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June brings Rodeo to Santa Maria and as they have for many years, the Traveleers supported Santa Maria Elks Recreation.with the Rodeo RV Rally. The rally was highly successful due to the chairmanship of Harvey Lobo, his committee chairman and all the Traveleer volunteers. A remarkable transformation took place on the hill above the Rodeo grounds. The grounds were rid of grass, lights installed, campsites marked off, the Rally tent put up, table and chairs brought in and then the tent set up and ready for guests. This year we had 128 visiting rigs representing 27 Elks Lodges and 22 Traveleer rigs.

Wednesday guests began arriving and assigned to campsites while the volunteers finalized the preparations for the Rally. Thursday welcomed the bulk of our guests. Thursday evening a pot luck dinner was shared with our visitors. All enjoyed an appetizing variety of dishes and deserts. Dan Kersten and Vicky Martinez celebrated birthdays and shared birthday cakes with every one.

Friday was the official start of the Rally. It began with a pancake breakfast prepared by Buckey Swetkovich followed by a golf driving contest lead by Bob Lopez, a dice game,"Farkle", a Hand and Foot tournament presented by Eldean Voris and finally Steve Williams assisted by Hank Ramirez called a highly spirited "Hot Wheels" car race competition between the Lodges. Friday evening barbecued chicken dinners prepared by Martin Testa and crew were served by Barbara Diaz and Jeanie Lobo and crew. Following dinner Nipomo Joe entertained with singing and music for dancing. His lively selection of music had the guests as well as the Traveleers burning up the dance floor.

Saturday Morning began with a Continental breakfast along with Bloody Marys served by Chris Shultz. After breakfast Eldean Voris provided rides to those wishing to attend the Elks Rodeo Parade. At noon the guests were served a hamburger lunch which was enjoyed by all. Saturday evening our visitors were treated to our famous Santa Maria style barbecue dinner prepared by Harvey Lobo and crew. Following dinner Theresa Ramirez entertained with song and dance music along with an appearance by the infamous "Jug Band". Closing out the evening Ron Miller entertained the group with his guitar and song. As evidence of his appeal to the audience, the tent was jumping until close to midnight.

Signaling the official end of the Rally, Van Diaz and crew prepared Sunday morning's breakfast of scramble eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee. Many visitors stayed on to attend the afternoon Rodeo finals while others headed for home.

Throughout the weekend "Kudos" came from our guests on what a great time they were having stating they would be back next year and would try convince more of their lodge members to join them. All Traveleers who participated can pat themselves on the back for another successful Rodeo Rally. Special recognition must go to Harvey Lobo for his chairmanship. Harvey spent many hours planning and arranging the Rally. Barbara Diaz as food committee chairman did the monumental task of planning, buying, storing and serving the food. 1199 meals were served. Theresa Ramirez arranged for the beer bar as well as chairing and participating in the entertainment. Others involved as committee chairman were Gary Astin parking, Bucky Swetkovic and Van Diaz breakfast, Bob Lopez tent ordering, Hank Ramirez chairs and Tables, Eldean Voriz games and van transportation, Stan Voriz tractor driving, Don Hathaway cleanup and Gordon Chambers treasurer. The committees wish to thank all the Traveleers who joined in with them to make this a memorable Rally.

As final note, although we all worked very hard we also enjoyed the camaraderie that an event like this creates among Elks.

Spread Smiles and Hugs as you Travel
Dick Kenney Wagonmaster
805-929-8065