As most of you know I came from the mid Atlantic just a few hours from Aberdeen. Aberdeen is a big show and this year will probably be rivaled by the NJ Show.
Having moved to Atlanta, I posed the question about the biggest show down here and the response is the FL Rally or the GA Rally. Taking nothing away from those events, I merely want to ask should the South have a large official show on the scale of Aberdeen or Jersey?
My thoughts are
Atlanta is the transportation hub of the South.
The Patton Museum is now moving to Ft Benning
The Infantry Museum is already at Benning
We have A LOT of military basis around the state with DRMO/GL locations
There are a lot of folks in the MVPA and Steel Soldiers here
The state is for the most part Very Patriotic
A lot of things to see both military and non military related so the spouse might come also.
Probably a host of other things I can't think of at this time in the morning.
Location:
Atlanta (I20, I75, I85) Convention Center (costly), using Ft McPhearson or Gillem once they close next year by getting permission from the city/state (some cost for the renting of the land). Gillem would be best I think but the down side it's still a long drive to Benning to the museums. They have two or three parks with latrines and a gym that could potentially be coordinated for for showers. Another down side is the neighborhood outside of post ain't the best. We would need security most likely. I would also think this would work only for 1 or 2 years.
Peachtree City area is away from the major interchanges by about 30 miles but there is a former car auction site that is vacant and occasionally is used for 'stuff'. Down side is it's all asphalt, Probably be limited on amenities such as toilets and showers but so is Aberdeen. It's closer to Benning (about 90 mile drive).
Columbus is right at Benning. Not that familar with that area yet but I'm sure there would be someplace down that way. The issue is the further south you go the further away from the interstate hub.
Thoughts?
__________________
If you got VIN info, I'm asking for any donations made to be sent to the GENE VANCE FOUNDATION FOR CATASTROPHICALLY WOUNDED VETERANS and mention in the donation form it is part of the SteelSoldiers project. Here's the link:
Soome of us in the Dixie Division have been thinking the same thing and having it possibly in Huntsville. The ATHS had their international convention at the old airport. There was plenty of room, it's right off U.S.231, and next to the Veterans Memorial Museum. The area is owned by the city of Huntsville. Don't know what it would take to reserve it.
with the venders getting more and more that might be true.. we need to see if more can come up.. but it is almost the same time as the GA mvpa rally .. if i remember right
The Dixie Division of the MVPA has a Gulfcoast rally at the USS Alabama every year.
This year it is March 9-10. USS ALABAMA BATTLESHIP
It is right off I-10 near Mobile, AL.
That would be a great venue with the Battleship Alabama in the background.
They have an awesome collection of aircraft and vehicles.
It would be fantastic place for a regional rally.
I have also been to the museum at Huntsville.......it's a few miles off of I-65.
Great museum and good folks that operate it.
The Dixie Division (I am a member) supports the museum and a rally held there would be be great too. http://www.ddmvpa.org/events.html
While the museum is closer to me, if I had to vote for a site, it would be the battleship.
As an MTA show guy , I wish U all the best and hope one works out, i will say a few things, we kiss the vendors butts, we help em load and unload,we think the vendors are the keys to a good show that works,with out them there is no show in our opinion, we advertise to the local public so they get more than just the regular hobby guys, it is an all year thing to plan a big show, ...AND it is worth every second. ALL the Best !!!!!...Also with the hobby still growing it is an opertune time to do it, ....start in a place with a large population, if possible...the public is the fresh money the vendors need, it is amazing how many people will buy anything GREEN!!!!!!!!! Good Luck...randy
The Following User Says Thank You to emr For This Useful Post:
Should there be a SE US show??
