Last week Tim and I attended and helped volunteer for this event. Every year we attend. This year was special being it was the Centennial Celebration. We had a blast. Instead of me rewriting about the event I will leave you with an article I wrote for them . . .
(Sertoma Youth Ranch - Brooksville, FL)
This wasn’t your everyday vintage rally. This was the one and only celebration of the Tin Can Tourist’s 100th Anniversary in Brooksville, Florida to kick off a yearlong celebration. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time amongst a vintage camp setting? Not just any time but let’s say from the 1930’s to the 1990’s and newer. And to be able to takein this time warp on just one gorgeous Florida spring afternoon.
The week began on Monday with the grand early arrival of just over 100 rigs coming in. Tuesday had less arrivals with more arriving throughout the rest of the week. Over 200 rigs attended! The real excitement came on Tuesday afternoon when the power went out in the entire campground. This actually became a great unexpected part of this event that some of us have come to call ’Get to Know Your Neighbor’. It became an excellent way to introduce yourself to your neighbors and make small talk happen.
The mornings and days were filled with Coffee at the Kitchen and seminars ranging in everything from Agreed Value Insurance, Fire Safety, Better Backing Up and even taking a short drive to visit Tom Small’s private Automotive Collection. On Wednesday afternoon the Tin Canners were treated to a Rolling History Car Show. Everyone gathered in the upper field to observe the amazing classical vehicles that came for showing. A handful of spectators and vehicles even participated in the Car Games that became the unexpected entertaining sport to observe.
Friday’s bus trip to Tampa transported the Tin Canners through TCT History Day. After getting everyone loaded onto three busses they arrived in Tampa at Desoto Park. The place where it all started! Upon arrival at Desoto Park, attendees enjoyed a historical display of the earliest type of campers the Tin Canners used during the TCT’s beginnings. Featuring Dan Hershberger’s 1927 Auto Kamp Trailer and one of the largest collections of camping equipment and accessories of that era. Also, on hand was Herb and Sidra Spies amazing recreation of the Automobile Telescoping Apartment. Upon the conclusion of the program and display at Desoto Park, they all traveled a short distance to the famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. There they savored a lovely lunch before enjoying the painstakingly prepared visual presentation on the History of the Tin Can Tourists by Hunt Jones. His historical accounting of the TCT was impressive!
The evenings were filled with Happy Hours and new member initiations along with remarkable entertainment as well. It’s best to get the new ones informed as soon as possible on the secret sign, password, handshake and the of course the official TCT song ‘The More We Get Together’. Antsy McClain did not disappoint the crowd on Wednesday evening. He brought his unique blend of music and “humor with heart” to the stage to entertain everyone. Those who had never seen him perform before were in for a nice surprise.
Thursday evening brought a fascinating presentation on Hitting the Road: Motor-camping with the Early Tin Can Tourists by TCT Hall of Fame Member & Roadside Historian Dan Hershberger. Apple Pie entertained the crowd on Friday night and a very special presentation was given by Terry Bone for Forrest and Jeri Bone to recognize them for all they have done for TCT. On Saturday evening The Karen and Jimmy Band wrapped up the evening entertainment. During the show the crowd was entertained with ‘A Trip Down the Red Carpet”. Where those Tin Canners who participated dressed up as their favorite entertainer and rocked the crowd with their red-carpet debut.
Open House on Saturday was one of the highlights of the week. Not only were there trailers on hand and open to see but many vintage cars were on display as well. The public arrived by the car loads. Hundreds of cars came throughout the day. At times lining up the hill waiting to get into the event. Attendance exceeding those of years past.
If you don’t already own a vintage camping coach the moment you arrive at Sertoma Youth Ranch you’ll begin to think … How can I get one? And how can I be a part of spectacular events like this? With all the amazing old coaches and vintage cars present it’s an eye-catching, multi-enthusiasts affair.
Open House gave everyone opportunity to explore the world of vintage. Everyone was amazed and in awe at the rigs in attendance. They were able to get ideas, meet the owners and enjoy the afternoon. Present were anything from a 1932 Kozy Kamp Trailer to a 1947 Aero Flight Falcon to a 1947 Curtis Wright to a 1948 Liner to a 1958 Serro Scotty to a 1962 Holiday House to a 1974 Volkswagen Type II Bus. As you can tell, way too many to list.
It was an event like no other. One hundred years in the making! The camaraderie that was had, friendships made and renewed, ideas exchanged, dreams born and the magical moments that occurred throughout the week’s event, only makes you want to come back for more.
🎶 The more we get together, together, together ... 🎶
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