The Heartland LTVers gathered at the Whitebreast Campground in Knoxville, Iowa, May 5-8 to celebrate a Spring Rally. It was great to reconnect with friends and make new ones throughout the weekend!
Throughout the weekend, we had the opportunity to take in some local attractions. The Rally was scheduled in conjunction with the Tulip Time festival in nearby Pella, Iowa. Our group enjoyed seeing many beautiful tulips, trying various foods of Dutch heritage, and watching the parades which demonstrated many Dutch traditions. LTV sponsored a 15-person van to shuttle our members to and from the festival. Rich Flaugh, attending his first Heartland Rally, offered to be our driver and tour guide. Special thanks to Rich & Marcia, this service would not have been possible without them!
Eight states were represented with 19 coaches for a total of 35 people. There were even 9 dogs and 3 cats who enjoyed the rally. We also had some diversity of floor plans. From the Unity line, there were a CB, FX, MB, RL, and TB. There were two floor plans from the Wonder line: RL and RTB.
Whitebreast is an Army Corp of Engineers (COE) campground located on Lake Red Rock and is the largest man-made lake in Iowa. The group camps are located towards the end of a peninsula with Lake Red Rock visible in three directions. Trees were just beginning to bud, and the wide range of birds provided an awesome backdrop for our event. It was common to see eagles, turkey vultures, and squirrels as we gathered to eat.
Attendees provided the sides, salads, and desserts, while LTV sponsored coffee and breakfast items. LTV also provided Amana bratwursts and accompaniments, pulled pork sandwiches, and chicken skewers with grilled vegetables and seasoned rice for evening meals.
Every woman who attends her first Heartland Rally receives a small cross-body bag embroidered with her initial made by Ann Dudler.
LTV provides $500 in LTV store certificates to each club per year. Five $50 certificates along with items embroidered & donated by Ann Dudler were included in a prize drawing. Other prizes included a microwave popcorn popper, dog toy, shirts, hoodies, apron, a picnic blanket, and dish towels. Everyone received a prize.
Tulip-themed centerpieces were also distributed. One of our members gave one of the centerpieces to the park worker cleaning our bathroom and she thought it was an extremely nice gesture.
There was a broad range in the camping experience. One couple was on their very first trip in an RV and some other people have been LTV owners for years. Multiple meals ended with group discussions about ways to better organize the RVs as well as question/answer sessions to share knowledge. There was even a “show and tell” that was especially informative.
A couple who are future LTV owners drove over 100 miles to spend several hours with us. In a display of the LTV family atmosphere, many of us willingly opened our coaches, giving tours and answering questions. It’s rewarding to be part of such a friendly and helpful community!
The Knoxville Raceway was a big attraction. Billing itself as the “Sprint Car Capital of the World,” the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum was also included. Prior to the evening race, “hot laps” provided entertainment for racegoers and several club members enjoyed an evening watching the activities.
Days ended by enjoying the setting sun reflecting off the lake and gathering around a crackling fire. Plans are under way for our Fall Rally in September…will you consider joining us?
Written by: Paul & Julie Crandall
Photos by: Patrick Reid & Ann Dudler
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