Rock River Thresheree' 2nd Labor Day Weekend Digging Show

its the life of the crawler owner now days. 3 of the 12 shows this season the response was something like "what didja bring that for". thanks again bob, for telling us how you really feel.

check came in the mail, its no longer my tractor.
drujinin

Hey Cat Iron,

Did you have trouble getting along with some one? Wonder Why? -glen

Well guess that saves me a trip south this weekend. Alot going on and like most things these day's a few people do all the work and everyone takes the credit.

Terry, I know you mean well and made me feel at home last time we were there. We went to watch the road be built and stood in the rain to do so. If I understand Bob's post, only equipment for digging is accepted? How about the ones that are equipped to dig but are too pretty to do so?

Or am I missing the reason that Bob is disgruntled?

Matt

Matt all equipment as far as I am concerned is accepted. I like them all. The restored to the top notch like Bob's and the ones in work clothes, working or not working. I asked about this today and never did speak to Jim. It was my understanding that Bob wanted to park his machines in a spot where he has put them before and Jim ( the clubs president) wanted Bob to put them some place else. That is all I know. Since I could not get to speak to Jim about this, I tracked down Marty( the clubs VP). He told me he knew nothing about this.
Matt as far as running a machine, all you needed to do was ask Bill Schuldt he likes to have people run his machines and get the feel of what it takes. He does make sure you know what you are doing first. He taught Trica to run his dad Norm's 212 grader and she did a excellent job. That was the start of the challenge between the different shows to see what Trica could operate. He also taught my two sons to run grader and dozer.
We want to have some fun running some machines and showing some machines. Al Smith has two of his show machines at the park along with Bill Hanson SR. But we also have several pieces that we are going to work. If some one wants to try it they just need to ask. We have a simple rule; each piece of equipment has a operator in charge of it. If some one wants to learn to run it or operate it that person will work with them to do so. But that operator or committee chairperson can stop the operation if it looks like it is being operated unsafe.
Matt I know you have a long drive, so I can see why you would have to think about it. You are more than welcome to come and run a machine if you like.
Our show and work area is in the process of being put together. It will take a couple of years yet so we can have enough show and play area. But we are working on it. I have a shovel that was brought in today that I was told by the owner that he would bring it if I had something for him to dig. which he will be doing tomorrow. He even told me he would get me in to run it. That is a scary thought. He had it a show for a club he belongs to some time back and they told him this and it ran on a very limited basis, but did not dig.
My term on Rock River's BOD is up this year and I have not decided if I will run again. I have worked hard to try and improve the show, to welcome exhibitors. That is why I pushed so hard for the construction equipment end of this.To bringin another group that would add to the show. When our group started this you either had to go to Ohio, or Minn to get to a digging show near us, many shows in WIS and IL sat up and took notice. I got calls from people in many clubs that asked how I got this past the strong hold of the plowing and threshing groups.
Enough said
Bob, Please call me some time as I want to hear your side of this.

Matt, I was hoping to stop and visit you this fall on my way through you area. You are more than welcome to stop by anytime.As are any to the rest of the group on this BB.

Terry

Bob and Glen:

I am glad that you both have found common ground regarding your involvement in your Shows. I don't think the average collector or the public as a whole has any idea how much $$ that some people put into making the shows a huge success by taking part in all of the behind the scenes tasks that make shows hugely successful. Most folks just marvel at what they see for a few days and then go home.

Glen's response is precisely why Willie and I both though that it would be an injustice for only Willie and me to be recognized by ACMOC as their members of the year. I know that Glen initially lobbied for the award for Willie and me which was great of Glen. I am happy how it turned out and that Glen was one of the 6 men recognized because Glen and his crews did more than you can imagine to pull off the BSOT. Glen, I am proud to call you a friend and it was wonderful to work with you on the BSOT. Thanks again for all of your contributions both financial and emotional. I know that Willie would back me up on my next statement which is that all 6 members of the Steering Committee of the BSOT did unbelieavable amounts of work and expended huge $$'s to make the show a success, but without Glen and Doug Veerkamp and their crews there would have been no BSOT. These 2 guys took a hay field and in less than a week turned it into a show grounds that served as our space for the BSOT. Not only that, they both had their low boys running around the clock for weeks before and after the show hauling equipment from all over N. Cal to and from the BSOT (Willie too). Even after the show was over they were still there with their crews breaking down the show grounds so Dan Best's guys could plant watermelons in the field within one week after the show. You want to talk about going above and beyond, that is what Glen and Doug both did for all of us collectors who were fortunate enough to participate in the BSOT.

Bob, the first time I met you was at the Peoria show in 2000 when you hauled a bunch of stuff down from your home to the National Show. I know from friends in the midwest that you are a very actrive participant in many shows and contribute greatly. Again, most folks don't have a clue what goes on before and after a show to make it hugely successful.

Thanks to all of the ACMOC guys and gals who make all of the shows hugely successful.

Tom Madden