The Indiana State Rally for 2008 was held at the Elkhart Indiana Campgrounds. The theme of the rally was "Family Reunion". There is a line in a song that says, "You all come to see us when you can". Family that came numbered fifty eight units. Roll call included 24 units from Indiana, 29 from Michigan, 2 from Florida, 1 from Illinois, 1 from Missouri, and 1 from Kentucky. A distant cousin unit (vendor) came from Colorado.

From the first greeting, attendees were made to feel welcome. The entire event was easy going, relaxing, and fun. Each night there was a campfire, games, and visiting. Thursday most of the relatives toured the Monaco facilities in Wakarusa that manufacture the towables and motor homes. Then a side trip to DeMartini RV sales for a lunch and tours of some of the new units. Thursday evening a very interesting presentation about the RV/MH Hall of Fame drew a large number of participants to the Hall on Friday. If you are ever in the vicinity of Elkhart Indiana, take the time to visit the RV/MH Hall of Fame. It is very easy to get to and well worth the effort.

Rain on Friday evening did not stop the hot dog roast or the making of homemade ice cream. This was so neat, power for mixing the ice cream was provided by a working scale model of a Rumely Oil Pull Tractor. Danny Troyer owns the Canvas Shop in Shipshewana and owns the Rumely. The male attendees swarmed around this operation like bees to honey. The Opening Ceremonies were very nice. Cub Scout Pack #537, from Cassopolis, MI, did a great job with the presentation of the colors. The Euchre players had their tournament after the cookie walk and ice cream. The campfire kept some up past their normal bedtime.

Saturday morning was gorgeous and began on a nice note with devotions. The State Council meeting in the morning included the presentation of Thirty Year Pins to Indiana Holiday Ramblers Paul and Betty Birch (#30781) Seymour, IN. After the meeting, everyone went out to play games. There were some old familiar games and some new games. This family does like to play; everyone seemed to have a good time. The Bean Bag Baseball game was early afternoon. These people can be serious and funny. They have some very good and some sorta suspicious players, same as all families. The picnic supper was super. The entertainment was comedian Craig Tormquist, a quality performer. It was a full, fun day and evening.

Sunday morning breakfast was followed by a church service by Mitch Moser (#109436) and the Innumerable Caravan by Indiana State Chaplain Bob Wolfe (#68948). After the retirement of the colors it was time to say "So long till next time". Thank you to the Elkhart Campground for a clean, attractive and hospitable location for the Rally. A big "Thanks to Uncle Jack and Aunt Beth Yoder (#38329) (Rally Coordinators) and Cousins Marvin and Sally Miller (#42094) (Asst. Rally Coordinators) for a really special event. Chapter #87 St. Joe Valley Ramblers demonstrated true Hoosier Hospitality.

Jane Ebaugh #95128
geojaneb@accelplus.net
765-362-4961