Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest: Event Report & Photos

[Bill Waite]

We had a blast!

The "Third Coast 356 Oktoberfest" at Gull Lake, MI just ended today. The first day's weather was perfect (sunny and about 70 degrees) and the Fall season colors were at their peak. It gradually got colder each day and some rain dampened the outdoor tire kicking a bit, but everyone seemed to enjoy the indoor tours of the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, the private car collection at the "Off Brother's Garage" and the Gilmore Car Museum.

We are hoping that participants will post some of their event photos and comments here. About 80 people were originally registered, with over forty (40) 356's expected. There were some late cancellations due to illness or other conflicts, but last night's "Oktoberfest" dinner served about 70 people.

In addition to posting some photos, west Michigan's "Gang of Five" will use this thread to publicly thank the sponsors for their generosity and support. We also want to encourage other Registry members to consider holding similar "low key - low cost" events. To that end, we will be glad to share our experiences and will be adding a supplement to the very helpful "event planning checklist" George Bryan and Georgia's "Gang of Three" gave us last year after their event.

More photos and comments will be posted here tomorrow, but the following will provide a start.

Regards,

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

Part of the "line-up" at the Air Zoo...

[Bill Waite]

Some more photos: these are from the tour of the award winning private car collection of Ron Elenbaas & Bill Johnston. The collection is housed in the "Off Brother's Garage" on beautiful Gull Lake, Michigan.

[Phil Planck]

My wife Nancy and I had a great time at this event. Unfotunately, I took no pictures as I forgot to bring the camera out of the motel room every time. She got a few on her cell phone, but that is another challenge for us to get them from there to here. The "gang" did a great job putting this together. My thanks to them and the sponsors. Adam, the Goodie back was great!

[Doug McDonnell]

Although I was unable to finish my car prior to the event I would like to thank everyone who participated in the event. I had a great time. A big Thank You to our hosts Bill and Mary Ellen Walls who own the Gull Lake Inn. You and your staff were wonderful. I would also like to thank the many venders who provided goodie bags and door prizes,including Adam from Unobtanium,Ron LaDow of Precision Matters,Al Zim,Stoddards,The Registry Goodie Store,The Lereyn Company. It was wonderful to meet so many interesting people. You are the ones who made the event such a success, Thank You Doug McDonnell Gang of Five

[Fred Lawrence]

On the way to the Air Zoo, Marsha held the camera over the Speedster's windshield and grabbed a few shots. The one here is the best of the bunch. There's also another view of the cars parked in front of the air zoo, this one from the other end; An interior view of the Air Zoo, the Speedster in the Gull Lake Inn parking lot and the parking lot at Off Brothers.

[John Pitman]

Having just learned to use these forums I previously accidently sent another e-mail to Bill Waite. I really salivated over your weekend in my old home state. I was originally from Lake Odessa and graduated from Western MI in 1956. I used to pass by Gull Lake on M-43 going home some weekends. I was just up there in June for my 60th HS Reunion and stayed in GR. My 1961 356B Roadster 88971 would have been at home last weekend. A few years ago we had our 50th College 'Blast From The Past' in K-zoo so I got to the Air Zoo and Gilmore Auto Collection. I learned to fly near where the Air Zoo now resides in 1953. You 'Gang Of Five or is it Six' keep up the great work. I'll be looking for more pics in the next Registry pub.
Dick Pitman
Chester, VA

[Mark Pribanic]

Thank you all for posting pictures. I noticed one from state of Georgia. Anyone recall who dove up from Georgia? Also, was a long distance driver awarded? If so, who and where?

Gracias!

[Bill Waite]

Hi Mark,

The folks who drove up from Georgia were Roy and Alice Garrison from Jasper, GA. They are good friends of Bill Hallack & his wife Linda (Bill is one of the "Gang of Five").

Originally, we thought we'd only attract members from the mid-west, but in the end we had about 70 people attend with participants from the following places:

West Bend, WI, Windham, NH, Indianapolis, IN, West Bloomfield, MI, Argile, TX, Jasper, GA, Urbana, IL, Cincinnati, OH, Bedford, TX, Cleveland, OH, Dayton, OH, New Ulm, TX, Houston, TX, Mainville, OH, Tyler, TX, Jamestown, PA, Lincoln, MI, Superior Township, MI, Baldwinsville, NY, Columbia, MD, Langley, WA, Hilliard, OH, West Chester, PA, Billings, MT, Kalamazoo, MI, Clearwater, FL, Bannockburn, IL, Rosco, IL, N. Barrington, IL, Grand Haven, MI, Ann Arbor, MI, Tecumseh, MI, Hickory Corners, MI, Dearborn, MI, Kent, OH, Franklin, MI, Franklin, MI, Stow, OH, Coumbus, OH, Grand Rapids, MI, Augusta, MI, Richland, MI, and Portage, MI.

So… the long distance "award" went to Tom Olson from Langly, WA (1823.6 miles). We also recognized the four (4) Registry members who made the trip from Texas for having the most “combined mileage” from one state.

If you look closely, you'll see an Alaska license plate: Grahm Beckett and Susan Peacock made the trip from Billings, MT with a car that is registered in Alaska. I think Tom Olson's is also registered in Alaska (could be wrong).

Regards,

Bill

[C J Murray]

Hi Bill,
I hope that couple from West Chester PA behaved themselves! Did you have to ask him to stop doing burnouts?
Cliff

[Mark Pribanic]

So… the long distance "award" went to Tom Olson from Langly, WA (1823.6 miles). We also recognized the four (4) Registry members who made the trip from Texas for having the most “combined mileage” from one state.

To me, it is those who drive them the most, and farthest that deserve the recognition. Is their a picture of Tom and his 356?

Thank you Bill

[Bill Waite]

I've attached a photo of Tom Olson and his '62 coupe below... and also a photo of Graham Beckett and Susan Peacock from Billings, MT and their 65 coupe. Both cars sported Alaskan license plates!

Couldn't agree with you more, Mark. Those who drive their 356's to events like this, and all over the country... deserve great credit!

[Sebastian Gaeta]

Here are more images.

What a terrific event! Low key was the theme and the participants took that to heart.

Concours? Yup, every time we parked somewhere. Tech sessions? Yup, every time people got into a good conversation, questions were asked and answered. Driving tours? Yup, participants were able to pick from one of many. Banquet? Yup, at the cozy Gull lake Inn clubhouse. Super low key, great fun.

I look forward to other regional groups stepping up like the Gang of Three in Georgia and the Michigan Gang of Five in the future.

[C J Murray]

Hey Sebastian, How come you drove your 300SL to the event?

[Sebastian Gaeta]

It looked like rain that day. I sure as heck didn't want to get my good car wet.

That was one of the offerings at the Off Brothers Garage, and man was it beautiful.

Funny though how the 300SL is one of only a few cars where the closed version is more desireable....go figure.

[C J Murray]

Funny though how the 300SL is one of only a few cars where the closed version is more desireable....go figure.

But both are very pretty, just like an E-Type. I don't think you would be shunned for having a roadster.