Aquino Day

[Robin Craig]

Michael R I am NOT an organiser but do attend.

I have the ear of some people at the event and will raise your valid comments and hope that they engage and that we see change.

I am keen to remain a part of the event and see it grow, so I hope that my efforts are worth it.

[Michael R.]

You are in your element there Robin.

The show has experienced an explosion ( ! ) of growth that appeals to the public attending and enjoying the day. It is a major task involving volunteer support. Some polish on the sore spots and attention to detail can only improve the experience for visitors, participants and volunteers.

Make that: "the public attending and enjoying the weekend"

[Robin Craig]

Michael,

You and I, and in fact many here, are long enough in the tooth to know how running an event these days takes effort and labour and money and commitment.

It is my commitment to help the Gulf War vehicle collection that is part of the display there.

There is so much to be done and the fact that a full time person has been appointed to the event will hopefully make the event shine.

There are two sides to the event as I see it. One side is for the converted like yourself or myself and who may bring a vehicle and be a part of the show. The other is the paying public who will fill the bleachers and buy the hot dogs and souvenirs.

To keep both camps satisfied is hard and I am careful to couch my comments to those who run it in a positive manner and not be seen to be sniping from the sidelines.

Having been involved in running a few organisations from a number of different unpaid positions I know it is hard to please all the people all the time.

War & Peace has been a full time project for the Cadmans and I know from having attended twice the profits can be there for them but when mother nature turns as it happened last year at Aquino, all the planning is for nothing as the crowds run for their cars and leave but the bills remain.

In the meantime, I am looking forward to the event.

[Terry Witiuk]

Great comments, thoughts and concerns about Aquino. Similar to Robin, I am not part of the organizing committee or staff but have attended the show for the last two years with my vehicle. It's a great event that will only get better with time. I'm sure the event organizers have their hands full with all things that need to be considered or get done and my guess is they most likely do not have enough resources or folks to help out. Anything we can do to make the show better would most likely be appreciated whether it be attending the event, sharing your positive experiences at the event with others, encouraging others to attend, bringing your vehicle out for display or possibly being a volunteer at the event. The thread started out as an invitation for OMVA members to attend and if any members can do this, it would certainly be one way to help out and support Aquino. As a owner of a military vehicle and militaria collector, it often feels as though there isn't enough out there in terms of satisfying my needs or interest in the "hobby" and often find myself comparing local events to those in the USA or War & Peace Revival. Not a fair comparison but I remain positive, supportive and hopeful that local or Canadian events will grow. I THANK those that do organize or volunteer their time to keep these events and organizations going (OMVA or Aquino) because when they do this, they are giving up an opportunity to enjoy as a spectator or general member. I hope this all makes sense and all is being said in good spirit!
Cheers, Terry.

[Frank v R]

Gents, there will NO public camping of any kind at the Aquino event, please look up Hotel/Motel or camp at Darlington Prov. Park, 5-10 mins from show site,
those doing Living History please send me a pm.

[Mike Gray]

Great comments and input all. Much thanks. Having been an organizer and co-ordinator on many previous events am fully aware that it is Tylenol City. And yes, the skies opened last year, and there was the deluge. Better luck this year.

[RichCam]

Hello guys,
I would like to attend the weekend event this year with a 1944 MK-II* Universal Carrier in tow. While I won't have my MK-II* restored by then, I have received an initial approval to "borrow" a MK-II* for the event.
See you all there.
Regards, Richard Hatkoski