MVPA CONVENTION AT FAIR PARK, DALLAS, TEXAS 2002
The MVPA held it's
International Convention at the Fair Park Complex in Dallas, Texas the last week
of June 2002. This location is a 277 acre historical, cultural, museum and
entertainment complex that was designated a National Historical landmark for
it's Art Deco Architecture built in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Exposition.
The MVPA event was held in the 94,500 sq ft building called the Centennial
Building which offered a great backdrop for the Motorpool display of vehicles
with the brick wall backdrop and steel trusses. This building allowed the
vendors and vehicle show to be in the same air conditioned area which is a must
in the hot Texas summer.
Providing a host
Hotel site had presented quite a challenge but the end result was a triple plus.
The Courtyard by Marriott, The Sheraton
Suites, and the Fairfield Inn provided excellent accommodations with free
parking and collectively provided a shuttle service to and from the Convention
site.
Thursday, June 27th, was set up day and the host
Affiliated Group, Arrowhead Chapter, wore yellow shirts
for easy visibility to vendors and vehicle owners. This year, due to Fire
Department restrictions, the decision was made to do the preliminary judging of
basic functions of the vehicle prior to entering the facility.
The vehicle would be checked for it's ease of starting, lights, exhaust, and
other areas that would require the vehicle to
be running and have the battery connected. It was particularly helpful, because
the owner was present to bring the vehicle into the facility and could
demonstrate it's abilities. Once the vehicle
was positioned, the battery disconnected, and the display set up, the owner was
free to enjoy the rest of the show and attend the support groups or visit the
complex without worrying that someone needed
to be at the vehicle when the judging was in stage two.
This show had been
billed as a show for the family, partly because the Fair Park Complex had so
much to offer of things to do while the "enthusiast" spent time at the
Convention, and because we would like to encourage the entire family to
participate in the fun and fellowship that this hobby can bring. That was one of
the reasons that both dinners were held at the Convention site.
While the Convention was
in session, Arrowhead ladies were transforming the dining area into a Texas
Bar-B-Que. The red checked tablecloths, antique windmill centerpieces and Lone
Star memorabilia helped to set the stage for a great evening.
Throughout the day
on Friday, a silent auction was taking place. Items had been donated and folks
strolled by offering their bids on things such as pictures, baskets of goodies,
WWII ads, books, video tapes, craft items, and a quilt. The auction completed
after the evening meal and the verbal auction began. The auctioneer was John
Varner and he certainly kept it interesting. Items for that auction had been
donated from vendors and individuals and the good-natured bidding resulted in a
tidy sum for the MVPA
There were vendor
spaces sold which offered the MVPA members and guests a great selection of items
to consider. With the dinners located at the Convention site, it allowed the
member and vendor to spend all their time shopping. That was certainly a bonus.
On Saturday, the
MVPA VI Corps Historical Association provided MVPA members with guided tours of
the old Dallas Ford Plant, which produced Ford GPW Jeeps during WWII. VI Corps
President Chuck McCarty, and other members of that MVPA Affiliate, escorted the
tour buses to and from the Convention site in WWII Jeeps. Ford Plant Tour
participants took a walking tour of various areas inside the original building
where approximately 97,000 Ford GPW Jeeps were assembled during WWII. Several
WWII-era Jeeps were parked inside for photo opportunities. Additionally, two
original plant workers during WWII, Mr. Pike and Mr. Groves, were on hand to
answer questions and pose for photos. It was noted that during most of the war
years, the Ford Plant schedule was 7 days per week, producing 125 Jeeps per day.
Also, for every eight Jeeps produced, one Ford truck was produced. Ford Motor
Company closed this plant in 1970.
Saturday was open to
the everyone and lots of folks strolled through the vehicles and vendors. There
is a strong feeling of patriotism in the general public and their appreciation
of the vehicles was very evident. Quite a few membership pamphlets were taken.
Vehicle owners
waited in anticipation for the judging results and each critically reviewed
their competition. But they would have to wait till the banquet.
The Arrowhead ladies
again performed their magic and transformed the dining area for the big USO
event. The guys set about the task of setting the stage with WWII style supply
boxes, sand bags, sign posts giving it the perfect touch for a WWII usa Show.
There was a 1942 Jeep and a Canteen trailer, complete with a WWII Coffee pot and
telephones for the GI's to call home. Great atmosphere for the upcoming
USO Show.
The banquet meal did
not disappoint the attendees. It was a Tex-Mex feast with fajitas and hand
rolled enchiladas with all the trimmings. Eddy Dean Catering really surpassed
our expectations. There was all you could eat and the service was excellent.
There were four serving lines and the wait was minimal and folks filled their
plates to the brim. You were even allowed to go back for seconds. Both meals
were catered by Eddy Dean and the Convention committee was very lucky to have
selected him.
The Program following the meal provided the answers to
the Judging of Vehicles with the awards being presented by "Marilyn
Monroe". She certainly portrayed the role well! There was also
presentation of Outstanding Display for the M*A*S*H display and appreciation
plaques to the Past President, Lee Holland and Retiring Judge, Lou Moore.
*(and let's not forget the Duct Tape Award!)
The USO Show as a great mix of music with the Glen
Dorsey Orchestra and a trio called "Satin Serenade" who
performed many of the Andrew Sisters music. There was a surprise visit by
hulu dancers with coconut bras and MP's who were trying to stop them. All
in all, it was great fun.
Arrowhead Chapter would like to thank everyone who
helped, attended, and otherwise supported this endeavor. We truly
appreciate all your hard work and constant support. Thanks to its members
and friends this Convention was a super success.