Vanatics's 36th Annual Groundhog Party

Vanatic's hosted their 36th Annual Groundhog Party this year at a new location other than Springfield, Ill. This year event was in Raymond, Ill. Between St. Louis and Springfield, Ill. On 55 Hwy. This year it was two day event held on Friday Feb. 25th & Saturday the 26th 2011. 

Their theme was Vanner's in Paradise. The Hotel was a Best Western Carlinville Inn. It was decorated in a Nautical Theme with a moat and a old large riverboat outside the hotel. Inside also very nice, with nice rooms. The staff was great and I think they enjoyed the Vanners so much they wanted to join Vanatic's Club. There was a bar in the hotel also a very nice restaurant that had a free buffet every morning, and specials on lunch and dinner. 

Most of the Vanner's spent a lot of time at the large indoor pool. That's where Vanatic's hosted the Friday night pool party with free beer, bikini contest & music by yours truley (Noone's Tunes). I was scheduled to quit at 11:30 but the hotel let us play until 12:00. There was a men's & women's bikini contest and three contestants in each class. Some dressed in the traditional suits but there were others that didn't. Needless to say now that Jack Lynch is retired, he and Carol have too much time on their hands, enough to put together their very own outfits. They were the winners in both classes. Carol was also awarded a special prize. That being a bicycle helmet. If you know Carol she has a tendency to fall down a lot. Well Vantatic's put together this special helmet with decals such as Tumbalena on it. It was quit comical. 

Saturday morning it was off to the free breakfast and then the tour to a local brewery & winery which a lot of vanners went to. I stayed back and watched the K-State - Missouri Basketball game. That afternoon they had their famous Lemonade party around the pool from 2-4 which ended up going til 5. They had raffles why I played the tune's. They also had games around the pool such as beer pong, and the limbo, which Patti Zweigel won. Could it be because she is short? Ha! Ha! Not sure who won the beer pong. 

That night around 8 the band started playing tunes from today and yesteryear. They gave more door prizes and special awards. Long distance, Club participation which both went to Vantasia. Cindy Lou flew in from Colorado and Bill and Patti drove up from Oklahoma. Jack & Carol and Bill Wickersty rode with Becky and I, Keith & Dawn & their friends Scott & Janet rode together.  

Hopefully Vanatic's will do the two day event again next year, and everyone that attended can spread the word how much fun it was. Sunday came too soon and it was time to head home. On the way home we found out that Mike Philips mother's funeral was that afternoon instead of on Saturday. After we dropped Jack & Carol off we decided to stop by to pay our respects to Mike and his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Phillip's and their family. 

Next up Three Trail Freeze Out and I hope to see you all there!! 

Don Noone

Council of Councils 2011 Recap by Don Noone

On Feb. 18th- 19th Left Coast Vanners hosted the C of C at Buena Park, California. The Hotel was a Radisson and was very nice. The rooms were suites, and when we walked out our door to the balcony we were surrounded by palm trees and plants. Becky and I arrived on Wednesday night late but there were still a few vanner's up visiting and partying. Thursday we got up early, for us when we are on vacation, but Left Coast had plenty of things planned for the day. We went down to the free breakfast , which they made to order or buffet. It was great and there were lots of vanner's that we hadn't seen in a year. At 9:30 everyone was meeting to line up for the George Barris Shop & Peterson Museum Tour. We had rented a van so Cindy & Jeff rode with us, and we followed Darren and the rest of the Vanatic's club. At G.B. we saw the Munster's car from the TV show. And the Batmobile.

 
We decided to skip the museum and find a beach, where the girls decided to walk in the sand and water. Then were off to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Rodeo Blvd. There were many sights to see. The one that stood out to me was the women walking her miniture groomed pony the size of a dog. It was time to head back for the Nationals board meeting at 4:00 PM. We left at 3 and still was a few minutes late. The traffic was unreal on the highways. One of our tasks at hand was to try and replace Wacko's spot on the board. Tim was promoted to that spot, which now left his spot open. We interviewed several prospective vanners. It was decided to put all of them on a list of support staff for the Nat's Board so they can work with us at the Nat's this year and then vote one of them in next year at C of C.
 

That night they had a free happy hour at the hotel from 5-7 top notch alcohol and beer. They had no idea what vanners could consume. Matchstick (Dave) unveiled a new Vanner"s Magazine to be put out twice a year. All color pages and very impressive, at the low cost of just $5. He also showed his newest project fiberglass gull wing doors. This young vanner is great for vanning. His desire to promote vanning and make things for vans is great.

On Friday there were several seminars for vanner's to participate in. At 2PM Nat's. Board meeting and bids for 2012 Van Nationals. We only received one bid and that was from Wisconsin vanners, they have put together a good group of vanners and I think they will do a great job. The grounds is the same as Hy-Rollin's and will be  more than sufficient. It was talked about letting RV"s in that pull a van, they will not be allowed to park with vans, but may park in a designated area. This is up the host club whether they will allow them. And far as  someone pulling a fifth wheel in they have to be in there before the Nat's. start. The reason these items were talked about, both have been happening the last few years. Also it was asked if clubs could compile a mailing list from there local Van-In's of attendees  e-mail and mailing addresses that the Nationals could use for getting flyers out to more vanner's across the country. I thought this was a great idea. I know we passed our mailing list on to Michigan after Hard Core Vanners hosted the Nat's in 2003. I got out of the meeting too late to go on the round up to Hooter's. At 8PM that night the PJ Party and Band started along with Beach Blanket Bingo in the ballroom.

Saturday, at 4:30AM they had a thing called the Donut Derelict Cruise to a local donut shop where several California street rodder's show up . I wasn't able to get up that early but I was told  that sometimes several hundred show up and once in a while Jay Leno or Chip Foose shows up.

At 9:30 the Council meeting starts, I didn't set in for HOVAC cause someone else was already representing HOVAC. At 10 Vans that had driven to C of C or the local clubs started showing up in the parking lot for the Van Show which started at 1PM . Several really nice Vans, but the one that stood out to me the most was the Early Ford Van. It wasn't  completed yet but what was done was unbelievable. Look for it in Truck-in Magazine or Hot Rod Magazine. Both were there for the show. 

 

That night it was time to party and say good by to our vanner friends from across the country. Their theme for the party was Hooray for Hollywood, and several vanner's dressed as there favorite actor or actress. Dam I should have brought my Pirate outfit, Ha! Ha!. Sunday it was goodbye California and hello Kansas where the weather had been in the 70's while We were gone. We had to make one detour to Chicago with Howard, Chooie, Jeff, and Sonya and a few other vanner's that were switching planes to their final destinations. If there were an Oscar to be given this year for a great host, location, and very well organized. Left Coast Vanners would have taken home the lot of them. Hope to see everyone at local van-in's and the Nationals in Ohio, and next year at C of C in St. Petersburg , Florida.

Don Noone

The Lynchs Go to H.A.V.E. & H.A.V.E.N.O.T.S,' High Five Truck-In

Held on september 10th - 12th, 2010

H.A.V.E. & H.A.V.E.N.O.T.S.  held their 5th annual truck-in (High Five) in Cripple Creek, CO at Lost Burro  Campground.  Beautiful scenery and a great time thanks to all from H.A.V.E. & H.A.V.E.N.O.T.S. vans. The beer was flowing from the time we arrived til the time we left.  

Vanatics Van Club sponsored  their famous lemonade stand and it was fanstaic as always just ask Carol.  Oh speaking of Carol, we had her wearing a crash helment because she has been falling down quite a bit lately.  Jerry and Laura from Vanatics have a picture.  We also have another crash and burn victim to mention, it's Courtney from Vantaics. She did a belly flop/superwomen stunt down the mountaiin of the hill she is now know as "Baby Carol", so now they are Tumblelina 1 & 2!

All in all we had a great time, Mr. Bill from Wisconsin supplied his bloody marys on Saturday morning.  I myself cooked a large pot of veggie beef soup for us, Vantacis and whomever was hungry.   On Saturday, myself and Carol sold 50/50 tickets for Summer Blast on June 10-12.  We gave away $56.00 & 1 pre-entry to the truck-in. It was won by Jeston Dizmang from Arvada, CO.  We also picked up a new member to MASVA, Clint Dizmang.  



Thanks again Jeff, Cindy and Gale for another super time in Colorado and can't wait again til next year.

Jack Lynch
MASVA member, Vantasia Vans of Kansas City

Thanks to Jim LeSage for the use of the photos he took!

Vantasia Vans heads to Fast Lanes Vans "29th Verse" Truck-in

Aug..27th,28th, and 29th th. 2010 were the dates for Fast Lanes Vans 29th Verse Truck-in. Their  theme was Attitude Adjustment. The weather was great, 90's during the day and 60's at night. A 450 mile one way trip for us, but we desided to break it up by leaving on Thursday night and driving to Hannibal, MO. where we spent the night.


Next morning Carol & Jack called us from their room bright and early to get us on the road to Penfield, IL. As we're driving Steve Ashley called and said he wasn't feeling to well and would not make the trip. I latter heard he ended up going to the hospital. Hope everything is okay. 

We got there about noon to set up camp next to Tank, Linda & Patti, and Whap. We were able to save some good spots across the road from us for Three Trails and Central Iowa Vans. All three clubs had a good turn out. Our new members Keith and Dawn set up next to us and Wick & Karen. Keith and Dawn and their friends Scott & Janet brought all kinds of ice cream & alcohol for blender drinks. They had a happy hour and lots of Vanners came by. As it was ending, Fast Lanes was opening their shot bar, and for me it was time start spinning the tunes. 
The party lasted till one in the morning. Not as late as last years 2am. Not sure exactly why it didn't last as long this year.  Could have been  because those Cason's weren't able to make it. 

On Saturday it was time for kids and adult games. This years bingo was held with beans instead of corn. Which made all the girls in Fast Lanes happy, they didn;t have to shuck any corn this year. Rick Duvall may not be as happy, he may be eating beans for a while. After the games Vanatic's held their famous Lemonade Stand for everyone to enjoy. Ask Henry from CITA if he enjoyed them. Saturday night brought the awards and the band. They were a very good classic rock band. Becky had a good time visiting with Princess Rita and all the girls sitting around our camp. Carol was in rare form both nights  falling down several times, it must have been those new shoes. Thanks Keith & Darren for putting her to bed. 

They had three vendors Tank & Linda, Vantee's and a Sandy and Blue Jay from Wisconsin selling food. Well Sunday came and it was time to hit the road again. I'm sure all 59 Vans that attended had a great time, and from all of us to all of  Fast Lanes Vans. Thank You Nooner

Click here to view more pictures.

Don Noone / Vantasia Vans

Northwestern Vanners Truck-In

I attended the annual truck-in of Northwestern Vanners at the Preston, MN fairgrounds on August 13, 14 and 15 for the first time.  Upon arriving at the fairgrounds I was impressed with the appearance of, and the location of the site (downtown Preston). 

The club members extended a great degree of hospitality, and by Saturday evening managed to get 36 vans registered.  Friday night was bingo in the large enclosed building while Saturday morning was the usual show-n-shine and bright-n-shine that evening.  Saturday evening the band was going strong.  I can’t remember whether they were called the Lug Nuts, Head Bolts or something like that.  I can say its hell to get old, while trying retaining your memory.  Friday and Saturday the club members were grilling and serving food for the convenience of anyone who was hungry.

Go to their truck-in (Chill Out Up By The Pole) next year, you won’t be sorry. 

Bob Wagner
Vantasia Vans of KC

38th National Truck-in - July 2010 - Greenwich NY

Starved Rock State Park Campground in IL

Rick and I took off from GoodGuys in Des Moines and started our trip out to the Nationals in NY in our '64 Ford Econoline pulling our pop-up camper.  We did a little sightseeing along the way.  Our first night we spent in IL at Starved Rock State Park. Had a great breakfast at the Lodge and headed out. Breezed thru Indiana and when we got to Ohio we decided to take some back roads along the lake. Planned to go to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame but it was closed by the time we got close. We stopped on our 2nd night at Geneva State Park in Ohio. Really pretty scenery on these backroads. Wish we had more time to look around. Would have loved to go through the Carousel Museum.

Rest Area we stopped at in NY overlooking lake

Tuesday we were off into NY and closing in on the Nationals. We decided to take the scenic interstate along the south part of NY. Very scenic - not a wise decision! One of the bumpiest, under construction interstates I've ever been on.  Does not make for a fun ride, especially in an early Ford! We were also fighting warmer than normal temps in NY. In fact record breaking heat which caused the van to overheat and could not use the A/C most of the time. We had planned to spend another night in a state park but by then all we wanted to do was set up camp and relax so we pushed on to the Nats. 

Howard, Ken and some of the others we usually park with saved us a nice spot with everyone. No shade, other than ez ups but a nice spot close to everything going on. Last time we were in NY for a Nats I remembered colder than normal weather. Not this year! Record breaking heat!! Ed & JoAnn were life savers with the misters they had set up under Tim & Suzanne's canopy. Mr. Bill's pool & blender seemed pretty busy too.   I spent my time by the mister while Rick sat in Nats Board meetings. There was a caravan into town one night. Pretty good turnout and the town definitely took notice.
Show n Shine classifying took place Thursday & Friday so both days busy for us. Quite a few people stepped up to help with judging the vans on Friday. It would have been a long day without their help.  Virtual promoted vannin.com and they had a meet n greet up by the band building along with the Nats board one night that was fun. Doc was serving hot dogs and they had beer in memory of Wacko for everyone. Drop Jaw magazine was there covering the event. This is the first time Rick and I had the opportunity to meet them. Very impressed with their coverage and how much they participated and enjoyed the event. Saw several vans we'd never seen before.

 

Best of Show 2010

Saturday afternoon we spent watching the burnout contest followed by trophy presentation later that day. Best of Show went to Alpine Express owned by Gary Larson.
We left after trophies for the long drive home stopping somewhere in NY at a rest area to sleep in the van for awhile before continuing on our way home.  Made it as far as Crawfordsville, IN and decided to spoil ourselves with a hotel room for our last night on the road.
Overall it was a great time although very hot. I don't know though that I would do this long a trip again in our early.  By the time we got back we had put over 3200 miles on the early Ford and we were worn out!! 

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Night - Yummy!

Be sure to check out the coverage from:
Drop Jaw Magazine Article  Pictures
Truck-In Magazine Article and Pictures
More pictures out on our website. Click here.

Rick & Tammy Kenney / 3 Trails Vans / Hy-Rollin Vans

GoodGuys Show - Des Moines IA : July 2010

Central IA Vans encouraged us to attend this event a few years ago to help promote vanning and we've been going ever since.  It's one of my favorite shows to go to and if you're looking for parts, the supply is endless between the vendors and the swap meet. The nice thing about this location is that we are able to camp in the campgrounds attached to the state fairgrounds. It's almost become like a mini truck-in with the amount of vanners attending the past few years.

This year Taz and Jill went out on Monday (show didn't start til Friday) and started saving spots for about 14 of us. Not an easy task with as many people that have started camping there. Rick and I rolled in on Thursday.  They got us a prime camping spot, level and on the road so we could watch all the street rods roll by. I still can't get used to the cars starting up at 3am to get in line to get into the grounds in hopes of parking on main street. Being at this fairgrounds has many advantages.  A large building with a/c to get out of the heat, tons of food vendors, lots of shade, 3,500+ vehicles to look at and some of the best fireworks I've seen in awhile. 

Andy and Mary bring their boss's cars to the show from his car museum.  They've also been kind enough to give us several private tours of the museum. Saturday we usually BBQ with everyone back at camp or over at one of CIV's homes along with a dip in their pool to cool down. Always makes for a fun time. 
This year Andy spoiled some of us on Friday and a few of us ladies got to drive the show cars back up to camp.  I got the El Camino...VERY nice!!  A few of the men decided to also try the autocross this year. The announcer loves vans and has a website called bangshift.com  They were very impressed with us. Check out the coverage from Saturday.





While everyone else went home after this event, Rick and I continued on our vacation to the Nationals in NY.