Tacoma, Wa. 2009 Opel Nationals

[MawandPawOpel]

The dates have been set!! We will be hosting the Opel National
for 2009 on JULY 16 Thru Saturday JULY 18, Tacoma, Washington.
There will be polls taken to help us decide the events AND How many
will attend. AS we make solid plans, they will be posted here on this
site. In the meanwhile, we are open to any suggestions from you.
We just want to have a great time for all. Washington State has
fun things for guests to enjoy, so please to think seriously about
joining us!!!
MAWANDPAWOPEL
PAUL KAMAN
OPEL JOHNB

[MawandPawOpel]

O.K. Folks how about some feed back!!!
MAWANDPAWOPEL

[Dale .D]

Originally Posted by MawandPawOpel The dates have been set!! We will be hosting the Opel National for 2009 on JULY 16 Thru Saturday JULY 18, Tacoma, Washington. There will be polls taken to help us decide the events AND How many will attend. AS we make solid plans, they will be posted here on this site. In the meanwhile, we are open to any suggestions from you. We just want to have a great time for all. Washington State has fun things for guests to enjoy, so please to think seriously about joining us!!! MAWANDPAWOPEL PAUL KAMAN OPEL JOHNB

Guess we have a hard time thinking that far ahead.How many show up at other nationals?Do you have a location yet.Somewhere on grass is real nice.T shirts for the occasion or hats.Having the out of towners mostly at one hotel is fun.Having suppliers there is a real bonus.the Blitze people!>how too people? .Say jet a weber ect.Don't know that much your area. Love the coast.Good luck.Hope to be there

[CDN OpelNut]

Originally Posted by MawandPawOpel O.K. Folks how about some feed back!!! MAWANDPAWOPEL

Just a thought...when I went to Carlisle I stayed in the hotel that all the Healy Sprites were in. They set up a small cone rally course one morning in the parking lot and had a little solo race for those who wanted to. Kind of fun.

Corey

[kevinfier]

Planning to attend, need hotel info. Hotel should be reasonable, and have a meeting room available for "bench racing."

[Aardvaark]

I've penciled in the date on my 2009 calendar. Not sure I'll make it this soon.
It's good to have the date early though.

[West Coast GT]

Got it on the calender. I'd like my son to go with me (since the Opel may soon be his).

Ideas:
How about a road rally out around Olympic National Forest on Wednesday or Thursday to find the sights & sounds of such a beautiful park of our country?
Yikes! That's 357 miles round trip. But maybe something more appropriate along those lines, with a several hour stop for picnic and get together. Maybe Stevens Pass to Scenic and back?

[MawandPawOpel]

O.K. Folks let's have some more feed back. I know that it is really early, but for those who may be traveling across country---You will need the advance
notice.
Happy Opeling
MawandPawOpel

[oppositelock]

I'll be working over the winter to finish the restoration of my Ascona B rally car (you'll remember seeing it at a rally in Shelton several years ago, Paul) and I would love to bring it out to the event. However, It depends on which race series I'm working in next year (things are kind of up in the air right now.) The date you have conflicts with the Lime Rock ALMS race so I could be on the other side of the country that weekend! We'll just have to wait and see.

[71opelgtracer]

I will be there. I live about an hour south, in Tenino. You've really got me guessing where you could hold this event. You could rent out the Tacoma dome parking lots like the do for the RV shows, but thats not cheap by any means. Or maybe the Puallup fair grounds? I guess the big question is how big is the event going to be? what are the previous years turnout?

For you out of towner's, there are lots of reasonably priced hotels in the area. Tacoma is about an half hour south of Seatac airport, depending on traffic.

So, how big was last years event? and where was it held??

[tevo]

all be there. how abought the meet be held at point defiances park in tacoma. it has a 5 mile dive and a zoo , ect its a grate place .

[stock77]

Glad to see the National Event coming to Tacoma!

On a personal note, we are beginning work on Melanie's blue Ascona so that it will be back for the 2009 show. The fellows at OGTS are building a motor and we have a few other things in store for "Foxzblu."

As for event feedback, I think that finding a great venue and keeping updates current will be keys to a successful event. Being a long time VW guy and having attended a variety of shows and races since about 1978, I can tell you that keeping people informed and having the right venue to accomodate your show are very important.

My take on the venue is as follows:

A family friendly environment is pretty helpful. Shade and grass are usually big hits during a summer event. It helps people to linger much longer rather than packing up early because someone (adult, child, pet) is too hot.

Distractions are sometimes good, being able to take a break from the "car stuff" is nice if you are not as "into" the show as your husband, wife, mom, dad, etc.

Many venues require reservations or payment which can complicate things for a show on a tight budget.


As for my take on updates and information:

Losing momentum is always a killer for any show or event. If people don't know about it or haven't heard much in a while, they tend to forget. Especially people who are challenged by distance or otherwise.

Coming up with some kind of periodic updates, and plenty of options for travel, hotels, etc. are important in order to keep the out-of-area folks enthusiastic about making the trip.

I have seen various VW shows over the years lose momentum becasue they start to think that people will automatically show up every year. They forget the need for self promotion and tie-ins to other events, etc. and people lose interest.

I believe advertising type people will tell you that a person needs to see an ad or billboard something like 7 times before the information sinks in. Keep this in mind. Even if an update doesn't seem that important, it may be the spark that someone needs to peak their interest in the show.

My overall thoughts:

I think a park like setting may be a great way to handle this event. We are blessed with many beautiful parks throughout Western Washington and many of them can be reserved, etc. for "small" fee.

A park does reduce easy access to food, but that can be handled with a BBQ, and possible food sponsors? That also allows for people to bring their own stuff and not step on the toes of a host restaurant.

I also believe that a pre-show cruise or other event helps get people involved and interested.

Well, I have taken up enough space with this post, but Melanie and I will try to stay informed about the 2009 show and lend a hand if possible.

Good luck!

Theo & Melanie Gideon

[- GT Style -]

Originally Posted by MawandPawOpel The dates have been set!! We will be hosting the Opel National for 2009 on JULY 16 Thru Saturday JULY 18, Tacoma, Washington.

Pencils date on calendar faintly

[Dale .D]

Originally Posted by - GT Style - Pencils date on calendar faintly

Come on . Put it in indulable ink.!!!Kinda like making a wish & writing it in the snow!!!!

[- GT Style -]

Originally Posted by Dale .D Come on . Put it in indulable ink.!!!

If I had a GT & didn't live ~1000 miles from Tacoma, it'd be ink.

For now it's just a dream

[MawandPawOpel]

Originally Posted by - GT Style - If I had a GT & didn't live ~1000 miles from Tacoma, it'd be ink. For now it's just a dream

Just want to let you know...YOU DON"T NEED TO OWN AN OPEL TO JOIN US
FOR THE ACTIVIES!!!! THIS IS FOR ANY AND ALL OPEL LOVERS!!!

[kwilford]

Originally Posted by - GT Style - If I had a GT & didn't live ~1000 miles from Tacoma, it'd be ink. For now it's just a dream

Yes, but FSJ is only an hour or so away, and they have planes to Vancouver a couple of times a day, and that's only a couple hours of pleasant driving from Tacoma. Or do they fly to Vancouver out of Dawson Creek? Back in the day when I spent a lot of time in your neck of the woods (as in Noel and Brassey, when I worked for CanHunter) I usually stayed in Dawson, but I think I only was able to fly into Dawson when I chartered a group in, as I don't think there were scheduled flights from Calgary.

Mary (aka MawOpel) is working hard to make the 2009 Opel Nats in Tacoma a big success, so if you do get the opportunity to make it, it will be worth it.

[MawandPawOpel]

Keith, Thank you for the good words!!!!
Yes, this trip to the 2009 Nationals Will be worth it!
MARY (aka MAWANDPAWOPEL)

[- GT Style -]

Originally Posted by kwilford Yes, but FSJ is only an hour or so away,

Yep, 2hrs ish. Or fly from Grande Prairie via Westjet is usually cheaper.

But having wife & 2 kids means we usually drive down to the lower mainland as ticket prices add up quick.

Doesn't mean I won't come... just not inking myself in yet...

[Ooooner]

Originally Posted by 71opelgtracer So, how big was last years event? and where was it held??

The 2008 Opel Nationals were held in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in conjunction with the Fall AutoFair which is held every year.

The turnout was great considering the fact that a tropical storm threatened the area but missed us by about 5 or 10 miles to the east! We ended up with around 30 Opel's and around 65 people, with a few coming from overseas.

You cannot start to plan too early. So you guys are doing the right thing by planning this event now. It sounds like you will be having a great National event in 2009! Good luck!

[DennisGardiner]

If all goes well,... I want to make the drive with my GT.

Hopefully it is not 115 in Nor-Cal (as it usually is).

[opeljohn]

I think I may be able to come with wife or with GT but probably not both.
John

[MawandPawOpel]

Hello Everyone.
This is just an up date on the 2009 Opel Nationals-Tacoma. First of all we wish to thank those who have offered their ideas and suggestions about the Event. All are being taken into consideration at this time. The main plans have been set. T-shirts are in the making. Next, once the spring thaw has begun we will plan the Day Trips and Fun Run. We do promise all those attending a really great time and relaxing event of Opels. As most do know
about the Washington Gang, we plan our events to involve nothing but Opels.

Even tho there are several shows going on at that time, you want to see Opels? Then that is what you will see. Usually our annual meet has around 30 cars. So add the guests attending with their cars..there should be a great turn out. Closer to date of event, we will have some polls conducted to give us an idea as to how many people with or without Opels will be attending. So in the Spring check this site for Polls. In the Meanwhile, everyone give us a thought and then come and join us July 17-18 for lots of Opel Fun.

[MawandPawOpel]

Hello Everyone. Yes, we are preparing to announce our plans for the 2009 Opel Nationals held this year in Tacoma, Washington. WE have set the days. And have a rough time schelude. Hey, Got the T-Shirt design also!! This event will involve nothing but Opel Talk and Opel Fun. We are anticapting a great time this year. We hoping you all will join us. Please feel free to send us suggestions, ideas..that is what we are here for. So let us hear from you.
MAWANDPAWOPEL

[Dale .D]

Originally Posted by MawandPawOpel Hello Everyone. Yes, we are preparing to announce our plans for the 2009 Opel Nationals held this year in Tacoma, Washington. WE have set the days. And have a rough time schelude. Hey, Got the T-Shirt design also!! This event will involve nothing but Opel Talk and Opel Fun. We are anticapting a great time this year. We hoping you all will join us. Please feel free to send us suggestions, ideas..that is what we are here for. So let us hear from you. MAWANDPAWOPEL

good news bad news thing.Daughter is expecting but exactly at that time .If she's early We'll be there .Wife says I can go without her but if She has the baby While I'm there ,well just say it wouldn't be a pretty sight!I suggested mydaughter shouldgo with me & eh if it happens Dual sitizenship.That didn't work either .Caster oil maybe!