Summer Hummer State Rally, June 18-21. A 25 Year Tradition!
By Matt Graettinger
This is a historic year for ABATE of WI, celebrating 35
years this October, our 25th State Rally in a few weeks, and the 5th
year of the Rally at our home, ABATE Acres.
There are always a lot of last minute details to attend to, so I will be
short and sweet this time around. I know
that regular readers of this newsletter have been following the planning stages
of the Summer Hummer State Rally since last winter. Let me just say that the bulk of the process
is done, and all that really remains is the final
set-up which will take place in the 3 or 4 days before the gates open. Many of the members come a few days early and
assist with these last minute tasks, but equally important are those members
who can stay a day or two after the Rally to help tear-down and make the
grounds look as pristine as they were only a week ago.
Due to the wealth of information to distribute and the
limited space on the posters and handouts (that is if the print is large enough
to read!) we were only able to include the Headline Act for each night. Last month’s issue, as well as this one, has
a 4-page pullout section focusing on Rally information. Check this insert for the music line-up,
Volunteer Coordinator list, articles addressing the history of the Rally and
ABATE, and the page that spotlights our State Rally Sponsors.
Late Breaking News! Thanks to the diligent efforts of
Tiger from 1A, Nancy and I have a commitment from a photographer working for
a nationally known biker magazine publisher to attend and cover the
2009 Summer Hummer State Rally. Paisano Publications (home of Easyrider, Biker, In the Wind, V-Twin,
among others) is sending 'Natanic', one of their Midwest-region
photographer/reporters to see how we do things Wisconsin style. Here
is our chance to show the rest of the country what a great event they have
been missing, as well as the opportunity (just
maybe) to get your picture in one of these publications. Smile Everyone!
The Volunteer Coordinators have told me there are still a
few slots available – and a few new departments to staff - so call the
Coordinators and give ‘em a heads up as to where you would like to pitch
in. Remember, you can always ask at the
Gate if there have been any holes that popped up, they
will radio to the coordinators and let you know where we need the help. Don’t forget that two short shifts will get
you that coveted “I Volunteered 2009” Shirt.
The Summer Hummer State Rally Committee has been hard at
work since last August to make the 25th ABATE of WI State Rally our
biggest ever. Members all across the
state have done their part to promote the Rally by handing out the postcards,
hanging the posters and selling the $10,000 Cash Raffle tickets. Volunteers around the state have called the
coordinators to schedule a few hours to help out. The only thing between us and the most
successful State Rally in 25 years is… well, us! Attend!
Attend and bring a friend! Attend
your organization’s Flagship Event! Our
best asset is still our dedicated and enthusiastic membership. When people attend an ABATE of WI event for
the first time, and meet our members, enjoy the music and acttivities at the
State Rally, see and hear first hand what we have accomplished not only at the
ABATE Acres, but for all riders who live or vacation in our state, many will
become members themselves. And they will
tell others. And those others will tell
others. And so on.
See how easy it could be to double or triple our membership? But it all starts back with you. Attend and bring a friend! Don’t miss this opportunity to spend some
quality time with brothers and sisters who believe in the same things you do –
I know they do because they are reading the same newsletter as you are!
Ride safe! We know we
will be seeing you at Summer Hummer 2009!
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