Live (we think) from Cowanesque

Our National Director contemplating the gravity of the decisions needed at the International in Indianapolis.
Thanks to Jim & Sharon Fairbrother

2011 RV Industry Report

Statistical Surveys Inc. reports that Thor Industries Inc. was the top U.S. retailer of towable and motorized RVs combined in 2011. Forest River Inc.’s combined subsidiaries placed first in motorhomes and second in total RVs.
In towables, Thor posted a 36.6% market share for 2011 followed by Forest River with 31.1%, Jayco Inc., Middlebury, Ind. at 12.1%, KZRV, Shipshewana, Ind. with 3.1% and Nappanee, Ind.-based Gulf Stream Coach Inc. at 2.0%. The total number of towable RVs retailed in the U.S. in 2011 was 172,617 units.
Elkhart, Ind.-based Forest River’s total share for all motorhomes (including Class B’s) was 21.6%, while Thor’s combined divisional share was 19.8%, followed by Winnebago Industries Inc., Forest City, Iowa, at 18.3%, Tiffin Motorhomes Inc., Red Bay, Ala. at 11.3% and Fleetwood RV Inc., Decatur, Ind. with 10.3%. Total 2011 motorized retail volume was 21,088 units.–RV Business

September Events

September brings three events for Pen-NY Mixers.

• The first is the Susquenango Rally on Labor Day Weekend. Late registration is still available. Check the tab above for rally details. Cost is $140.
• September 12-16 is the Bean Soup Festival in Beavertown, PA-joint with Fingerlakers. We have a tab above with registration. Registration deadline is September 8th and the cost is $50. There is a tab showing the itinerary.
• Our last September rally is September 28-30th at Jim's RV center in Nichols, NY. The theme is Halloween. Cost is $80 and the deadline is September 1st. Check out the tab above.  Plans include a trip to Tioga Downs (including transportation), Apple Recipe cook off, Pig roast, 2 breakfasts and more.

Jim Miller's Fish Marinade

Jim Miller has made fish at almost every rally he worked. Numerous folks have asked for it. Sadly, my memory is really long. I found this in a 2005 newsletter. Below is his secret.
Fish Marinade
1 tsp salt 
3 cloves minced garlic 
3 Tbsp olive oil 
2 Tbsp lemon juice 
3 tsp cajun seasoning 
1 tsp black pepper 

Mix all ingredients and allow to stand.  Then pour over fish. Allow fish to marinate 2-4 hours, then grill. 
I use less cajun seasoning and pepper.  I make several batches at once and store in the refrigerator. 

More from Harborfest

This was taken from the top of the ladder

I hope we aren't milking this too much, but here are a couple pictures taken by the Oswego Fire Department that we couldn't include with the original post.

August Rally Tab

We have posted the agenda for the August rally. It is under the "August Rally" tab above. Just "Click" on it.

The deadline for sign up is August 15th.

Finally !!!

Many of us believe that the cemetery is the "Last Stop". However, I found one that may be an exception.

It's where I plan to go just in case it's not the "last stop".

Harborfest - 2012 Results

Well, we did it !
Harborfest brought 79 motor homes from a several chapters and as far away as Mexico to the port authority in Oswego. Tuesday 12 folks came in to plan parking, clean up and locate venues. Hot dogs were supplied by our hosts for dinner. Wednesday while some folks helped George Worden set up the Fingerlakers tent, Ed Plaisted and his crew needed to park a dozen per hour to be ready for dinner - grilled and fried fish supplied by our wagon master, Jim Miller. Through this, we were entertained by Steve Robinson on the guitar.

The Slide show can be replayed by pressing the "arrow"

IPAD or IPHONE may not play the slide show. (APPLE is catching up)

Thursday started with coffee and donuts; then some wondering around, last minute set-ups and welcome the last 19 campers. As the day progressed, folks toured and prepared snacks to go with margaritas - all made by Sandy Wollaber. After dinner, door prizes were drawn for folks from the 23 generous donors from around the area. 7:00 pm started Harborfest entertainment.
The plan was to supply breakfast Friday and Saturday and folks eat the rest of their meals on their own. So, after a continental breakfast folks went off to redeem door prizes.
Also, Friday, at 5:00 am, 10 folks took off on a fishing charter arranged by Jim Miller. After a 2 hour delay due to wind, folks headed out into 3 foot waves. As the waves subsided, the boats came 1 fish short of the limit,  29 fish with over 200 pounds.

Pen-NY Mixer Fishing pictures
Friday night entertainment was highlighted by Kenny Loggins watched by 10,000 (or so) of our closest friends.
Saturday, after more eating and entertainment, we were thrilled by the spectacular fireworks display from around the light house.
Sunday breakfast led to more tours and enjoying the entertainment. Sunday also brought something special - a ride for one member supplied by the Harborfest Committee. We drew tickets, and JoAnne Fadale won. Her excitement resulted in a 4 hour trip on a tall ship.
In the evening, Cam's Pizza (supplied by CAMPING WORLD) was followed by BYRNE DAIRY ice cream all served by the New York Centrals Chapter.
Monday, after coffee and donuts, we took down tents and all were gone by noon.
Jim, Sherry, Millie, George, Harold, Sandy,Alice, Fred and Ed did a great job of keeping a very busy weekend FUN for the rest of us.
PS: Just like the last time in Oswego, Jim and Tom found themselves helping a coach get his jacks up. Good ol' crow bar.

Fingerlakers 40th Anniversary Celebration

George and Mille dance to music

Alice Dietrich joined us from
Grand Ol'  Oprey

Many Pen-NY Mixers have dual membership with the Fingerlakers. Fingerlakers were formed July 18, 1972. This year many of us joined them to help Millie Worden (president) celebrate. 31 coaches attended. There was entertainment, a little dancing, an Allison transmission seminar, great food and lots of fun.
Here are a few pictures showing the happenings.
You can view a larger view of a picture by clicking on it.

Kevin Clark played
music until we dropped

Larry Dobson on  Allison
transmissions

Hot dogs anyone