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By Ken & Betty Tarver, Mississippi PR / Rally Coordinator • Photos by Terry Kleinheitz
In late August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina pounded our state and those surrounding us.
But though the Mississippi District Rally was knocked down that year, we weren’t
about to let it get completely knocked out. Instead, we held a Mississippi “Kidz on the
Koast Do-Over” Rally last October 12 to 14. The rally, affectionately called the “Biloxi
Rally,” has always generated excitement and fun—and this time we returned to the white,
sandy beaches of the coastal town with a vengeance.
the fate of our GW families along the coast.
The devastation was so massive that there
was no communication by cell phone, land
line, or email. After nearly a week, word
slowly began to filter in to us and spread
throughout the state that everyone was safe
and accounted for. Without question, however,
the Mississippi Members of GWRRA
decided to cancel its October District Rally.
The Storm Itself
August 29, 2005, is now in the history
books as the costliest, and one of the most
deadly, hurricanes in United States history.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast suffered massive
damage from Hurricane Katrina. The monster
storm slammed into the coast with 120 mph
sustained winds and unofficial wind gusts up
to 135 mph. Katrina made landfall in
Mississippi near the state line, with the eye of
the hurricane passing over the cities of Bay St.
Louis and Waveland.
All along the coast, homes and businesses
were ripped apart by the wind and 27-foot
storm surges of water from the Gulf of
Mexico, which pushed inland some six miles.
Entire neighborhoods, towns, and commuter
bridges across the bays were completely
destroyed, and the lower 47 counties in
Mississippi were declared federal disaster
areas.
Even now, if you are planning to visit the
Gulf Coast and are used to navigating by historic
homes and famous landmarks, better
think GPS and maps instead.
Hurricane Katrina left in her wake 238
people dead, 67 missing, and billions of dollars
in damage to properties. Some of our own
Gold Wing families were severely impacted
by the devastating storm. Some even completely
lost their homes, vehicles, and all their
personal possessions.
For a number of days, we who were not
directly affected by the hurricane did not know
A New Day
Though Katrina was a wicked “lady” and
will never be forgotten, the Mississippi Coast
began rebuilding and, by 2006, The
Mississippi District Rally was proud to be
back home in Biloxi with a “Kidz on the
Koast Do-Over” Rally, with only some minor
inconveniences.
The rally was held at the Mississippi Gulf
Coast Coliseum, though the building itself
was still somewhat in the stages of hurricane
damage repair. For the most part, however, it
was very adequate for our rally’s needs.
Except for the vendors and bike shows, all of
the rally functions were held in this one facility.
And Bob & Jaunee Barrington, District
Director and 2005-2006 International Couple
Reconstruction work on just one of the many
Mississippi bridges knocked down in
2005 by Hurricane Katrina.
Two “Do-Over” rally-goers eagerly await the
weekend’s next scheduled event.
Knowing that “The show must go on!” Talent Show
performers and attendees gather for some
top-notch entertainment.
May 2007 73