Frankenmuth Rally
September 2005

When Wagon Masters Don and Bobbi Anker announced their Eastern Zone Autumn Rally would be held in Michigan’s quintessential German cultural enclave, little did we know that it would coincide with its celebration of Oktoberfest. IT DID, to the increased pleasure of all the residents of all 14 rigs participating.

Right off the bat, no sooner were we settled in at the very old Church Grove Campground than we were furnished an attitude adjustment session and a catered supper provided by one of the community’s old-line German sausage shops.

Our first morning’s planned activity, a cruise of Saginaw Bay aboard the Sailing Brig Appledore V, found us at shipside under opened umbrellas as steady rains forced the postponement of our embarkation. A quickly arranged visit to the Bay City Historical Museum was an ample substitute.

The rain ended as the rallyists left the museum and headed for another catered meal and a star show at the Bay City Planetarium. Then late afternoon shopping for some and a timely start on “attitude adjustment” back at the campground for others.

After Thursday morning’s breakfast even more of the area’s delights came our way as we joined the Frankenmuth Rotary Club’s Luncheon at what is undeniably one of Michigan’s finest hostelries; Zehnders. Our own President Jim held them spellbound (hyperbole if ever there was any in the Caravanner) as he described Rotary’s Fellowships, emphasizing our own.

Later in the afternoon we enjoyed the postponed cruise on the Appledore V before returning to Church Grove Camp Ground for more attitude adjustment and a departure for the opening session of Frankenmuth’s famed Oktoberfest. There we were Oompahhed to a fair-thee-well by three authentic Bavarian Bands.The festive mood of Frankenmuth during Oktoberfest cannot be discounted as being a major contributor to the enjoyment of the Rally participants. However, it was getting together with old friends in the fellowship that made the efforts of Wagonmasters Bobbi and Don really bear fruit!