When I came across this I thought I would share on here so those of you with school buses and kids could consider the opportunity! It's on my wish list right after my first bus
Cheers
MYB
http://www.familiesontheroad.com/rally.html
Bus Rally
When: Third week of July 2011, exact dates to be determined as we get closer.
Where: Bemidji, Minnesota - First city on the Mississippi River, home of Paul and Babe
Who: Full-timers, part-timers, weekenders. Individuals and families. Bus or no bus - right, ANYONE with an interest!
What: Bring your bus. Or, if you have no bus, we'll still let you in, just bring your favorite RV or camping gear. All rigs are welcome - buses are enjoyed, but not necessary!
How: The Rally is held just eight miles from the intersection of U.S. Highways 71 and 2.
Why: Because we love buses
Get ready for the Fourth Annual get-together in Bemidji. We have had a great time hosting this event for the past three years, and are really looking forward to this year!
We have mostly level boon dock parking available, limited access to 20-amp electric hookup and plenty of water. There are two free dump stations in town about 10 miles away. Generators are OK. Pets are fine on a leash or tie out.
Food includes community meals, where everyone cooks their favorites. Last year, we had chicken, ribs, roasts, salads, wild rice, waffle breakfasts, incredible desserts, homemade wine and some Alabama barbeque that made it's way up to us. Memorable food is our goal!
Kids - Last year, there were nine kids, ages 13 years old to six weeks old. We had activities for everyone to enjoy, including working with our miniature horse, setting up a water slide, enjoying the completely chemical-free hot tub, wild blueberry picking and spending time making crafts, reading and watching movies in our homeschool activity cabin. The kids also enjoyed lots of fireworks and campfire stories in the evenings, roasting food over the coals and making new friends.
This year, our 14 year old son is putting on a blacksmith demonstration, and is having a trebuchet raising, as he builds his large scale working machine. He'd like some help!
We had nine families/buses last year, and expect a few more this time. It includes people from all walks of life. We hope our Canadian family returns this summer. Last year, we hosted some folks from Alabama, who'd just came to see what all the fuss was about. Many families are from Minnesota.
Area activities will depend on the weekend we settle on, depending on everyone's schedules. We have a fishing boat, for those who want to venture to one of the many nearby lakes. Craft fairs are usually abundant.
And, of course, there are bus touring. If you are interested in the interiors, there's plenty of opportunity to learn how different families set up their rigs. From sofas and dinning to bunks, to bathrooms and cabinetry, no two ever seem alike.
If it's mechanics you enjoy, it seems like those engine bay doors don't close all weekend! There's always a group of fellows standing behind a bus, pondering power ranges and wiring issues.
Bemidji is located in the heart of Northern Minnesota lake country, just a short drive to the Mississippi Headwaters and home to Paul and Babe.
A bit about us - we are a family of eight, including six children. We have worked on the road since 2002, and have been full-timing since 2003. Our bus project began in 2005, after we wore out two bumper pull trailers. "Jack," our 1980 MCI coach, has been home ever since. While we live in Jack full-time, we slow down travel in the summer months so the kids can have some social time and we can grow a small garden. After outgrowing area RV parks, we purchased a small piece of land near Bemidji, and set up our own RV hookups. Most of our summer work is local to this region, so we can still work as we "pretend" to be "locals!"
Folks on the road are welcome to stop by anytime between April 15 and October 15 just to visit. And, we hope to see some of you this year at the rally! It's educational. It's fun. And most of us go home with a great list of new friends.
We hope to see you there!
Amy and Devin and the Kids
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