Slipstream - February 2003

Parade for Dummies - 2003
by Jan Mayo
Maverick’s private room at the Prairie House in Carrollton
was perfect for the 30+ members that came to talk about
and hear about Parade. Ooooh, What’s “Parade”? Half of
us were in the know and we shared every tidbit we could with the
others that hadn’t had the experience.
I like to call The Porsche Parade “sensory overload”. Do you
turn your head at the sound of a Turbo rounding the corner
down the street? Do you pop your head up when you hear the
distinctive motor of a 356? Does a racecar whizzing by give you
chills? If so, at Parade you’ll be dizzy in a matter of minutes.
Parade is a gathering of 1500 – 1800 fellow Porsche Enthusiasts
bringing 500-800 Porsches. You will see nearly every possible
model, color, option, and condition. Some are beautiful. Some
are so incredible you’re afraid to breathe anywhere near it. Some
of the owners would prefer you NOT breathe anywhere near it.
Some owners welcome you to crawl in, around, and under every
nook and cranny. Some cars are in such dilapidated state you’ll
wonder how it made it from across the state. But it’s there with its
happy proud owner, because it DID make it from across the state.
Meeting people is what I like to go to Parade for. You meet
fellow enthusiasts from all walks of life. And they’ve all become
my very best friends. There are parties, dinners, and social
...I like to call Porsche Parade as sensory
overload...
Photo by Matt Platts
some of the little details that “Newbies” need to know. Like filling
out the registration form and what’s important to NOT FORGET,
and when/how to mail it. The Rules are important and James
Shoffit, speaking from personal experience, explained why.
In preparation for the Parade Rally, Teri and Charlie Davis
will be having a couple Rally Schools this spring. She explained
what a Rally was and why these schools ahead of time are not only
great fun but good preparation before you go to Florida.
Jan shares her Parade experience with a group of the attendees
Photo by Matt Platts
opportunities to visit. If you’re standing in the parking lot with a
quizzical expression on your face or your arms overloaded with
bags, someone will stop to help. A new best friend. You’ll look
over the Concours site in awe at the panorama of colors and
someone will point to one and say, “That’s mine” or “I know that
guy.” Another new best friend. You could be looking in the engine
compartment of a brand new 996 and Peter Porsche will look
over your shoulder and say “Hello”. Yup, another new best friend.
As Parade 2003 will be in Saddlebrook Resort, just north of
Tampa, June 22-28, we shared these experiences then explained
Round-the-room introductions
Many Parades have specific Kid activities and Florida has a
wonderful array of things for teens and pre-teens and little kids.
Lanean Hughes gave us a rundown of these activities and we
introduced Lisa Steele as the Kid Activities Chairman for 2004
Parade here in Maverick-Town. Mike Bellinghausen promptly
sprung up presenting his youngest toddler to Lisa. “Here, you can
have him NOW.”
At this point
we started tying in
all these wonderful
things we’re promoting
in Florida
to the fact that
Maverick Region
will be hosting
the 2004 Porsche
Parade here in Fort
Worth, July 4-10.
As Chairman
Charlie tells James where those 45-series tires are
of 2004 Maverick
Parade I’m inviting everyone out there to get involved. Meet the
people and enjoy the family that evolves during the next 18
months of planning. Preparing a week long party for 1800 New
Best Friends, is no small endeavor, but Maverick is up to it. Come
join the family. There is a lot to do and lots of places for new and
happily established members to join in.
See you there!
Photo by Matt Platts
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