|
So what exactly goes on at a GoF
West? First, know that for the last twenty years or so these
events have taken place over the course of a week. Prior to
that, they were "long weekend" events, but for people driving
long distances this usually meant two weeks off work as they had
to leave on a Tuesday or Wednesday and they would not get home
till the middle of the next week. Starting the activities on a
Monday meant people could drive over one weekend, enjoy GoF West
during the week, then drive home the following weekend. So,
here's a typical schedule....
Monday - Registration during the
day, followed by an evening Orientation gathering when
participants are introduced to the people who are running the
show and told the "what, when and where" for the week. In the
afternoon, there is usually a "First-Timers" car display just for those who are
attending a GoF West for the first time. Facilities are provided
all day for those who have driven to the event to wash and
detail their cars. Submissions for the Crafts, Photo and Diorama
contests are turned in at Registration.
Tuesday - Registration continues,
then in the morning there is the main Car Show. No judging takes
place, but every participant receives ballots to complete so the
awards are given to the cars considered by the majority to be
the nicest. The cars are divided by class into Pre-War, TC, TD, TF,
Post-War Variant (for the "specials" and cars such as Y-types
and Arnolt-bodied TDs) and Modern (MGA, Midget, MGB and
Magnette). Cars which have won their class in the past three
years are placed into a Premier class. In the afternoon, at the
organizers' discretion, there may be organized visits to local
attractions or scenic drives to points of local interest.
Photo Slideshow
Wednesday - In the morning, there
is a competitive Rally (observation, clue solving or photo rally
- never a TSD as organizers understand about MG odometers and
speedometers!). Participants who wish only to drive around the
route and enjoy the scenery are at liberty to do so. In the
afternoon, there are usually Tech Sessions or events designed to
interest the ladies,
followed in the evening by the Auction Dinner. This gives
participants an opportunity to bid - either during a live
Auction or a Silent Auction - on MG items and hand crafts which
have been donated to GoF West. The proceeds of the Auctions help
subsidize future GoF West events. Activities during the week may
also include other events, such as a Mechanic's Contest, Ashwood
Derby, Valve Cover Race, or other novelty challenges at each
event organizer's discretion.
Photo Slideshow
Thursday -
In the morning, a Funkhana is organized wherein participants
drive their cars through a series of light-hearted challenges
and games. Always a great
spectator event as well as fun for the drivers and navigators!
While the Funkhana takes place, there is often a Swap Meet or
Flea Market, where event participants can buy and sell used MG
parts. During the afternoon, the Advisory Council and Steering
Committee meetings take place, the former being when
representatives from participating clubs can offer comments on
the current event and make suggestions for future events. Folks
who do not attend these meetings can use this afternoon to visit
more of the local attractions. Thursday evening sees the Awards
Banquet take place - a grand gathering and fine meal during
which awards for the various events of the week are presented.
In addition to the activities listed above, there are awards for
Photography, Crafts, Models and Dioramas. Entries for these
categories are displayed and voted on throughout the event.
There are also awards for the distance driven to the meet and
for club participation, all of which add to the excitement of
the Thursday evening Banquet. Full Details of Awards
Photo Slideshow
Friday - the end of the event is
celebrated with a Farewell Breakfast and display of the
class-winning cars, after which people either leave to head home
or stay another day or two to enjoy more of the local area's
attractions and scenery.
A GoF West provides a wonderful
annual opportunity for owners of eligible cars to drive with
fellow MG owners to a location typically chosen for its scenery,
local attractions or historic interest, then spend a few days
meeting new people who share their love of MGs, renewing old
friendships, seeing new cars and generally having a great time
"In the Bond of The Marque". If you have an MG and would like to
join in the fun, please make a GoF West something you do soon!
Newcomers are always welcomed and you won't feel like a newcomer
for long! |
