Announcing the 2012 "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

For announcements of upcoming 356-related events and discussion of past events. NOTE: Contact lorischutz@porsche356registry.org to have events added to website calendar.
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Please identify your likelihood of attending the "Other Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

Poll ended at Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:08 pm

Count me in! (virtually 100% certain): 356 + 1 person
5
23%
Count me in! (virtually 100% certain): 356 + 2 people
7
32%
Good chance I'll attend (maybe 75% sure): 356 + 1 person
4
18%
Good chance I'll attend (maybe 75% sure): 356 + 2 people
3
14%
Interested but just a 50/50 chance: 356 + 1 person
2
9%
Interested but just a 50/50 chance: 356 + 2 people
1
5%
 
Total votes: 22

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Bill Waite
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Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Announcing the 2012 "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

#1 Post by Bill Waite »

A West Michigan 356 Event in Early October 2012

Inspired by the success of George Bryan's "Gang of Three" and their Georgia 2011 Drive Your 356 Weekend, we are pleased to share some early information regarding a similar event here in West Michigan: the 2012 "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest."

When: October 4-7, 2012 (Thursday through Saturday + Sunday Swap Meet).
Where: Gull Lake, Michigan and points west to beautiful Lake Michigan.
What: A gathering of 356 owners for a fun-filled, casual weekend focused on the cars, the camaraderie, some great activities and the beauty of Michigan's famous fall colors.

Just like the event last year in Georgia, this gathering will be a low key, laid back event with a moderate cost structure. Not a Porsche 356 Registry "Holiday" (no 5 star hotel or concours).

Among the list of activities:

1. Tour of the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. Link: http://www.airzoo.org/

Image

2. Tour of the Gilmore Car Museum. Link: http://gilmorecarmuseum.org/

3. Tour of the "Off Brother's Garage" and their award winning private car collection.

Image

4. A day of "your choice" self-guided tours, including itineraries for:

• Tour to South Haven and the Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Wine Country / Brewery Tour.
• Fall Color Driving and Casino Tour.
• Self Guided Antique Shop Tour.

5. Swap Meet for 356 Related Parts, Literature & Memorabilia.

6. Hosted Cocktail hour(s) and an Oktoberfest themed dinner.

7. And more: many optional local attractions, including Michigan's newest casino.

This event is being planned by six (6) West Michigan 356 Registry members who refer to themselves as the "Gang of Five." Yes, we are a bit math challenged... but we all love our 356's and we know how to throw a party!

Regards,

West Michigan's "Gang of Five"
(Tom Kayser, Bill Hallack, Fred Harrison, Doug McDonnell, Justin Escher, Bill Waite)

PS: Our sincere thanks to George Bryan who has shared as ton of information regarding how the "Gang of Three" pulled off the Georgia event. Three cheers!
Last edited by Bill Waite on Sat May 12, 2012 12:23 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Bill Waite
Grand Rapids, MI

1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

Curt Crowell
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Location: Libertyville, ILL

Re: Announcing the 2012 "Other Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

#2 Post by Curt Crowell »

Bill-Will I get to see what you did with my tips ? Curt

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Bill Waite
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Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:05 pm
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Re: Announcing the 2012 "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

#3 Post by Bill Waite »

Curt...

Yes, you will (assuming I finish the car by that time)! Making slow but sure progress now...

Bill
Bill Waite
Grand Rapids, MI

1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

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Bill Waite
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Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:05 pm
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

The "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest" in West Michigan October 2

#4 Post by Bill Waite »

I forgot to include a few photos when I posted the announcement of the "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest."

Yes, we will have plenty of beer at this event... that's always a big part of an Oktoberfest, right? Well... we've started interviewing three different groups of servers for the event (photos below). It appears that it may be some time before we can make a decision because we've concluded that we are going to have to conduct multiple interviews with these girls.

Image

Image

Image

Our host hotel will be the Gull Lake Inn (with special room rates below $100... but don't book yet as we're still finalizing details):

Image

See their website here: http://www.gulllakeinn.com/Welcome.html

Also, due to emails I've received asking "just who are you guys, anyway?" we decided to post a photo of us, albeit from a few years back... on the Lake Michigan beach. We still look the same... more or less.

Image

All for now...

The Six Members of the Gang of Five
Bill Waite
Grand Rapids, MI

1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

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Vic Skirmants
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Re: Announcing the 2012 "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

#5 Post by Vic Skirmants »

:shock: :shock: :shock: I'll be there! Barbara will sign up for the guys in the last photo. :)

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Announcing the 2012 "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

#6 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Vic Be sure to tell Barbara to wear her "Rose colored lenses" or she won't recognize us.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Bill Waite
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Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

"Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest" October 4-7 2012 Update

#7 Post by Bill Waite »

We have been getting quite a few inquiries regarding the Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest . Thought we would give you all an update, and post answers to some questions we’ve received.

Dates: These dates are solid: October 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2012.

Location: Gull Lake, Michigan (and surrounding “natural beauty” areas). West Michigan at its finest, that’s a promise!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, October 4, 2012

9 a.m. – 5 pm. --- Registration at the Gull Lake Motel (Host Motel)
12 p.m. (Noon) --- Lunch on your own
2 p.m. - ?? --- Tour the Kalamazoo Air Zoo (including their restoration facilities)
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. --- Biergarten & Jausengerichten (beer, wine and pub snacks)
6 p.m. - ?? --- Dinner on your own at Bay View Gardens (recommended) or your choice.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Morning --- Breakfast on your own (Host Motel includes Continental Breakfast)
10 a.m. – Noon --- Tour of the "Off Brother’s Garage" (award winning private car collection)
12 Noon --- Lunch on your own
2 p.m. - ?? --- Tour of "Gilmore Car Museum" (including their restoration facilities)
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. --- Biergarten & Jausengerichten (beer, wine and pub snacks)
6 p.m. - ?? --- Dinner on your own at Blackhawk Tavern (recommended) or your choice.

Saturday, October 6 , 2012

Morning --- Breakfast on your own (Host Motel includes Continental Breakfast)
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. --- On Your Own Activities (your choice – maps will be provided)

• Self-Guided Tour to South Haven
• Self-Guided Wine Country / Brewery Tour
• Self-Guided Fall Color and Casino Tour
• Self Guided Antique Shop Tour

5 p.m. – ?? --- Biergarten & Jausengerichten (beer, wine and pub snacks)
6 p.m. - ?? --- Catered Oktoberfest Dinner (at the host motel clubhouse)

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Morning --- Breakfast on your own (Host Motel includes Continental Breakfast)
7 a.m. – 10 am --- Swap Meet (coffee & donuts at host motel clubhouse)
10 a.m. --- Auf Wiedersehen! Have a safe trip home!

--------------------------------------------------

Questions & Answers

Q: Who are the members of the “Gang of Five?”

A: The six members of the “Gang of Five” (all 356 Registry members): Tom Kayser (1959 Cabriolet), Fred Harrison (1951 Coupe, 1959 Convertible D), Bill Hallack (1960 Roadster), Doug McDonnell (1964 Coupe), Justin Escher (1959 Coupe) and Bill Waite (1965 Coupe).

Q. OK, so we saw the photo of you guys at the Lake Michigan beach. No offense, but why not post a photo of your wives or girlfriends?

A: Luckily, we do have a photo of the gals in our lives. Yes, it was taken a little while back, but they all still look like they did then (more or less). See below ("click to enlarge):

Image

Q: How much will registration cost?

A: As a result of some financial assistance received from the Porsche 356 Registry, the registration fee is only $40 per person. The fee covers admission to the Gilmore Car Museum and the Air Zoo, plus three Biergartens and a catered Oktoberfest dinner Saturday night.

Q: So, you guys look like you know what you’re doing. Does that mean this event will be flawless and every single participant will be totally pleased and have no complaints?

A: Are you crazy? The only thing we can promise is that we are going to try hard to make it fun for everyone. It is true that the members of the Gang of Five are all very intelligent and handsome guys. But, we are not professional event planners.

Q: When can I register?

A: Register NOW! A copy of the registration form is posted below, or follow this link for a downloadable copy of the form: http://www.viewdocsonline.com/document/2pzgya

Q: Is there a limit to the number of registrations you can accept?

A: Yes. In addition to the Gang of Five, we are limiting the event to 50 more cars and 100 more people, all first come first serve.

Q: What will rooms cost at the host motel?

A: Rooms will be $99 / night for two persons at host motel and at the nearby “overflow” motel. Rooms may not be reserved until your registration form has been mailed to Tom Kayser. See the “Lodging” information below for a complete list of accommodation options.

Q: Are you guys looking for event sponsors?

A. You bet we are. Interested vendors can contact us sending me a message. We will be soliciting modest assistance from various organizations and will promote them here, on our event website and all printed event materials. Plus, we will be working on a “Goody Bag” for participants. There will also be a door prize drawing of donated items at the Saturday Oktoberfest Dinner.

Q: Will there be a concours?

A: No. Bring your 356 (regardless of its present condition) and enjoy kicking tires, telling lies, and talking 356's with the other owners. No judging or trophies at this event.

Q: I really like to drink beer. You guys aren’t going to run out of beer, are you? (Note: this question asked by a not-to-be-named Michigan based 356 racer and mechanical guru).

A: Although we don’t think we will run out, it could happen. We have budgeted for what we hope will be a sufficient amount of beer, wine and soft drinks for each of the Biergarten events. However, as you might imagine, the registration fee does not cover an unlimited amount for those who might "know their way around a Biergarten." So, if you fall into that classification (don't worry... some of us do), you will want to bring a cooler and some extra beer, wine or whatever for yourself. If hard stuff is your preference, it’s BYOB. A package liquor / party store is very close by.

Q: What about event t-shirts and grille badges?

A: There will be a spot on the registration form for participants to order modestly priced t-shirts and grille badges. Fortunately, one of our members is a very talented and creative fellow. A “sneak peak” at the grille badge ("click" to enlarge):

Image

That's all for now... more to come! Please email me or reply with any questions.
Last edited by Bill Waite on Sat May 12, 2012 12:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Bill Waite
Grand Rapids, MI

1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

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Bill Waite
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Why is This 356 Smiling?

#8 Post by Bill Waite »

Why does the 356 on the Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest event logo have such a big smile?

Image

Because folks from all over the country are registering for our event. We have registered participants (all Porsche 356 Registry members) from Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, New Hampshire, Georgia, and Texas so far. Although we have yet to receive their registration forms, we just learned that four 356's and their owners will be joining us from the Cincinnati, Ohio area.

One addition to our plans: at the catered Oktoberfest dinner on Saturday October 6, there will be a door prize drawing. A number of sponsors have generously donated prizes for the drawing.

For example...

Sally and Jack Biersdorff of The Lereyn Company have donated a 356 Coupe "Third Brake Light" (an $80 value) to be given away to one of our lucky participants that evening. Not too bad for a $40 registration fee (which includes admission to two museums, three Biergarten events and a Oktoberfest dinner). Thanks Jack & Sally!

The Lereyn Company's website (blog) is at this link: http://thirdbrakelight.blogspot.com/

We will be announcing other sponsors and their door prize donations in the coming week or so.

As a reminder: Registration is limited to 56 registrants & 56 co-registrants. A cut-off date will be announced soon. Please make plans to join us!

Links to registration forms (use the "print icon on the upper left of the website page to print off a copy):

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1NEHg ... 2J2WFVFZ2c

http://www.viewdocsonline.com/document/2pzgya

After registering, make your room reservations at the host motel (or one of the other area hotels) listed at this link: http://porsche356registry.org/356talk/3/29943.html

Questions? You can email me directly at fordlandia@sbcglobal.net or call me at (616) 957-7840. Or, call Tom Kayser at (269) 344-0470.

Regards,

Bill
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Bill Waite
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1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

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Bill Waite
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NEWS FLASH: TEXANS Packing 356's Invading Michigan!

#9 Post by Bill Waite »

NEWS FLASH! TEXANS PACKING 356'S INVADE WEST MICHIGAN!

That's right: the Lone Star State of Texas leads the "out-of-state" registrations for West Michigan's "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest." We'd call it an invasion, because there are already six (6) 356's from Texas heading our way.

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Link to our website: http://www.thirdcoast356oktoberfest.org ... /Home.html

OK, so they aren't going to be packing 356 Magnums (I don't think?) but they will be packing their 356's with some luggage... headed for some fun times this Fall in beautiful West Michigan.

BTW: Ohio is next with five (5) registrants... we're thinking we need to have a special prize for the registrants from the non-Michigan state with the highest number of participants. So... right now it is the Texans who will be taking back the prize (TBD... but no doubt very special!).

OK Wisconsin: we heard that there were supposed to be a group of 10 Registry members heading our way this October... but only one (1) so far? What gives?

Reminder: registration is limited... so register now (the most fun $40 can buy for a Porsche 356 Registry sponsored event).

Image

Get a 356 caravan together and join us for a lot of fun & games!

Regards,

The Six Members of West Michigan's "Gang of Five"
Bill Waite
Grand Rapids, MI

1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

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Peter Boettcher
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Re: Announcing the 2012 "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest"

#10 Post by Peter Boettcher »

Bill,
Thanks much for the update.
The Drei Staaten Gruppe based here in southern Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana plans to have a large caravan heading to Michigan for the event.
We think we can win the out of state contest.
We will be bringing Magnums of Yeungling Lager to share with our new friends.

See you all in October!

Peter Boettcher
Cincinnati, Ohio
Peter Boettcher

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