields Wed and Thurs, because of the forcast of rain Fri. I went to Rick's Wed night after Hoss's, the turnout was small, he did not promote it this year. I saw Thursday night about 6 pm, when I returned to my spot on the White field, about 35 to 40% were gone or ready to go. I think others would have left if they did not have to judge.

[bill pritchett]

I was there with 4 other guys. We arrived on Wednesday and did the car corral and part of the chocolate field. Thursday, we did the white and other parts of the chocolate field. Friday, due to the heavy rain predicted, we did the Harley Davidson factory tour and sort of took it easy the remainder of the day. Saturday, I took my car to the show but left around 12:00 due to the heavy rain.

[Bill Boudway]

Hi,

I did exactly what they do in Russia when it rains: Let it rain.

Watching the Hemmings tent take flight about 6:30 PM on Friday was a big wake-up.

I got busy and got the tarp off our canopy with the help of some good people who were partying at Howard Sharp's space.

Judging was a big disappointment. Only two cars to judge. We were done in less than a half an hour.

Only 359 days until Hershey 2006!!

Regards,

Bill Boudway

[pbraun]

I was there. Arrived Saturday a.m. Decided Friday not to take our recent restoration out of the trailer, and did not.

I looked at all the cars in our class, and other British cars, talked with a friend whose car I know, looked at the other cars on that lot, walked around, met some other folks who I know, then walked over and did the Chocolate World tour - fun, but too brief - then walked around the cars some more, left by 3 p.m.

Was fun, but very disappointing I could not show off our car. It was not worth getting invisible parts and bits all wet and possibly rusty after a long and expensive restoration.

First time there, will be back next year.

[novaman]

My parents and I got to PA on Monday and stayed in the Wal-Mart parking lot over night. It turned out to be a very good move as Dad and I were buying a new battery for the camper on Tuesday morning. Picked up replacement lenses for the taillight on the trailer which we broke getting it out of the garage on Monday morning.

Tuesday, go in early got things setup. Wednesday, did the White field and part of the red. Wednesday evening had dinner with Pat and his dad and went to Rick's. Pat used his GPS to get us back. I said I needed that so I could stop arguing with my dad over directions. Thursday after visiting friends in the chocolate field, get back and found myself in trouble. Pat's dad told my dad what I had said about needing the GPS. We packed up Thursday afternoon as we didn't want to have to dry everything out when we got home. My parents only have four days to try to get everything dry (and it's been raining 2 out of three so far) before going to my sister's.

Friday, went to AACA headquarters for a meeting. Saw Pat and his dad there along with most of the guys from my local region that attended Hershey. Got back to the camper and stayed dry the rest of the day.

Saturday moved camper to judge's handicapped parking. We left Dad's scooter on the trailer when we saw the bus. Although it is a handicapped school bus it was one designed for wheelchairs and scooters don't fit in them very well. There isn't enough room to bring a scooter in the side door, and turn it facing the front or rear. The nursing home were Dad worked had the same style bus and with was the problem they had and reason for getting a newer and different designed bus. Got to judge's breakfast, judged and headed home. Wished I had Pat's GPS on the way back. We were going to stop in Lynchburg, VA for supper. Ended up on a new bypass that wasn't open on our trip north on Monday! We ended up eating late, in Danville since we had no idea where the bypass was taking us and was way south of where we were going to stop.

Had fun, got wet (but not soaked for a change), most likely will be there next year for the "family" reunion. Old habits are hard to break.

[Wowabunga]

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Live from the [color:"#0000FF"]Blue Field Wifi Zone</FONT>....

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[Guest Art Griffin]

I arrived with fellow Cape Canaveral Region member Richard Hart on Wednesday afternoon. We spent Thursday morning in the Chocolate and Red fields, and then we worked in the AACA Membership Shack in the White field from 2PM until closing. We had supper with friends from the East Tennessee Region and then spent the evening in the car corral. Friday we went our separate ways, and in spite of rain gear we got wet anyway. I worked for 4 hours in the AACA Library and Research Center Tent, and then we helped take the tent down at the end of the day. That evening we attended the reception at the AACA Headquarters on behalf of our region. Saturday we attended the Judges' Breakfast and then judged in the rain. It was really tough keeping the paperwork dry! The team that I was on judged that 1978 King Cobra of ex98thdrill! After judging we visited with many friends who had cars in the show. And that evening we attended the Awards Banquet.

Well, we got wet to the skin on Friday and Saturday, but we were fortunate that Saturday's rain was much milder than Friday's. And my shoes were full of mud getting to and from the Judges' parking area. But, did we enjoy the meet? Yes, in spite of the rain!

[R W Burgess]

Sorry to hear about your Lynchburg problems Dave, but that was just payback for the same type of "new" bypass I encountered in "your" Raleigh NC a couple of weeks ago. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I didn't know where I was going to end up. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[novaman]

What new bypass?? Where?

[R W Burgess]

Route 64 east, just off the beltline of Releigh, towards Rocky Mount, NC. It bypasses the town of Knightdale, a real bottleneck, but good restaurants! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Terry Bond]

I love Hershey in the sun, rain, wind, mud, snow, and at any time, particularly in early October! Ive been there when there were only two people in the whole world walking through the old Blue Field (Roller coaster is there now) back in '76 - me and a friend from NJ. We got our pictures on the cover of Spoke wheels magazine that year. Ive always said that a bad day at Hershey is better than a great day in the office! So-we put up the awning, unfold the poncho, pull on the wellies and get-er-done. Lets see now, less than 365 days until next time. See you there!

Terry

[novaman]

I'd get lost over there too. Matter of fact if I was there I'd most likely be lost anyways. That's one area of this state I've only ventured into twice in 18 years. If I'm east of Raleigh, I'm on I-40 or route 70 headed southeast.

[Terry Bond]

Hey-how about a DF gathering at Charlotte in the spring time?

Terry

[Joe Block]

I arrive in Dulles airport from Saudi Arabia about 2:30 PM Tuesday and drove to Carlisle to meet my friends Virgil and Dafenne. I took a back road into Carlise and had to call the Motel 6 three times for direction from town. Virgil and Dafenne, my roomates, showed up before me with purchases they made on the fields on Tuesday. A mint 1919 BF Goodrich Tire cardboard sign with "we won the war sign" accross the bottom.

Wednesday we took both cars and split up, I did mostly white field all day. I stop by Joel Rays Patrician Industries Booth, They invite in for a burger which end up costing over $400 by the time I left. But the hood latch and closenese was mint. Walk white most of the day then hit Red on my way back to the car with my goodies.

We left one car with Virgils Lynn Steele Signe on the van overnight and took for out for a dinner of Strombollies. Thursday repeated the same thing, starting with Red and working into the Chocolate Annex in the morning, then the chocolate field for remainder of day. I spend a couple hours with Potomac Packard, JP and Caroline in the late afternoon. Walked the car corral Friday morning in the rain and then we load the parts for packing and started looking for boxes and went to UPS for the balance of the day. On Saturday drove to fields and then decided to go to the AACA Museum. That was great, I am figure on doing it every year I there now. Then I got totally lost getting back to Dulles for the return to Saudi Arabia. But I did see a lot of western Penn. on the way back. I was hoping for the fall colors, but this global warming is delaying to after Hershey now.

Joe