By Michele Shields, F395470
November 2017
The Midwest Prairie Schooners chapter (MWPS) celebrated its 40th anniversary August 10 through 13, 2017, at Arrowhead Point RV Park & Campground in Osceola, Missouri. The chapter, which covers the Greater Kansas City, Missouri, area and points beyond, was chartered as the GMC Prairie Schooners on July 28, 1977, but the name was changed to Midwest Prairie Schooners in 1979.
Chapter membership consists of 31 families; the rally was attended by 44 people in 20 motorhomes. Attendees included Richard and Ellen Butts, who joined in 1981.
At Thursday evening’s social hour, binders on display featured FMCA history, chapter history, and photos. A water balloon toss followed. Some participated willingly; some did not! Some came prepared with tarps and rain gear; others just got wet.
Friday’s activities included short road trips, visits with friends, shopping, board games, and fishing. That evening, some people dressed in blue jeans and white T-shirts, bobby socks, and poodle skirts for the “sock hop” themed social hour. As oldies music played, many people ventured outdoors to dance.
At Saturday’s business meeting, in honor of the chapter’s anniversary, MWPS president Ted Snell accepted a congratulatory letter, a certificate, and a check. Making the presentation on behalf of FMCA were Joe Wright, national vice president, South Central Area, and Les Price, the area’s North Region vice president.
Saturday evening highlights included a social hour; dinner, featuring a low-country boil and anniversary cake; and a trivia quiz matching 1970s songs and artists as well as grocery prices then and now.
Following Sunday breakfast, everyone exchanged good-byes and wishes for safe travels until the September rally.
Rally hosts Ed and Jane Miller and Doug and Wetta Sims did a great job and deserve thanks, along with anniversary committee members Tonda Smith and Richard and Michele Shields.
The Midwest Prairie Schooners hold a rally each month from April through October at RV parks, state parks, or Corps of Engineer parks in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. For more information, contact secretary Michele Shields at (816) 468-7378 or msshields43@gmail.com.