Spring Fever 35 "Van Vegas Style"

Another great time had by all at Vantasia Vans "Spring Fever 35". The theme was Vegas Style and they went all out with decorations and games that included vanner roulette and some sort of Keno (?) game where you dropped quarters held in your butt cheeks onto numbers. A lot of fun to watch and even more fun to play!


The weather was warm so the pool was the place to be on Saturday afternoon.
 
They have live bands playing both nights up at the pavilion. Sweet Trouble was a new addition to the entertainment lineup and everyone loved them. By the end of the night there had been several guests invited up on stage.

I think Art from Texas along with his friends managed to get everyone to try at least one of his double bubbles.
 
Show n shine had a good turn out, especially the earlies.

Saw a lot of new vanners and old friends.

 

 

This year the dates are May 17-19, 2013 at the Down Under Campground in Turney, MO. "Vanner Olympics" is the theme. I know Don Noone has put a lot of work into the trophies for this year and they look great! Hope to see you there!

Vantasia Vans Website
HOAVC Website

Vanniversary 38 hosted by Central IA Vanners

Well, I didn't get a recap from anyone so far and Rick and I were only there Friday so I guess I'll post the pictures from CIV and hope someone emails me an article later.

I can tell you the shot board that Don Noone brought was fun Friday night.  Looks like Saturday had some interesting games and a tour of a local winery.

Thanks to Joyce Wiese for sending me pics from Saturday!

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Thanks!

Tammy
HOAVC Webmaster

Celebrating at Midwest Vans International Truck-In

Keith and Dawn from Vantasia got on the road and started our way to the Midwest Truck-In over the memorial day weekend. We pulled in when gates opened at noon on Friday and parked with our good friends from Vanatics Van Club. We got all set up and the drinks began! Wick from Vantasia joined us about 4:00pm. We filled up the cooler and made our way around the campground.

The band started up at 9pm and followed with a Beer Pong tournament in the pavilion. Keith from Vantasia and Chico from Vanatics teamed up and had a blast making it to the championship against Blue Grass. It became very exciting and entertaining for all that was watching! After an intense game Keith and Chico ending up winning and received the beer pong belt! We stayed up late that evening into the morning of 3am. Got up Saturday morning moving around slow.

The show-n-shine was not until 3:00pm so that was nice that we had extra time to rest up. We drank lots of water and gatorade! We got our Van cleaned up for show-n-shine, got it parked and joined the other's at Bucko's Van for shots. Keith, Dawn and Wick then went to The Oasis Tavern on the corner and had a great dinner.

We headed back to the Truck-In and started all over again with Blue Grass Vanners and the moon shine, Chrome Dome with the apple pie and tequila! Walked around and visiting with all the fine people from Midwest.

The band started up and jungle juice was ready to go from Blue Grass! Then it was time for the beer chugging contest - Keith from Vantasia and Courtney from Vanatics signed up but couldn't keep up, they still had a great time trying. We made it another late night having a blast with everyone even Jerry from Vanatics.lol'

We headed back to Kansas City Sunday morning because we both had to work Monday. Wishing we could have stayed but we will next year when we go back!

When we got home Sunday, we got a call from Rocco from Vanatics and he told us that Vantasia got the long distance award and Keith and Dawn's Van won 1st place in show-n-shine in our class. Keith also got a trophy for the beer pong tournament.

Hats off to Midwest Vans LTD, You folks put on a Great Truck-In!

Thanks again, Hope to see you all at NATS.
Keith and Dawn Gray - Vantasia Van Club 

August News

Upcoming Events:

• MASVA: August 24-26th (pre-reg deadline today, August 10th)
• 8th Annual Custom Van Show hosted by Hy-Rollin Vans, September 1
• Taz'z VCVC "Party in the Yard", September 2
• The HAVE's 7th Annual Truck-In "Seventh Heaven", September 7-9

Flyers can be found on the HOAVC.org website

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HOAVC - October 19-21, 2012
HOAVC Meeting Saturday at 11am

Reminders for HOAVC members:

• In order to keep our event insurance we have to put on a Show n Shine. That means that each club should come up with a show n shine trophy and something you want to judge.
• Each club should come up with one adult and one kids games & awards. (Individual members are also welcome to run a game).
• Volunteers are needed to help with gate duty, schnapps bar, etc.

Email us back with what you want to sign up for.
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Don't know if I sent this out before but here is a link to Pony Express Van Club pics:
http://www.donlsmith.net/vans

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40th Nationals Coverage
Several magazines covered the Nats this year including DropJaw, Popular Mechanics, Hot Rod Hotline (online mag) and a Mopar Magazine.
Here are the links to what I've seen posted so far:

DropJaw Magazine

Popular Mechanics

Hot Rod Hotline:

Make sure you let them know how much you appreciate having them cover our events.

There were also a couple guys there working on a documentary for vannin. Can't wait to see it!

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanninmovie
or their website (looks like a work in progress): http://www.vanninmovie.com/

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Bob Large has the Jaws van up for sale. Asking $8,000 

This is an award winning show van, and is a one owner vehicle. Some of the details are tongue and groove walnut floor, walnut running boards, twin sunroofs, walnut overhead consoles (front & rear), vinyl covered dash/door panels/head liner, 113,000 miles.

The owner can be reached at 913-302-4539

Price is firm, will not deliver, pick up only, cash or cashier check only. If a cashier check is used the title will only change hands after the cashier check has been deposited in his account.

Please see the link below for pictures and video. Some of the video and pictures are large.
http://www.seagateshare.com/share/large5/share/craigslist/Jaws%20van/

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3112994966.html

Truckin' to Lone Star XXXIV

Lone Star Vans held there 34th Van-In on April 20th-22nd 2012. There were 21 paid Vans through the gate. It was held at Burns run West Campgrounds, in Cartwright , OK on beautiful Lake Texoma. 

Vantasia took two Vans down, and 8 Vanners: Patti Zweigel, Keith Gray, Jack & Carol Lynch, Bill & Karen Wickersty and Don & Becky Noone. We left on Thursday after Becky got home. Drove to Bill and Patti's that night and spent the night with them. Bill is recovering but wasn't ready to take the trip. Patti went with us and the neighbors keep a eye on Bill. 

Friday we were off to see our fellow Texas Vanners. This trip was a little depressing, due to the death of Ray Whittle 6/17/47--4/19/12. I had just talked to Ray and Star a week ago and he was so looking forward to seeing everyone. Charlotte called me over the weekend and told me that they had rushed him to the hospital. His leg had swelled up. They had to do surgery on him for blood clots. He survived the surgery but complications set in. Ray will be missed by many for sure. Our Prayers go out to Star and her family. This weekend at the truck-in we all talked about memories we had with and about Raymond. One that was shared with me over the Internet was with Cinnamon at a Van Nationals where some members of the Nat's Board were arrested. Ray was the one that went down to get them out. 

On Saturday night at the annual pot luck dinner that Lone Star puts on, Donnie from Lone Star said Grace along with some words about Ray and then a moment of silence. There were many tearful eyes among the crowd. 

Back to the truck-in Friday it was little cool compared with what everyone had been seeing this spring. It was in the 60's and 40's at night. I played music until a little after 10 PM. The park has a quiet time. It didn't stop everyone from visiting each others campsites. 

On Saturday everyone woke up to warmer temps. It turned out to be a beautiful day in the upper 70's. They had some great kids and adult games. Donnie form L.S.V. put on the games and had a lot of participation. There was a show-in-shine where yours truly was asked to do the judging. Hope everyone was happy with the results. At 6PM everyone was to bring their dishes for the pot luck dinner. The meat was cooked by Marty on his Texas style smoker he made. It not only looked good and won best trailer, it smoked the ham, chicken, sausage and  brisket meat to everyone's delight. Thanks Marty. Everyone else brought their dishes & desserts up for a great dinner. After dinner it was Show Time. Time to hand out the awards. After dinner everyone scattered to their  campsites to take back their dishes. I told them to come back and party cause there was the 10PM curfew on the tunes. Well it didn't take long for everyone to come back up. Especially when Art & Jenna and Bud Man Vans hauled their cooler of Jim Beam back to the pavilion. We were also celebrating Bob Dunbar's birthday with cake and lots of shots. The Park ranger showed up at 10 and said if I could turn it down some he would let us go for awhile. Thanks Ranger Rick!! 

Sunday it was time to pack up and head home. 450 miles one way back home. Gas prices ranged from $3.65 to $3.49. True we may have spent more money to go this year than last, but how do you put a price on friendship & fun? Isn't that what Vanning is all about? If you just sit around home talking about gas price's you will go crazy. Thanks to all the Texas Vanners for your Southern Hospitality. Nooner. 
 

Ray was put to rest at 2 PM on Sunday in Mesquite, Texas. If anyone would like to donate you can do so to the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital 2222 Welborn St. Dallas, Texas 75215-3993.

Please do so on behalf of Ray Whittle.

Freeze Out 2012 - Should have been Thaw Out!

Well how many of you have ever watched the movie The Perfect Storm? Well to me there is no such thing as a perfect storm. But there is such a thing as a Perfect Weekend! Well Three Trails Vans of Kansas City to me hosted the Perfect Weekend, also know as the Freeze-Out Truck-In. 

This traditional winter to spring truck-in has been hosted by many over the years. Three Trails took it over a few years back. It has been held at several locations also over the years. It started by Dave Stevenson & Junk Town Vans from Junction City, Kansas. Now it presides in Eagleville, Missouri. At the Eagle Ridge RV Park where it has been the last several years. 

Last year on the same weekend it was 20 degrees and snow. This year it 80 plus degrees. The weather was just unbelievable. The pavilion was wrapped with plywood, the propane heaters were in place, but no need for either one. 

Last years attendance was around 25 vans, this year 47. On Friday night the party lasted until a little after 1am and there were several people feeling no pain, not till the next morning anyway. 

Mike & Wanda provided the hot dogs and snacks for the weekend. Saturday weather was also perfect. Everyone spent most of the day sitting around campsites visiting with fellow vanners, enjoying the weather. 

Saturday evening the campground owner, Bob, ran a cable into the pavilion so we could hook up a TV to watch the Final Four Basketball games. It just so happened that a local college was in the tournament. Kansas University. Becky played the tunes while I watched the game with several other vanners. It was a lot of fun. Kansas won also helping make this weekend (Perfect). I took over the tunes after the game and played to a good crowd till about 1 in the morning. 

There were several long distance vanners, Bob & Karen from Kentucky, who is also in the Final Four tournament. But Cindy Lou, who has to have more long distance awards than anyone I know took home the long distance award. Congrats to both for supporting long distance events. Long Distance Club went to Fast Lanes Vans, Vanatic's was a close second to them. Both clubs are know for traveling long distances to have fun and support other van clubs. 

For all the Vanners that attended, I think they will agree that It was a Perfect Weekend. Three Trails you may not have won the Mega Million drawing, but sure won everyone over this weekend. Thank You All for a Perfect Weekend. 

Nooner
Vantasia Van Club 

 Upcoming HOAVC Events:

• Three Fingers In Part II hosted by Vanners of Oz on Saturday, April 28th.
• Vanniversary 38 hosted by Central Iowa Vanners, May 4-6
• 35 Years of Spring Fever hosted by Vantasia Vans, May 18-20

For more info check out the HOAVC website.

HOAVC's HAVOC 2011

HOAVC's HAVOC is the final camping event of the season for our council. It was held at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Colfax, IA. The attendance has shrunk some over the years but it's just as much fun as ever!

 We got there late Friday night and after we set up camp we headed up to the building for the party.   The party was in full swing when we arrived so we had some catching up to do! Face First was rockin' and everyone was dancing. HIVE ran the shot bar Friday night until the drinks ran out.

Saturday a lot of us slept in recuperating from Friday night's fun. Kids games & Adult games started. Big Dogs was serving food all weekend long for those of us with the munchies or who just didn't feel like cooking. I think everyone at the truck-in played at least one of the games. Every club that is a member of the council usually runs one adult and one kids game. There is also a phantom show n shine so you never know what you might win an award for. We held our HOAVC meeting and officers were voted on as well as 2011 Vanner & Vannerette (I'll post minutes from the meeting at the end) after the games. Later that afternoon the kids hit the campground in their costumes to do some trick or treating and have their costumes judged.

Trophy presentation and pumpkin carving judging followed dinner.  Once again - some very inventive costumes. Congrats to Dale & Bonnie of CIV for being voted Vanner & Vannerette for 2011! CIV did a hayride through town again for everyone. Cold out but a lot of fun going past all the homes and having people check out the crazy people on the hay wagon LOL.

Vanner & Vannerette 2011

Waving so long to the hayride

 2012 will be the last year we have HOAVC at this fairgrounds on October 19-21. Not sure where we'll be yet in 2013 but we'll keep you updated! Hope to see you there!

E-Z Life Vanners

3 Trails Vans - Totally Trashed Vanners

Best Couples Costume - Dale & Bonnie Ritz

 For more pics check out our website and Facebook page. The 2012 flyer should be posted soon.

Minutes from the October Meeting:

October 15, 2011

• Discussed HOAVC location and dates for 2012
  • Approved to have a week between Hy-Rollin & HOAVC. Hopefully it will allow more vanners to attend the event by having a break between the two events.
  • Next year’s dates will be October 19, 20, 21, 2012
  • Would still like to move the event back to a campground. Paying a set price for the fairgrounds rather than a per van price is making HOAVC lose money. The campground would allow vanners to socialize more. The buildings while warmer and keeping us out of bad weather don’t allow us to socialize as much.
  • Keith to look into Shoemaker’s again. He hasn’t been able to contact the owner but it was voted that we would still like to try to move the event there.
    

New Business:

• Don & Becky Noon have been checking into Event Insurance for HOAVC members to use for all member events. Would have to raise club dues for all clubs. Are we interested? Becky is getting a rate.
• HOAVC is losing money. Cost of fairgrounds is $1000 flat fee and only 40 vans in attendance this year. Do we want to consider doing 50/50 drawings to raise money.
• Dairyland Vanners (Nationals Hosts 2012) is selling can coolers. 2/$5 or $3 each.
• Voted for Vanner / Vannerette
• 2012 HOAVC Dues are due: $35/club, $25/individual. (Club price could rise if we approve event insurance.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Three Trails Vans Christmas Party: Party is in same location in Pleasant Valley, MO. Looking into a shuttle to/from hotels in area.
  • EZ Life: looking at a new campground in Lamar, IA
  • Donnie went to Wyandotte County Fairgrounds meeting. Still a possibility to move Spring Fever and hold a Nationals at the new grounds if they put in a campground. Nothing much on the new grounds yet.
    Vantasia Vans is looking at bands on October 28th at Argosy Casino if anyone would like to go with.
    Vantasia Vans has all lady officers. They will be having another dog parade at Spring Fever
  • MASVA: Has taken over Fast Lane Vans weekend. They have a new campground for 2012.
  • CIV: Looking into a tour of the NASCAR Track in Newton for their Caravan in 2012.
• Elections:
  President: Keith Wiese
  Vice President: Gary Sholders
  Secretary: Becky Roth
  Treasurer: Patti Weber
  Webmaster: Tammy Kenney
  
• No schnapps bar on Saturday night – no one volunteered
  
• Dues paid at meeting: Vantasia $35, Fast Lane $35, Keith & Joyce Wiese $25, Pikes Peak Vans $35, Hy-Rollin Vans $35
  
• Meeting adjourned

Tammy Kenney

HOAVC Webmaster

Howling Van-Pir-Te hosted by Hy-Rollin Vans

Hy-Rollin Vans holds their event at the same grounds that the Nationals will be held at in 2012 in Elkhorn, WI.  In October we're never sure what the weather will be like but this year the weather was great - warm ... no snow!! On a good note, our event has a heated building we use for the party and run a kitchen out of it, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night munchies to make ends meet.

Every year more & more vanners show up on Thursday night to camp and help decorate the building with us. Thursday night & Friday morning is spent decorating, making jello shots & setting up our kitchen. Once the clubs start arriving they start decorating their sites & carving pumpkins.

Friday night's band was Bounty Hunter, a band we've had play before and everyone seems to like. Adult games on Friday nights are always a challenge. Rick & Keith spend quite awhile every year before this event trying to figure out how to make the game cheat proof ... never happens LOL. Someone always figures out how to get the edge but it makes for a fun time!

Saturday morning we're up early and in the kitchen getting ready to serve breakfast. The activities are non-stop all day between kids games, show n shine, adult games, trick or treating and the hayride for kids. Hy-Rollin did get a break in the afternoon. A big THANK YOU to the Ace of Spade Van Club for inviting us to share dinner with them in their campsite. If you're coming to Nats this year, I recommend making sure you don't miss Vanner's Nite In hosted by them. The food they made was delish and something you won't want to miss!!!

Jill's dad made the trophies again this year. I hope he knows how much we appreciate what he does for us. They looked awesome as usual. As soon as trophy presentation was over the party started. There were some pretty creative costumes this year making it hard to choose the winners once again. Hope everyone had fun!!  The dates for 2012 are October 5-7 - hope you can make it!

Look for more pics from our events on HOAVC.org and hyrollinvans.com 

Tammy Kenney

Hy-Rollin Vans