Friday 8:00 AM Mark, Denny, Bill Blood, Bruce and myself headed for Winona on a fact finding tour to see first hand what it was we were promoting for the 2007 Meet. After a very enjoyable 2 hour ride down the scenic highway 61 pacing Amtrack at 65MPH. We pulled into Winona and the Tourist Information Center.

We had a very nice chat with the volunteer lady and she in turn got us hooked up with 2 cases of “Visit Winona Minnesota� brochures and 200 maps of the area. We also loaded up on literature for all kinds of things to see and do in and around town. Denny was talking with her figuring out who they both knew.

On to the Hotel to meet with owner Dave Jensen. We found him in the parking lot stringing yellow tape marking off parking for the Crown Vics that were due in later in the day. He gave us a quick tour of the facility and we were impressed to say the least. The layout seem perfect for the car show and controlling people flow. The banquet room was big with room for overflow if needed. Just about all the needs anyone could have are right there in the immediate area. Target is a rocks throw from the facility for those who forgot a change of undies or whatever. Trailer parking is right next door, as well as gas stations and banks.

Next we met with Maynard Johnson, the Recreational Director for Winona and discussed where to have the Concourse in the park. We drove over to the park and looked over the area and decided what would be needed for the show. It was great, right by the lake with a huge pavilion and a nice breeze off the water. From there we went to the courthouse to reserve the park and pay the fee so we would have it for next year. The clerk had gone to lunch so Maynard recommended we go next door to Bub’s Brewing Co. (pronounce Boobs) for lunch, and then come back. Standing in the courthouse while everyone was getting washed up for lunch we discovered something.

You are familiar with Boston Legal and William Shatner when he says “Denny Crane� well in Winona its “Denny Carney�! Again in talking with Maynard he kept looking at Denny and finally realized that Maynard sister’s husbands brother is married to Denny’s twin sister! Maynard told of hunting with Denny’s Dad all the time. At least I think that’s how the relation went.

Lunch at Bub’s was excellent in an old historic building, and the beer was OK too. After lunch Bruce talked to the owner and was working on getting some 10% off meal tickets to give met attendee’s.

We returned to the courthouse paid the money and headed off to the RR Freight Station now called Jefferson Pub and Grill for some more discount meal tickets. Denny’s Dad used to work in the station when the railroad was in business.

We looked at the riverboat landing and the special “safe� lot where our old cars can park during the cruise, again provided by Maynard and “Denny Carney�.

Denny and Bill B. toured the Polish Culture Institute while the rest of us waited in the shade. We walked up to the Watkins Museum and had our eyes opened to what they made and their wonderful office building with its many stained glass windows.

From there we found the Historical Society and met Pat Mutter who was a wealth of knowledge and suggestions. There is so much to do and see right there in Winona I don’t see how a week will be long enough to cover everything.

We headed for home around 4PM full of ideas and information and comfortable feeling that this will be the best Central National Meet ever! Dobie