That about sums it up!  This was a fun event and we had an excellent participation by our members.  Plans had been made by many members for several months to attend the 27th Annual National MVPA Convention in Dallas this year.  On Wednesday morning, 26-Jun, Jeff and Tim headed North pulling their WWII 1/4 ton vehicles.  Thursday, 27-Jun, Danny, me, Toby, Barry, Greg and his wife all met at Cracker Barrel in Round Rock for a bit to eat and then made the trek North as well.

After a few stops along the way to check the loads (Danny trailered his M151A2/M416, Toby his MB and I trailered both my M38A1 and Toby's M151A2) we made it to Fair Park where we unloaded vehicles and headed to registration.  Next was to unload the vehicles and make our way through the technical inspection for the judging part of the show.  Here, all the functional items such as lights, horn, gauges etc were verified to be in working order.  Next, we drove the vehicles into the convention center and were staged.

I had purchased a table to sell some items and my spot wound up being a sort of 'base camp' for other members who attended the show.  Toby had his table across from me and Claude had two tables next to Toby.  Between the four tables, you could have found just about anything!

Throughout the day, the vendors sold their items and the attendees inspected the vehicles and made purchases of parts and equipment.  Just about every imaginable type of part was available for every imaginable type of vehicle.  And then there was the vehicles...  There were some magnificent vehicles on display at this show.  There was a DUKW and two GPA's (one restored, one a 'fixer-upper).  There were all types of 1/4 ton MB's, GPW's, M38's, M38A1's, M151's, M274's, M422's, M37's and on and on and on.  There were Navy vehicles, Army vehicles, Civil Defense vehicles and Air Force vehicles.  There were motorcycles, scooters, 2 1/2 ton trucks, trailers, water trailers and on and on.  It was a beautiful display.

The next day, (Friday) vehicles were judged but the results were kept secret.  Toby had entered his MB in the WWII 1/4 ton Motor Pool class.  I had my M38A1 in Post War 1/4 ton Motor pool and Danny entered his M151A2 in Post War 1/4 ton Motor Pool as well.  Friday was also a "Members Only" show in that only MVPA members, family or invited guests were in attendance.  During the day, 1/4 ton WWII jeeps ferried participants back and forth the mile or so to the Ford plant where the GPW's were made for WWII.  Friday evening was a fantastic BBQ dinner complete with sliced brisket, turkey, sausage and all the trimmings.

Saturday was open to the public and a noticeably different type of crowd.  Again, purchases were made, parts swapped and stories told.  The break-out sessions (held both days) were for all vehicle types and were extremely informative.  Saturday night was the Mexican buffet and awards banquet.  The banquet was complete with Marilyn Monroe, General Patton, Radar O'Riley and the Glenn Dorsey Swing Band.

The awards ceremony began and John K received his 1/4 ton Expert Driver award for completing the required number of miles and/or events with his vehicle.  The next club award was received by me for my M38A1 in Motor Pool 1/4 ton Post War.  I received First Place for the entry.  Danny K was recognized for his role as President of a supporting Texas chapter of the MVPA.

Throughout the evening, Marilyn congratulated the winners and had many comments along the way.  General Patton gave his speech to the 'troops' which many were dressed in period correct uniforms of WWII.  And the band kept playing the great songs of the WWII era.  About 11:00pm, the show started winding down and most of the club members had left.

Sunday morning came early for those with vehicles left to load.  However, by 8:00am, Danny, Toby and I were on the road headed back to Austin in the rain.  (so much for clean jeeps!)  Jeff and Tim came a bit later to pick up their vehicles and towed them back to Austin as well.