Saturn Sky Rally in Weatherford, Oklahoma

[OKC08SKYR/L]

Saturn Sky Rally 2008 in Weatherford, Oklahoma

Sky Riders
Cruise the Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon State Park is located in one of several red sandstone canyons that can be found in this part of the state-- and the history of this area is fascinating. These canyons date back 260 million years when an extensive shallow sea covered the region, bordered on the east by the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. Sediment eroded from these mountains was carried westward by rivers as the sea receded. This sediment was worked into sand dunes by wind and water and eventually transformed into rock. After millions of years of erosion the canyons became what we see today. Before the mid-1800's, Plains Indians used the canyon as a winter camp for shelter from the cold and as a place to hunt game.

With the discovery of gold in California, overland wagon trails were established, such as the California Road, which passed through the current site of the park. Gold-seeking forty-niners used the canyon as a natural landmark for guidance, and a favorite stop for fresh water, as well as a place to stop and repair their wagons.

In the early 1900's the area was made available for homesteads and a public drawing was held to determine ownership of the canyon. Several private and civic organizations operated the park until the Kiwanis Club of Hinton ultimately purchased the land and donated it to the state. The red rock walls of the canyon formed in such a way as to become a favorite area for rapellers to practice their skills. A small spring-fed creek flows through the park to create a heavily wooded environment not normally associated with western Oklahoma. The park also offers camping, picnicking, hiking, and swimming and is a favorite for group camping with a facility to accommodate 160 with 10 bunkhouses and a kitchen/dining hall.

Other camping facilities include 5 modern RV sites with all hookups, 46 sites with water and electric, and 30 regular sites for tent camping. Other features include a small 1/4 acre pond, a handicapped accessible swimming pool with a bathhouse, a concession stand, a playground, a volleyball court, 4 comfort stations with showers, several unmarked hiking trails along the canyon sides and rim, and two short interpretative nature trails: the Rough Horsetail Trail (interesting variety of plant life) and the California Road Trail (wagon tracks can still be seen). Fall is an especially auspicious time to visit when the trees in the canyon display their colors. From rock climbers to armchair geologists, visitors will find Red Rock Canyon State Park an appealing destination.

[TulsaSky]

For Me I really don't have to decide going to the National SAOCA Invasion in Ohio over Labor Day weekend.
My only comment is I have been to Red Rock Canyon and it is a nice area and Weatherford, OK is a sweet small country town.
What I don't see is paying 595.00 dollars a person for such an event!
My Alpine Invasion will cost under $100.00 dollars a person and yes it includes a banquet and all the tech sessions etc. Yes my hotel and gas will be above and beyond this and most of my meals but I like having the option of McDonald's are a small town dinner if I chose or a local restaurant that the SAOCA has picked to meet at.
Sorry it just rubs me the wrong way to PROFIT from having a get together for Sky owners!

TulsaSky

[OKC08SKYR/L]

I agree. $595 per person is absolutely outrageous.

[todaresqSL2]

Any word on how last years event went???

Also, another thing to remember, is that while other events may be $100 as you stated one was... how many attended. The more people expected, the lower the cost due to volume. For example a banquet hall could charge less per person with more people.

[TulsaSky]

Originally Posted by todaresqSL2

Any word on how last years event went???

Also, another thing to remember, is that while other events may be $100 as you stated one was... how many attended. The more people expected, the lower the cost due to volume. For example a banquet hall could charge less per person with more people.

Yes that would be correct for the SAOCA at the one I hosted the cost was only 45 dollars per person 44 attended. At the one last year in Ohio was closer to 75 attendees, Ohio is the center of the universe for Sunbeams, anyway the cost will go down for attendance. There was no reduction on cost for this Weatherford outing, that is my point PROFIT!

TulsaSky

[Seagull]

Originally Posted by OKC08SKYR/L

I agree. $595 per person is absolutely outrageous.

Did you see what you get for the money?

[TulsaSky]

Originally Posted by Seagull

Did you see what you get for the money?

Open Bar may make up for the cost if you drink enough, but I normally don't drink and drive and this is a car event with rally. Let's not forget the T-shirt and custom made little dash plaques, local shows pass those out free with the 20 dollars entry fee. Let's see it did say breakfast which is included in the hotel fee is covered or the local diner, and yes all the lunch and evening meals were included with the open bar. Let's just remember your not staying at the Hilton this is a Micro-motel by Holiday Inn and that pool will be a small one and you will be sharing it will ALL the guest, kids and family at the hotel.

TulsaSky

[TulsaSky]

Now this business makes a profit but as you look at the prices they are in line for the rallies. I have been in two of the day rallies and it was a blast, most fun for 20 - 30 bucks you can have. No they are not in Oklahoma maybe I need to look into branching out down here,

http://www.scenicroadrallies.com/dow...2008online.pdf

Rule one is NO Alcohol guess that must really cut the cost down



TulsaSky

[RALLYMAN]

Thanks for the plug! Glad you enjoyed the Sunbeam Road Rallies.

Maybe the reason the rates are so high for the Oklahoma Rally group is due to insurance premiums because of the alcohol involved. Insurance, if you can get it, is always the biggest expense in a road rally. Our insurance agent and lawyer both warned us never to include alcohol in any of the rallies. Alcohol & gas just don't mix.