NASA EXPO PARKING 10-17-06

We think this was our sixth year of doing the NASA EXPO Parking. This fund raiser has proven to a real winner for all of our volunteers. But, most especially, the space launch community. They really do appreciate our hard work in getting 200 vendors into the Port Canaveral Cruise facility beginning a 6 AM and then followed by a thousand spectators and future customers.

Yes, our day starts early. Several of us are putting up signage at 5:30 AM. Then we get serious when the vendors come surging in at a 6 AM. Things tend to slow down around 8 AM and then things start hop'n again by 9 AM. We pretty much reverse the process around 2 PM and then collectively collapse about 4 PM. Tough work, but always fun!

This year we had Dave Smart working the front gate, Marv Imes directing traffic to the buyers lot. Donna Messemer and Kathy Craft checking in the vendors and the VIP's. Ed Fitzpatrick, Maynard Stutzman and Ed Chartier worked the "curb" at the front of the terminal trying to keep everyone under control. Joe Baldwin, as a rookie this year, got the envious job of showing the vendors where they had to park their cars after unloading. They were so happy finding out from Joe that they had to walk a quarter of a mile back to the terminal. Bob Arnold, with his old bicycle, ran all over the facility chasing down problems and relieving others. Of course, Elaine Flitzwater supervised the entire parking event for the Boeing Company.

As usual, we received great comments from most. Next time you see these people, please be sure to thank them for their hard work and the eventual contribution to the club treasury.

Our 2006 crew, Left to Right: Bob Arnold, Kathy Craft, Dave Smart, Elaine Fitzwater, Ed Fitzpatrick, Donna Messemer, Ed Chartier and Maynard Stutzman. Not pictured, Joe Baldwin and Marv Imes.