Fitchburg Car Show 4-17-2011

[MATBird]

Well it's that time of year again - With 50+ inches of snow, it's time to think Spring and the Fitchburg get together. :biggrin:
This year it is on the 17th of April and it will be the tenth (10) year :birthday1: that the TBN members will be attending. It's also the 41st year for hosting by our Early Ford V8 Club

I'll wait a while to contact the hotel for rates. In the meantime, anyone wishing to join us, please post your intentions - Coming or not, Staying or not etc.
Just like we always did, and I'll keep this thread updated. Certainly I'll need a headcount in late February to get the rates.

We are due for a "good weather weekend" this year after the past few bad ones we've had. I couldn't imagine the airport field with any rain on top of all this snow.

Attached is the flyer for this years event. NOTE: To anyone new, There is no registration, just a $5.00 per person entry fee at the gate

Update; So Far:

George
Dino (can you believe 10 years for you and I?)
Chuck
Wes
John D
Roger
Lee
John J
Doug Hartwell
Gary



Bruce
I'll add spouses/mates later as we need headcount for the reservations

[Blue Heaven]

Can't wait!!

[Chuck]

Finally a glimmer of spring. The 50,000,000.00 ? is good weather or not, will the snow be gone? I'll be there - of course there is a Yankee game the Friday before (this makes 3 shows with Yankee games the Friday before) so we'll be up Saturday morning.

[Bird03]

I'm in.

[Geodiver]

Once again this is school vacation week in RI and we'll be driving south to NC to see the kids...sorry...hopefully it will be an early spring and you all will have a great time.

[JoelK]

Come on good weather!

[3rd Brd]

Count me in!

John

[ROGERDMILLS]

Unless something unexpected happens, we plan on being there - 'may' be without the Bird though...all depends on the weather and whether or not its out of winter storage by then.

[My T]

Sorry George, that is the day after our BIG Florida event (THUNDER ZOO), so I won't be able to make it.

All the best to the rest of you - - have a great show.

[MATBird]

Sorry George, that is the day after our BIG Florida event (THUNDER ZOO), so I won't be able to make it.
All the best to the rest of you - - have a great show.
:wink:Great one Tom:wink: And good luck with ThunderZoo as well

[02LeeBird]

As long as we don't have to park on a snow bank, Cindy and I will be there.......:ugone2far

[jimbubbawade]

Where is Fitchburg ?

[Bruce]

Fitchburg is in Massachusetts.

[johnj]

I can bring a set of new fender trim to the show for $80 firm. I will be either in my black 2002 or set up in the vendor area selling auto books in my VW Van. Of course, if any one wants the trim pieces sooner let me know. Short spring wasn't it.

[MATBird]

John: Let usknow when you finalize your plans.
Just a tip FYI, If you're a vendor, the line up of vendors to get in the gate starts around 3-4 AM. Gate opens at 5:30-6:00 AM for vendors. We usually get 250 to 300 vendors there
But don't feel that you have to be in the line up. Most are in by 6AM so if you show up after 6,but before 7:30, it should be clear sailing to get in

[johnj]

Thanks. I've been going to the show since it was in Shirley but never as a vendor. We are usually one of the first show cars and like you said I see vendors drive right in around 7.
I don't care where I set up, all the spots are good unlike some swap meets. If we take our bird and the club arrives later we'll join you.

[DHartwell]

I'll plan on coming. Will meet up morning of.

-Doug

[MATBird]

Fitchburg is in Massachusetts.
Bruce:
Are you going to a Mustang gathering that weekend? I don't have you in post one yet

[Bruce]

Asuuming I'm not in the Far East, we will be at Fitchburg. Don't know with what car though.

[MATBird]

Thanks Bruce...I believe you were in Far East last year as well. Post one updated and I'll move that info after I have hotel data. Going to try to keep same rate as we have had for past 5+ years.

[MATBird]

Okay, so with all this Ice & Snow and Rain I decided to go to the Sheraton Four Points in Leominster, MA, where we usually stay, to negotiate a rate.
They have always been very good to us and with some charm they agreed to hold the $95.00 rate, once again this year.

Note: When we first stayed there, in 2005 we paid $109. per night.
In 2006 I got the $95.00 rate. If you include this year, 2011, we have been able to keep that rate for a total of 6 years.
They also agreed to give that rate to anyone who may want to stay the day before or the day after.

By Wednesday of this week, you should be able to call in and make your reservations, under the "New England Thunderbirds Car Show." Reservations must be made by 3-16-11 or we lose the rooms.

Then lets just hope for a sunny dry day :flower:on April 16th-17th

[3rd Brd]

George,

Thanks for the info and for getting the group rate arranged. I just called and reserved from Friday 4/15 to Sunday 4/17. The Friday night stay is at the AAA rate of $107 and Saturday night is at the NE Thunderbird group rate of $95. I spoke with Troy and he said there are only 4 rooms left for Saturday night so for anyone that needs a room book it fast!

John

[Blue Heaven]

Thanks George!! Just made our reservation for Saturday night.

[MATBird]

George,
Thanks for the info and for getting the group rate arranged. I just called and reserved from Friday 4/15 to Sunday 4/17. The Friday night stay is at the AAA rate of $107 and Saturday night is at the NE Thunderbird group rate of $95. I spoke with Troy and he said there are only 4 rooms left for Saturday night so for anyone that needs a room book it fast!
John
John:
Sheila assured me that anyone staying extra nights will get the $95.00 rate. If you have issues let me know and I'll call them.
And, for others, they have committed to me a block of 8 rooms.

I am booked, as of this morning, as well

[3rd Brd]

Called back this morning and they adjusted the rate for Friday to 95.00. I think the difference was that I spoke with a local rep and wasn't transferred to the call center.

Thanks again George!

[Garybird]

I'm In - Can't wait

[MATBird]

I'm In - Can't wait
Gary:
Good to hear your coming. Are you meeting us Sunday morning or staying over Saturday night?
I'll start developing a list of who is staying and whgo is not, but meeting in the AM

[MATBird]

Update: I have only 8 rooms reserved so lets get those calls in now. If I need more I may be able to add, early on, but not after the 16th.

So Far we have coming:

George----------Reserved Saturday
Dino-------------Reserved Saturday
Chuck-----------Reserved Saturday
Wes-------------Reserved Saturday
John D----------Reserved Friday/Saturday
Roger-----------Will be avail. Sat. and Sun.not Saturday night
Bruce-----------Reserved Saturday
Doug & Brenda?--I sent him an email
Carmino

Meeting us Sunday AM:

Lee------------------Will probably meet us Sunday AM
Doug Hartwell--------Will definitely meet us Sunday AM
Joel-----------------Probably meet us Sunday AM
Gary D---------------Probably meet us Sunday AM
Ken------------------Probably meet us Sunday AM
Nicky----------------Will meet us Saturday or Sunday
George D----------May stop by on way home from Train show in PA
John J---------------Will meet us on the Field

[Bruce]

Reservation made for Saturday. Room is on my preferred guest account and not the rooms you reserved. We will be arriving sometime Saturday, most likely in the afternoon.

[Chuck]

I'm in - Saturday night

[Bird03]

reserved for Sat night.

[MATBird]

Thanks Wes. I updated the list oin post #28. Still no word from Nick, Roger,Dennis Carmino and others.

[Chuck]

I don't think Roger is going to make it

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Sorry for the late response George. I've been laying low for a while. By the way I didn't get your email or I would have responded to you right away. I am going to do the same for this show as I have in years past. We will watch the weather and either go with everyone on Saturday or I will go to the show on Sunday. I won't be staying overnight so no hotel for us. I will let the weather decide which day I will come up but more than likely will not do both days.

[MATBird]

Weather Nick? No problem, we've had our share and this is the year of great weather for us!!....I updated post 28, page 3. Be good to see you again

[ROGERDMILLS]

Sorry for the late reply (been in Vienna for the last 10 days :cheers:).
We intend to attend on Sunday. Saturday is questionable, depending on the itinerary. We are going to a concert in New Haven Saturday night, but should be available most of the day Saturday and all day on Sunday, depending on the activities planned.

[MATBird]

Thanks Roger, post 28 updated

[02LeeBird]

Cindy and I are in for both Saturday and Sunday but will not be staying over since we live so close.....Looking forward to it.....
I can actually see a little bit of what is left of my lawn now......:cool1:

[Bird03]

Itinerary for Fitchburg Car Show:

Saturday April 16th

9:00 to 11:00 Breakfast

Broadway Restaurant
100 Water St.
Worcester, Ma 01604

11.30 to 2:00 Zoo Visit

Southwick Zoo
2 Southwick St.
Mendon, Ma 01756
www.southwickszoo.com (http://www.southwickszoo.com/homePage.php)


3:00 to 5:00 Visit with Doris, Pizza Party, and Birthday cake for our Birthday people: Roger, Chuck, Bruce, and Lisa.

Wingate of Sudbury
136 Boston Post Rd
Subury, Ma. 01776
2nd floor Activities Room

5:30 to 7:30 Check in and rest at hotel

Four Points Sheraton
99 Erdman Way
Leominster, Ma 01453
www.starwoodhotels.com (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=818)

8:00 to 10:00 Dinner


Sunday April 17th

9:00 Leave Hotel for Fitchburg Airport Car Show

[Chuck]

Can't wait - George - to dance around the subject - your conversation with Nicky is looking more and more like you are going to be correct - about freaken time :-)

[MATBird]

Yeah Chuck....I was out to the field last Thursday and it was looking good.
Of course all snow is cleared from the 3 runways and put in the center field during, the winter, right where we park. The good news is, it's all gone except where the Helipad is and that's not near where we park. Monday's prediction is 70 degrees so it will be totally dried up. Not long now!!:worshippy

[johnj]

If anyone is interested I will be bringing a new 4 pc fender trim set. $80 cash firm. Prefer local pickup. I don't feel like dealing with packing and shipping for 80 bucks.Ill be at the show early and may set up as a vendor so give me a shout if you are interested. John 508-393-0663

[MATBird]

John:
What's you vendor spot number, so we can find you easily.

[johnj]

I am not preregistered so whatever spot I get. More than likely we will take our 2002 and park with the group. There is also a chance we will be driving a white 76 Mercedes 450 sl which is for sale/trade. In any event I'll bring the fender trim. If I do set up we have a maroon VW Vanagon and will be selling mainly books and manuals. cell # 508-450-1761

[MATBird]

Thanks John.
If not preregistered, then you'll likely be on the back row away from the runway or up near the Spectator parking area. We'll look you up.:cheers:

[Chuck]

Is it Saturday yet? I am so ready for this - been a tough winter

[Bruce]

We are not sure what time we will get there on Saturday, but if the itinerary remains as is mostly likely we will meet at the Zoo. Worst case will be when its time to meet with Doris. Red Bird will be coming out of storage on Friday, I hope because there isn't a plan B other than a daily driver.

[Bird03]

Thanks John.
If not preregistered, then you'll likely be on the back row away from the runway or up near the Spectator parking area. We'll look you up.:cheers:

I was reading this and thought that it might confuse any new people that might be joining us. They are talking about vendor booths. There is no pre-registration for cars. Just show up at the Leominster Sheraton Four points at 9:00 AM and we will drive from there into the show and will all park together.

Also:

Please go online and read this thread on Friday evening for any possible changes that will be made to the itinerary for Saturday or Sunday due to weather.

[Blue Heaven]

WEATHER????

:omg:

[MATBird]

Wes, thanks for clarifying that!

Dino, don't mention that,:joker: lets all just cross our fingers:shock:

[02LeeBird]

Saturday is looking OK but Saturday night and Sunday morning could be a little wet......:nono:

[MATBird]

I think we'll do just fine come Sunday:yes::biggrin:

[Bird03]

Weather should be good for Saturday cruise. Rain late Saturday overnight then clearing for Sunday car show (maybe not till midday).

Hope to see you all there.

At least try to make it to Doris visit.

Doris visit:

Saturday, 3:00 to 5:00 Visit with Doris and Pizza Party. Dessert will be Birthday cake for Roger, Chuck, Bruce, and Lisa.

Wingate of Sudbury
136 Boston Post Rd
Subury, Ma. 01776
2nd floor Activities Room

[Chuck]

Bird is all packed up ready to roll - can't wait!! Hopefully we'll dance between the rain drops

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Looks like I am flying solo tomorrow. I will meet up for breakfast and spend the day through dinner Saturday. Do not think I will be going Sunday.

[Bruce]

Just picked up the Red Bird and I am now working on it in the garage. See everyone sometime tomorrow afternoon.

[Blue Heaven]

Looks like we will be coming up tomorrow for the Doris visit and then heading back home. Rain predicted for Sunday, so not going to the show. Damn....

[MATBird]

I have an appointment at 3PM in Fitchburg so I'll will probably meet up at the hotel. However, it sounds like you all may not be going out to dinner Saturday if you have Pizza at 4 PM - Let me know.
Jan and I still plan on staying over Saturday night, breakfast in AM and I think the showers will be over for a nice day aty the airport..

[BADOS]

Hey Guys, I'm just coming in on this. What hotel are you all meeting at and at what time on Sunday morning?

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Ken, go to post 39 this thread. That has the whole itinerary.

[BADOS]

Ken, go to post 39 this thread. That has the whole itinerary.Got it! Thanks.

[Bird03]

The rain is due in late on Saturday night so there will be no changes to the Saturday itinerary. And we will be going to dinner in the evening (leaving hotel at 8:00PM)


Saturday April 16th

9:00 to 11:00 Breakfast

Broadway Restaurant
100 Water St.
Worcester, Ma 01604

11.30 to 2:00 Zoo Visit

Southwick Zoo
2 Southwick St.
Mendon, Ma 01756
www.southwickszoo.com


3:00 to 5:00 Visit with Doris, Pizza Party, and Birthday cake for our Birthday people Roger, Chuck, Bruce, and Lisa.

Wingate of Sudbury
136 Boston Post Rd
Subury, Ma. 01776
2nd floor Activities Room

5:30 to 7:30 Check in and rest at hotel

Four Points Sheraton
99 Erdman Way
Leominster, Ma 01453
www.starwoodhotels.com

8:00 PM Leave the Hotel to go out to dinner.

Any of the newbies are welcome to join us for any or all of the events on Saturday.

Sundays plans may change. It will probably rain into the early morning so I think that we might just hang around the hotel a do a late checkout. We can try to wait out the weather at the hotel and with luck might be able to drive over to the show a little later than 9 AM. In any event we will not be traveling to the show unless it stops raining. If it hasn't stopped raining by noon, we will probably cancel the day and head home.

[MATBird]

Wes:
Latest weather report we heard is rain ends around 7AM, so I think you're correct. We were planning on going to the show at 9 AM anyway, so we'll see.
Jan and I should be finished with our appointment in Fitchburg this afternoon by 5PM so we'll see you at the hotel.

[johnj]

Let's hope it clears early enough for the vendors to stay. If anyone is interested in a set of fender trim we will be driving a white Mercedes roadster with red top or call my cell 508-450-1761.

[Bird03]

The storm is all over. Leaving hotel this morning at 9AM as planned for the show.

[BADOS]

Sorry I pooped out! I got up this morning about 6 and it was pouring, so I went back to bed. I'll catch up with you guys at a later event. Hope you all had a good time.

[JoelK]

Sorry we missed this one guys. Catch you next time.

[MATBird]

Well there were a few that made it Sunday, which didn't turn out too bad at all.
We had George & Jan, Wes, Lee & Cindy, Steve & Grant, Doug and Nicky was with us Saturday night for dinner
Without cars were Terry & Roger, John J and George on his way home from a PA train show. We caught him with Model T parts which he calls his thunderbird:biggrin:
If I left anyone out, let me know and I appologize in advance

[Bruce]

Well, we made an attempt, but my battery went dead so AAA gave me a jump and We decided to go home rather than try to keep dealing with the situation everytime we stopped the Bird. 8 years off a battery, not bad but I should have known better.

[02LeeBird]

Glad you made it home OK Bruce I know that had to be frustrating for you guys......Thanks to Wes for another fun filled Thunderbird weekend. It was great to see everyone and to spend some time with Doris who is looking great.....

[MATBird]

Well, we made an attempt, but my battery went dead so AAA gave me a jump and We decided to go home rather than try to keep dealing with the situation everytime we stopped the Bird. 8 years off a battery, not bad but I should have known better.

Good for you Bruce. I guess we're all pushing it. My '02 is still the original. So that may happen to me one day.
BTW, what did you buy? One from AAA, from Ford, or aftermarket? Just curious, because of the venting

[johnj]

My mechanic just installed a NAPA Legend, not cheap. I'm glad we drove our Mercedes to the show, we sold it.

[Bruce]

Nothing yet. Got it home and kept it running while we emptied the trunk then took it to the storage garage on the battery tender. Next Friday it goes to Ford to have an oil change, filter and new battery.

[Chuck]

Bruce --> glad you made it home ok. Wish you could have stayed. This show is probably the most unique show we go to. Thanks to Wes for another fun filled weekend!! Did we finish the song for the video?

[Geodiver]

Hey Guys..been away from a computer for a while....in NC visiting daughter and grandkids (son-in-law in Afghanistan)...only two miles from some incredible tornado damage from last saturday. Anyway, sounds like you had a good time last weekend despite the typical wet weather. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon...glad to hear that Doris is doing well. Jerry & Michelle