Active Regional Coordinators Needed!

Do you have the interest and enthusiasm to be a regional representative for ROA? If your area is not represented here, we need your help. As a RC you would be expected to keep local members advised of local activities and host at least one exclusive ROA event a year, such as a picnic or tour. The ROA will support you with updated members lists, mailing labels and pay for postage. The RC program is vital to ROA, lets keep it alive. For more information contact Ray Knott #1 at

Alabama/ E. Miss
Andy Anderson # 1524
5501 Spring Drive
Mobile, AL36693
(251) 666-0844

I recently paid a visit to Poston Enterprises. They have a new address and are under new ownership. Poston Enterprises, 200 Ewing Lane, Atmore, AL 36502. 1-800-635-9781 or 251-368-8577 . www.postonbuick.com . Poston’s also has a new engine rebuilding shop, pictures look great and they said I could bring our Gulf Region group up there one day this spring.

LOS ANGELES, CA REGION
Baron Night # 1499
P. 0. Box 5141
Anaheim, CA 92814
(714) 523-1909
nitrovb@netzero.net

June 8, 2007, Sunday - All GM Car Show, Hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter of the B.C.A. located at Woodley park in the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area.  All GM cars are welcome.  Gates open at 8:00 A.M. and close at 10:00 A.M.  Register by June 1, 2008= $20 per car.  Day of Show registration= $25 per car.  Contact Steve Rostam (818) 999-6626 or steveclassic@earthlink.net or ROA Coordinator Baron Night at nitrovb@netzero.net for more information.

BCA Golden west Regional
Saturday May 03, 2008 Ramblin/Gamblin Palm Springs Cruise
Join us for a fun road trip. Starting in L.A., we will wind our way through Orange County then head out to the Inland Empire. Joining up with our Riviera friends from the Riverside/San Bernardino Region, we will have lunch together. After filling up both ourselves and our Rivi's, we will caravan to Palm Springs. Final stop is the Palm Springs Spa Hotel and Casino. We will be participating in the Palm Springs Cruisin' Association's monthly car display. Our numbers will be increased by our fellow R.O.A San Diego Region members who will be caravanning up from the South.

L.A. Region members will be receiving a flyer around the end of March, 2008.

Contact Baron Night – nitrovb@netzero.net
714/523-1909

September 6-9, 2007 - Over a dozen Rivieras dominated the 3 day BCA Golden West Regional in Buena Park. There were 5 1963, along with a scattering of 67’s, 68’s and a 71 in attendance

NORCAL, CA REGION
Jim Day #2613
5493 Granite Dell Ct.
Loomis, CA 95650
(916) 652-1355

We attend several weekly, local car outings.

Tuesday: Downtown Roseville, Ca. 5-9pm

Wednesday: Folsom, Ca. Red Robin Restaurant, 5-9pm

Wednesday: Sacramento, Ca. Mel’s Original Hamburger’s

If you want to park with the Riviera’s, you need to arrive at the same time as the Riviera’s. Call first to be sure. 916-997-0156, Jim

SAN DIEGO, CA REGION
Lee Carroll #433
P. 0. Box 87923
San Diego, CA 92138
(619) 226-6993

August 3, Sunday – Annual National City Automotive Heritage Days car show, details to be announced. Be sure to let Lee and Reid know that you are interested so that you receive their local mailings.

February 29th-March 1st   
Rivieras had a front row seat at the Big 3 Swap Meet  held at  Qualcomm Stadium
This event is arguably the largest auto related event in Southern California, drawing over 3,000 vendors and tens of thousands of spectators over the 3 day period.

Local ROA members Fred Young, Richard Vargas, and Reid Carroll spoke with dozens of interested people who stopped by to admire the Rivs  and ask questions about the cars and restoration advise. Rivs have definitely gone global as we spoke with collectors from Germany, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Japan & China. One man recently bought a 1965 and shipped it  to Hiroshima, Japan, where he deals in custom cars & parts. He said his Riv is a “Keeper” despite the fact that gasoline in Japan now sells for  $ 1.65 a Litre or roughly $ 7.00 a U.S. gallon. We also passed out  ROA applications to several dozen who weren’t aware of our existence.

September 16, 2007

Over 2 dozen people attended the Sunday afternoon event at Only Yesterday’s restoration shop. They received a great deal of useful insight on how the pro’s handle complete restoration projects.

Members also visited the 40 thousand sq ft facility. owner Chuck Spielmans staff was involved in four complete body off restoration projects that ranged from a 1917 Model “T” Speedster to a 1971 Pontiac Grand-Am. Along with the complete re-work projects in the shop there were more than a dozen cars in for fine tuning and minor touch ups. The staff took time to explain their approach to several of their ongoing projects and offered suggestions for touching up several of the Riviera’s their owners drove to the event.

Attendees were served Pizza and a very good Caesar salad with an assortment of soft drinks.

San Diego R.O.A. member Robert Starkey drove his one owner 1967 Riviera to the meet as did Lee Carroll with her one owner original 1963 Silver on Silver Riviera. Staff members at Only Yesterdays took advantage of the opportunity to photograph the 2 unrestored cars to authenticate future projects.

Rich Long’s 1968 Riviera parked on the tarmac at Only Yesterdays Restoration and Sales area in Sorrento Valley

GEORGIA/ALABAMA S/E REGION
John Foft # 9260
4655 Brazil Wood Drive
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 924-3403 (home)

Ray Montgomery of Lafayette, La., has been the regional coordinator of the Louisiana ROA for a number of years and has done a wonderful job of representing the area and keeping the group informed. Ray has decided to pursue some other interests while staying in the club, and has asked us to take over. We are Mat and Sheryl LaBauve of Brusly, Louisiana. Having been a Riviera owner for many years, Mat is dedicated to preserving as many of these beautiful cars as possible. He was also a Buick service director for 24 years.

We attended our first National convention in June of this year and were truly amazed by the number of beautifully preserved Rivieras on display there. There were great technical sessions in which some great mechanics and experienced Riviera restorers explained in-depth how to rebuild and tune an engine, where to obtain replacement parts of all types. There were question and answer sessions where a panel addressed any problem you might have with your Riviera. We would have to highly recommend that everyone attend one of these great meets. You can view pictures of this summer’s convention in the Sept/Oct issue of the Review.

The Louisiana Region of ROA currently has members in Metairie, Destrehan, Marrero, New Orleans, Houma, Lockport, Raceland, Amite, Slidell, Lafayette, Maurice, Brusly, Gonzales, Greenwell Springs, Maringouin, Mandeville and Quitman.

We would like to organize several activities during the year, which would allow the members to meet and talk and participate in a car show or a meal or some other functions. We would like your input into suggesting some activities for the group. We know that everyone is busy with daily life and we don’t intend to plan so many activities that it becomes a burden, but we know that if you are a real car lover, you can really excited talking Riviera with other enthusiasts. We have also found that Riviera owners are really nice people and are very willing to share some of those mechanical or fix-it tips with other owners.

Please send us notices or schedules of cars shows in your area and we will try to keep you informed of activities across the state. Also let us know your thoughts on an activity for the group. Please send us your current email address if you have one and verify your mailing address.

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA REGION
Bob Wannall ROA# 3069
3699 SE 54th Ct.
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 690-7729

NORTH ILLINOIS REGION
Warren Ramsey #2328
211 S. Pecatonica St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
(815) 335-2423

There are many other local events including cruise nights and swap meets, If interested call Warren at 815-335-2423.

IOWA REGION

KANSAS CITY
Ed Raner #279
5013 Woodstock St
Shawnee, KS 66218-9142
(913) 422-1527

NEW ENGLAND REGION
NEW COORDINATOR: Steve Mullally, # 9236
12 Pleasant Street, Wayland, MA 01778
(508)651-2867
gun-G@excite.com

September 15th, 2007

The New England Region enjoyed a beautiful early fall day for our Annual Picnic. Member Paul Meltzer treated us with his hospitality and BBQing skills ( great homemade mustard!). A great time had by all, including members from Maine, New Hampshire, RI and Connecticut... As a side note, only about half the NE members have emails in the ROA roster, please consider sending yours to the Coordinator at gun-G@excite.com , we are planning on a few "day trips" and hope we can use the internet to keep all up to date.

MICHIGAN REGION
Larry Lovell ROA # 11001
5022 Timberway Trail
Clarkston, MI 48346
248-625-1691
llovell100@sbcglobal.net

Greetings Fellow Riv fans! It is almost time to come out of hibernation for the Winter. So we need to be thinking about plans for 2008. Here are some thoughts for this year:

Saturday May 31st – Waterford Hill Raceway: Southern Motors has agreed to sponsor a Rivera Car Show at the second race of the year. There will be trophies for various classes, we will get to parade our cars on the track during intermission, and there will be a Barbeque starting at 6 PM. We will be stationed on the hill and have a ringside seat for the race. It should be fun. Call or email me to let me know if you are coming.

Sunday June 22 – Caravan to Galena. Those of you wanting to cruise together to the National ROA Meet in Galena, IL we will be meeting at 2 locations along the way. Meeting point A is in Howell, MI at the intersection of 96 and M-59 (McDonald’s parking lot) at 8AM. The second meeting point will be in Marshall, MI at the intersection of I96 and I69 (exact meeting point TBD). We will meet there around 9:30 AM. It is about 400 miles in total to Galena. With stops for lunch and gas we should get there around 5PM.

       

Monday June 23-Thursday 26 The International Riviera Owners Association Meet is a very well organized event.. Registration forms are on the website along with additional information. If you haven’t already I encourage you to register and make hotel reservations soon. If you are a fan of Riviera’s there is nothing like this meet. Bring your golf clubs if you are so inclined.

Friday July 19th – Saturday July 20th – Buick Club of America National Meet in Flint, MI. This is the 105-year anniversary of Buick and 100 year celebration for GM. The meet will be at the Sloan Museum. There is a cruise Friday night and then a show on Saturday. You can learn more and register for this event at http://www.buickclub.org/2008FLINT/index.htm

Saturday August 16th– Lets meet for the Woodward Dream Cruise In addition. we will do another event in August. Let me know your thoughts.  I am open to suggestions..

Stay warm – Spring is coming!

Other Buick Events

On August 18th we met in Pontiac for the Woodward Dream Cruise. It was a perfect day for a change. A total of 1.2 Million fans watched the action and over 30,000 Classic Cars cruised the 12 mile stretch along Woodward Avenue.

On September 8 – 9 we met in Frankenmuth. Scattered rain on Friday night and Saturday kept some folks away. It turned out to be a good show with over 2000 cars. Unfortunately it was limited to 1978 and older vehicles which inadvertently excluded a few members.

As the Summer winds down we are looking to plan events for next year. A convoy to Galena in June, a joint meet with the BCA in Flint, and a possible road rally are just a few of the ideas. It was a great summer and we hope to make next year even better.

10,000 LAKES/MINNESOTA REGION
Ed Gunyo #101
5243 15th Ave So,
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 824-9339

ST. LOUIS REGION
Jeff Tarr #6246
5600 Landsdowne Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 481-0517 (Home)
(314) 703-8564 (Cell)

May 4th Starting at 8:00AM -ROAD TRIP!

Get ready to shine the ride for a May cruise into the historical Mississippi River bluff area in southern Illinois!

On Sunday, May 4, the beautifully quaint German settlement of Maeystown, Illinois, will host its annual Furehlingsfest (Springfest) Antique and Garden show. This could be our first stop for those of us driving out of St. Louis, enjoying the warm May weather in the sublime countryside. And it could be the first stop for those Illinoisans who want to join us the southern portion of their state!

After we have our trunks full of trinkets purchased at Furehlingsfest, we can motor down the river bluff road south of Maeystown to French colonial Forte de Chartres, just outside of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. This historic site is fascinating, taking us back to when the Mississippi River was truly the border line on the wild frontier. A reconstructed fort with lookouts, a chapel and lodging buildings on display (including a very comprehensive museum on site), this not-so-known historic garrison is a real “best kept secret” in this region.

From there, we can motor on to the Pierre Menard home historic site. Menard was originally a fur trader who eventually became Illinios’ first Lieutenant Governor. Built in the French-Creole style, the fully-restored 1810 structure has a foothold at the base of a river bluff, exuding charm of southern hospitality.

And, if we have time, we can drive to the top of the bluff just up the road from the Menard home and have a commanding look over the Mississippi River flood plain from the remains of Fort Kaskaskia in the state park of the same name.

I would suggest we all pack a lunch since restaurants are few and far between in this area. Of course, you could probably grab something to eat in Waterloo or Maeystown, but the two fort locations and the Menard home have nothing but wilderness around them. We can decide to picnic at either Forte de Chartes or Kaskakia. I will bring a cooler of water, sodas and other drinks.

Please let me know if you plan on attending by sending me an Email at:
jeffreytarr@yahoo.com, or by phone at (314) 481-0517 (home) or (314) 703-8564 (cell).

For those of us in St. Louis, let’s all meet at the South County Mall at Lindbergh and I55 at 8 a.m., near Macy’s, at the intersection of Lindbergh and I-55. We’ll head out on I255, get onto Route 3 in Illinois and head to Maeystown via Waterloo. We can return on Route 3 back to Missouri from Fort Kaskaskia State Park.

For those of you coming from other directions or wish to meet in Illinois, please contact me so that we can hook up in Waterloo, Maeystown or some other location along
Route 3.

 Our February Luncheon

OK, so it was cold and dreary when we got together for lunch in suburban St. Louis in February. But we had fun!

Those who got together had a great time talking about our cars, showing photos and discussing plans for 2008. Two of us drove our Rivieras. And folks who attended won some great cleaning supplies, ROA window decals and AutoZone gift cards for their Rivies!

ROA National Meet: Galena Illinois, June 23-26

Who’s going?

At this time, I know of two of us that will be attending this event. We are leaving late in the week while this event is going on. It is a Monday-Thursday event, which works great for those who wish or can devote a week for a fantastic meet. However, some of us working stiffs can’t take that much time, so we’ll be heading out from St. Louis on Wednesday, June 25, returning after the show on Friday, June 27. It’s about a six-hour drive from St. Louis.

Members of the Riviera Owners Association Midwest (ROAM) are planning their first luncheon meeting of both central/eastern Missouri and central/southern Illinois ROA members on Saturday, February 16, at 12 noon. The luncheon will be held at Ruby Tuesdays restaurant, 10797 Sunset Hills Plaza, St. Louis, 63127.

This get together is to rekindle the membership of this recently formed 60-member region to share camaraderie and talk about and hopefully show their classic Riviera automobiles that day. They also plan to discuss upcoming regional events for the year.

Interested parties can call or Email Jeff Tarr, Regional Coordinator, at (314)703-8564 or at jeffreytarr@yahoo.com.

NORTH CAROLINA REGION
Randall D. Crain #5360
2493 Banner Whitehead Rd.
Sophia, NC 27350
(336) 431-3854

May 31, 2008, Saturday, “Gathering of the Buicks, Olds & Pontiacs” will be held at Rooster Bush Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac & GMC, 2581 Hickory Blvd, SE, Lenoir, NC. Registration 8:00AM-Noon, Registration, attendance and food & drinks all free. Awards for Best Paint, Interior, Engine, Original, Modified and Best of Show. For more information contact John Herold ROA #9908, 828-754-9651, linherold@aol.com, or Randall Crain ROA #5360, NC Regional Coordinator, 336-431-3854, roa5360@aol.com

Caravan to Galena, IL I am planning a caravan to the ROA International Meet in June 2008. If interested let me know and we can meet along the way. Details will be worked out & I’ll have a better idea of times as members contact me. Sunday, June 22, 2008 Leave Greensboro, NC I-40 W toward ASHEVILLE (Crossing into TENNESSEE) Merge onto I-640 W toward I-75 N/ LEXINGTON I-75 N toward LEXINGTON I-64 W toward LOUISVILLE I-65 N toward INDIANAPOLIS Stopping at Scottsburg, IN Monday June 23, 2008 Leave Scottsburg, IN I-65 N toward Indianapolis To I-465 W/I-74 W To I-74 W toward Peoria IL. (Crossing into Illinois)    Meet the Indianopolis group at the Steak and Shake (I-74, Exit 66) at 9:45 a.m. To I-39 N/US-51 N toward Rockford, IL To US-20 W pass Freeport / Rockford To Ramada Galena     11383 W Us Highway 20, Galena, IL 61036-8214

 

Other Area Happenings:

First Tuesday of each Month
6:30PM until
TARHEEL BUICK CLUB
Chapter of the Buick Club of America

We are a family oriented car club founded for the restoration and preservation of all Buick and other cars produced by the Buick Motor Division. Our car club participates in car shows, cruising together, charities, picnics, etc. Attended by many ROA members. Meeting locations vary, 6:30PM for gawking, 7PM for dinner and meeting following. For next meeting location and more information e-mail: dynaflash508@yahoo.com or ncarolinabird@yahoo.com

Carolina Chapter of the BCA. This Chapter meets in the Charlotte area, has quarterly meetings two of which are at the Food Lion Auto Fair in April and September. Attended by many ROA members. For more information contact Brian DePouli @ brian.depouli@att.net. More information about this Chapter can also be found @ http://www.buickclub.org/carolina.

NORTH JERSEY REGION
Henry Van Saders, Jr. ROA #7788
110 Woodridge St.
Woodridge, NJ  07075
(201) 507-0941

Every Saturday night – Cruise- In-at the Whiskey Café, Sponsored by the American Cruisers of Bergen County http://www.whiskeycafe.com/Car_Shows/Saturday_Classic/saturday_classic.html

NE Pennsylvania

LONG ISLAND, NY REGION
Harold Mecabe ROA # 2569
74-25 64th St.
Glendale, NY 11385
(718) 366-3628

May 25, Sunday 9AM to 4PM – All Buick Show, hosted by the Long Island chapter of BCA, at Mack Pontiac Buick GMC, 330 W, Old Country Rd, Hicksville. Peer judging in 20 classes, fire extinguishers required, Preregistration $10, day of show $15. rain date June 1st, for information Anthony, 718-762-5154

W. NY & Ontario
Doug Eagan #3804
3215 Love Rd.
Grand Island, NY 1407211385
716-479-9000
rivgs@hotmail.com

Doug has returned as your West NY State and Ontario Regional Coordinator and is planning several events for this spring and summer. Watch your mailboxes for his newsletter and check back here for update.

OREGON REGION
Richard Smith #2082
7539 Lakeside Dr. N.E.
Salem, OR 97305
(503) 393-2187

Please contact me if you need more information on any of the events. Richard Smith Oregon R.O.A. Regional Coordinator 7539 Lakeside Dr. N.E. Salem, Oregon 97305 (503) 393-2187 eves. – Oreroa@yahoo.com

June 21, 2008  8 AM – 5 PM Puyallup, Washington
15th Annual All Buick Open car show, hosted by Puget Sound Chapter, BCA. This annual show is held in in conjunction with the town’s Meeker Days Festival.  Over 20 show classes, 100 Buicks Lee Davis (253) 815-1094 or Roy Wood at woody601@comcast.net  or (253) 939-434

Aug. 3, 2008 – 11 AM – 4 PM Rooster Rock State Park
Buick Olds Pontiac (BOP) picnic, This is a great event as it includes Olds and Pontiac owners.
Hamburgers and hot dogs included - participants are encouraged to bring something for the potluck.

August 15-17, 2008 - Pacific NW BCA Regional Meet
A social  hour on Friday evening, followed by a Saturday tour of Silver Falls State Park and dinner cruise to a local drive in. The meet climaxes with our Sunday All-Buick Show  9Am – 3 PM on the grassy, shaded show field of Antique Powerland in Brooks, Oregon. Lodging is $69 a night at the hotel in Keizer.

For information on any of these events, contact me Richard Smith at oreroa@yahoo.com or after 8:30 pm at 503-393-2187

OKLAHOMA REGION
Jack Martin #10679
12204 S. Villa Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
(405) 476-2313

September 29, 2007

The Oklahoma ROA gathered at the Route 66 Classics in the Park Car Show & Craft Fair held at Hafer Park to benefit the counseling programs and services for Edmond Family Counseling.  Over 200 cars pre-registered for the event.  The weather was perfect and we had four Riviera's show up to represent the ROA.  For future events or information about the Oklahoma ROA please email .

DFW/NORTH TEXAS REGION
Jayson Pruitt, ROA # 3412
2902 Echo Ct.,
Carrollton, TX 75007
home (972) 242-7761 , cell (214) 478-2649

Riviera Day - 2008 May 18th, Sunday Please join us at Martha Pointer Park located at 2742 Scott Mill Road in Carrollton, TX  75007.  Look for the Rivieras in the parking lot on the south side.  We’ll be there from noon to 3pm.  Come and go as you please. Bring your families, lawn chairs, a sack or picnic lunch, stories, camera and meet some of your other local members of the Riviera Owners Association.  There is plenty shade trees and picnic tables around. I will have my digital camera on hand to take pictures of you, your families and your car if you like.  Photos can also be taken to use  for member showcases in the Riview. Even if your car is "not finished" bring it anyway or if it’s "not running” still  come out for the fun and fellowship. You can bring photos to show us your latest projects or your work in progress. This is a ROA only event.  For Additional information or directions contact me directly at  jhp@airmail.net, or 972-242-7761 home, 214-478-2649 cellular

WASHINGTON REGION
John Andreassen # 1781
5442-A Schoth Rd. S. W.
Turnwater, WA 98512
360-754-3745 (Home)
360-481-3325 (Cell)
norseman63@comcast.net

JUNE 21st:  15th Annual Buick Open. Dedicated to the memory of Jack Van Volkenburg (AKA Cadillac Jack) Sponsored by the Puget Sound Chapter of the BCA.  115 2nd Ave SE, Puyallup – entry fees are BCA/ROA Member - $10; Non-Member $12 & Day of show $14.  As it has for the past several years, this event coincides with the Meeker Days festival.  Something fun for the whole family!!  For further information, please contact Lee Davis @ (253) 815-1094 or Roy Wood (253) 939-4348.

AUGUST 15th-17th:  Portland Chapter BCA Annual All Buick Open in Salem, OR. Friday night social, Saturday will be a scenic driving tour including waterfalls, covered bridges, winery tour & lunch;  car show Sunday at Antique Powerland – Brooks, OR (9am-3pm).  For info & registration contact Duke Charpentier @ (360) 693-4993 or nwbuickclubregional08@comcast.net  If you are interested in joining a fun convoy, contact John Andreassen @ (360) 754-3745 or by email norseman63@comcast.net

SEPTEMBER 6th:  Our annual ROA fall potluck will be held at Brian and Ellen O’Neil’s home on Whidbey Island.  Fresh gourmet steamed oysters, hot dogs, coffee and pop will be provided.  Please bring your favorite dish to share.  This event, as always, is open to cars of other makes.  Our annual picnic has always been a warm, enjoyable & a fun way to end the summer. 

DIRECTIONS:  Coming north from the ferry on Hwy 20 – drive past Coupeville to Zylstra Road.  Turn left onto Zylstra Rd (Riv sign will be posted).  Follow road past Sunset Ranch & take a right onto Briarwood Drive.  Yellow house on left (sign will be out in front of driveway).  From Deception Pass drive through Oak Harbor toward Coupeville.  Turn right onto Zylstra Rd & follow above directions.  Brian & Ellen O’Neil can be reached @ 360-240-1274 or by email oneils@cablespeed.com

These photos were taken at last year’s Fall Pot Luck

September 8, 2007 7th Annual ROA Potluck -Plenty to eat, beautiful cars and great people made our annual potluck a success. As in the past our hosts Brian & Ellen O’Neill opened up their home on Whidbey Island in Washington State. For a story and photos on the O’Neill’s beautiful 72 check out pages 17 & 18 of the Nov/Dec 2007 Riview

KANSAS REGION
Galen Shields #2065
PO Box 618
McPherson, KS 67469
620-241-5665, 620-241-3360
gshields5@cox.net

Central Kansas

 

This fall three members of our region took a cruise through the Flint Hills of Kansas on our annual fall cruise. We had a wonderful trip after we started with rolls and coffee at the home of Rex and DeVonne Abrahams, and included lunch at Council Grove Hays House Restaurant and Tavern, which was founded by Seth Hays, a grandson of Daniel Boone in 1857. It is the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Kansas and is located in the heart of the lush Flint Hills.

 

Traveling on through the day, we stopped for dinner at the famous Brookville Restaurant in Abilene for a delicous dinner of chicken, creamed corn and other fine dining.

 

For the first time ever, we had a mechanical breakdown when the '63 Riviera owned by Joe and Sue Leonard lost a water pump. As luck would have it, we were only 3 miles from the home of the brother of Rex Abrahams so help was near. A couple days later the car was on the road and we're anxiously awaiting our next tour of Kansas.

 

All in all, we had a great day and saw the full color of fall in the Flint Hills. It is always a wonder why more members do not take advantage of this day, but we'll keep offering in hopes that more join in. We have a ball that day.

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WISCONSIN REGION
Al & Cheryl Schmidt #10113
133 Robyn Ridge
Mt. Horeb, WI 53572
(608) 437-6849
BadgerRivFan@gmail.com

August 9, Saturday,  Burger Fest 2008

Mark your calendar to join the Wisconsin Region for this year’s Burger Fest celebration in Seymour, WI – the official birthplace and original “Home of the Hamburger.”

Burger Fest is an annual community festival which began in 1989 to commemorate the birth of the hamburger in Seymour in the year 1885.  This year’s festival will feature a car show, parade, hot air balloon rally, music, food (including a 60 lb. hamburger!), and for the truly adventurous – a ketchup slide!

We’ll gather in a “Riviera only” parking area at the car show ($5 entrance fee, which includes admission to the festival grounds) between 8 – 10 AM.  For those willing to show off your pride & joy, we’ll participate in the annual Burger Fest parade beginning at 11 AM.  Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a slice of Americana with your fellow Riviera enthusiasts.  For more information, contact Al or Cheryl Schmidt at (608) 437 -6849 or BadgerRivFan@gmail.com.

 

September 27, 2008, Saturday, Oktoberfest Rendezvous

Please join the Wisconsin Region for a day of fun, food, cars and friends at the annual Oktoberfest celebration in New Glarus.  Established in 1845 by Swiss pioneers, America’s “Little Switzerland” New Glarus is located in the heart of Green County in Southern Wisconsin.  The rolling hills, small farms and woodland pastures are much like the alpine farmlands of Glarus, Switzerland.  The annual Oktoberfest festival is a weekend full of family fun including live music, great food, beer tent, rides & games for the kids, and more!  Reserved “Riviera Only” parking will be provided near the festival, so bring your Riv and enjoy the beautiful early fall weather.  Contact either Al or Cheryl for more information.  608-437-6849,  badgerrivfan@gmail.com  We look forward to seeing you!  

 

 

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EASTERN ONTARIO REGION
Randy Hunter #155
5 Bell Park St
Stittsville Ontario, Canada, K2S 1J1
613-836-3230
randyhunter@sympatico.ca

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SOUTH AFRICA REGION
Chris Palk ROA#10373
PO Box 1333
Krugersdorp 1740 South Africa
2711-660-1322 (office)
2782-808-3360 (cell)
c_palk@uskonet.com

South Africa Events
Chris Palk, Coordinator

Your summer (in the US) has passed and we are experiencing spring / summer. Since we have very few Rivieras here we join with other Buick owners.

On November 18, 2007, Buick owners from the Western Cape area gathered at the magnificent vineyard, owned by a Buick Collector with a 68 Riviera GS.  The gathering is located 62 miles from Cape Town in South Africa’s premier wine-producing area. We gathered in the morning, followed by a picnic lunch under the shady oaks. These are usually the best-attended events because of the tranquility and beauty of the area as well as good road network. It was developed into a wine producing area by the Dutch and French settlers who colonized South Africa in the mid 17th century. The estate is also close to the Franschhoek Motor Museum, a recently completed world class motor museum. . It has a collection of 250 very rare vehicles of which 80 are on display at any one time in 4 large temperature controlled barns. Of the 80 on display at present are 7 Buicks, one of which is a 1972 Riviera. The collection is changed every 4 months.

Our Dec 2, 2007 Our event took place at the Vaal river resort belonging to Buick owner, Gerrie van Wyk. This resort is approximately 75 miles from Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. The format is a “get together” of members and families in the morning followed by a “Bring and Braai” – (you call it a barbeque) and a trip up the river on Gerrie’s large riverboat. The Vaal river is one the major rivers in South Africa, not as wide as the Mississippi, but great for boating.

I, together with some buddies will be traveling to the US in October to visit the Carlisle and Hershey events and also to visit some of the motor museums. Would liked to have visited the Buick museum in Flint, but perhaps that’s for another occasion maybe the GM Centennial and 105th year of Buick celebration from July 16 to 20, 2008 –some of our Club members are considering attending.

 

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THE NETHERLANDS

Second Annual Riviera Meet

On August 6th The Netherlands is a small country (approx 175x150 miles) and every weekend during the meeting season there is at least one major US-car meeting. So a meeting here most of the time is held for just one day: everybody can be home within 2 hours driving.

Compared to the rest of Europe we don’t have very strict rules to import older US cars and don’t have to pay any road taxes when a vehicle is a “classic” (25 years and older). That is why we have a large amount of US built cars here. With gas prices about 3 times more than in the USA about 90% of the US cars have been converted to LPG  which costs about the same as gas in the US.

You will not find any (official) judging here during car shows, so most of the time hoods are

closed. A gathering of cars is what it is all about. Since there are about 150 Rivieras in the country, last year we organized our first meeting for Rivieras only. It was held at: an American grill room known as Big Daddy’s  Roadhouse. It is centrally located and has a large parking lot.  It was a huge success with 43 Rivieras on display.

Unfortunately this year’s event was on the same day as two major US car events within 40 miles. and the weather forecast for that day wasn’t that good. As a result only 26 Riviera showed up. The majority of which  are second and third generation.

The program was the usual “Meet and Greet”: in the parking lot and inside the grillroom with coffee. On a big screen inside we played videos old Buick (and Riviera) commercials and dealer promos. Also there was a table with inside with R.O.A. promotional material. Every visitor with a Riviera that day was given a small Boattail pin  and an air freshener with the Tri shield logo.

And after lining up the Rivs for some photos we started  a 30 mile cruise with 25 Rivieras. The route covered one of the most beautiful parts of country past rivers, small old towns, castles etc. Back at Big Daddy’s we all had a good dinner and plans were made for the third annual meeting in 2008. Perhaps next year we can get together with a few European Buick clubs in the last weekend of July to celebrate Buick’s 105th anniversary.

Submitted by Rob  Houter # 10541,

www.riviera-forum.tk

 

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Other Buick Events

GS Nationals