The Fall Escapade 2001 Lewisburg

As the mailing requested, we stopped and unhitched the toad on the outskirts of Lewisburg and followed the directions and smiling voice on the CB radio talk-in channel 4 to the Fairgrounds. Bonnie and I had never been to a major SKP event before and thus were totally unaware of what to expect as we neared the site. The anticipated traffic headaches were non-existent. The parking crew had us routed off the highway and through the fairground's maze of roads to our parking site, in what seemed like mere moments. As soon as our wheels stopped, we were greeted, hugged, and given our registration cards.

Our home for the next 5 days was along side the beautiful new Youth Center building conveniently near the hub of activities to be found around the Grandstand, West Virginia Hall and Annex, and the Outdoor Market and Chapter Row area.

At the registration we were greeted as "first-timers" with blue escapade ribbons and given our "goody bags". The mail center was open and surprised us with our package of forwarded Mail that had already arrived. The next few hours were spent walking and examining the some of the offerings of the Indoor and Outdoor Market areas as well as Chapter Row. Helpful volunteers were everywhere in their red "Ask Me" vests if we had any questions. Our Blue Escapade Ribbons identified us as first-timers and numerous passers-by made it a point to welcome us and offer hugs.

A special gathering was held on Sunday afternoon for first timers where information was distributed and the coming weeks events were discussed, including the importance of attending the week-long nightly door prize awards at 7PM.

Four O-clock Sunday afternoon found everyone gathered in the West Virginia Hall for a special "Kick-Off" grand prize of a lengthy Mexican Caravan followed by the official Opening Ceremony and parade of the attending Chapters and BOF Banners. Leading off the parade of banners was the New York Chapter, which received a wonderful ovation.

The opening nights Ice Cream Social was well attended and a real tribute to the sweet tooth of the SKP's in attendance, who enjoyed the Klondike Bars and the music provided by the resident DJ.

With the exception of rain and showers on Monday, the weather was bright and sunny through out the week, Following Sunday's warm pleasant conditions, the temperature turned cooler and became very pleasant by week's end.

Daily activities started bright and early each day promptly at the advertised time. The published starting time for each activity or seminar was closely observed and the resulting classes ran very smoothly and the negative impact of tardiness was not evidenced. Bonnie and I had pre-registered for two different driving courses and we were both very satisfied with the instructions received. As is the case with other events we have attended, it seemed that we encountered several seminars that conflicted time-wise with others we were anxious to attend throughout the week. As was mentioned at the opening session, this could not be avoided, but we would have another reason to attend next years SKaPade. Our daily free time was spent throughout the week returning to the market areas and seeking out information on the various SKP park locations and BOF groups. Chapter Row proved to be a great place to make new friends and bump into the old ones.

The activities scheduled left precious little time to explore the area off-site from the Fairgrounds. Dining opportunities abounded in the Lewisburg area and we enjoyed meeting both old and new friends alike at dinner before rushing back to the Door Prize event so ably managed by Scot and Karen Bonis, a very entertaining couple indeed. Evening entertainment concluded each days activities with several venues offering different options, depending on your tastes. We were pleasantly surprised with the caliber of entertainment of our SKP members as evidenced at the Ham-o-rama talent show held Wednesday evening.

The week went very quickly and before we knew it, it was time for the final session of Door Prizes and closing ceremonies, followed Thursday evening with a Dance Party featuring Sundown Express.

Friday morning found the remaining SKP's enjoying the hitch-up breakfast, exchanging addresses, and bidding each other farewell before tending to the chore of preparing to hit the road.