As a public service to our SOCI members and friends that may have never attended an SOCI national or regional meet, here is a short description of what takes place at a typical Shay Owners Club function;

Afternoon and evening of the first day is usually for registration, information and getting aquainted. A registration table is set up and info packets distributed (you never know what kind of goodies may show up in the packets; in the past we have had nice things like custom made music CD's, hats, pocket knives, engraved Ford keys, discount coupons and such). An informational meeting is held in the evening to go over the agenda, introduce officers and meet organizers and answer questions.



A hospitality room is usually available following the informational meeting, and open each evening of the meet. Alot of "Shay Talk" takes place here, and catching up on news from "old timers" and meeting new people takes place here.



Touring is one of the best parts of our conventions, with the group driving their cars along some wonderful scenic highways and byways. Lots of waves and honking from people along the route.


A public showing is also a highlight of our meets. This gives us a chance to show off our beauties and introduce the public to our unique cars and club. It is not unusual to find someone in the crowd that has owned a Shay or knows someone who has one.



Our last afternoon and evening is set aside for our picnic and the SOCI business meeting.



We generally finish our get-together with the FAMOUS "Great Shay Giveaway", which is a lot of fun, and a bit frustrating at times, but we have a great time.

The best part of our meets is the chance to meet new people, reconnect with old friends and, especially for first time attendees, the opportunity to share and learn information about our cars.



If you have ever wanted to have "more fun than you can shake a stick at", the join us at the 2008 SOCI Convention in Townsend, Tennessee this June.

Don Smith
Vice President, SOCI
Administrator, SOCI forum

And if you don't behave yourself or maybe drink to much this will happen to you. Which was it Ron.



Gary M Wood
Webmaster
Shay Model A Website
www.geocities.com/shaymodela/
SOCI Membership Chairman

Gary,

Gee Whiz,I didn't expect him to get so upset because I didn't buy him the dozen donuts and cup of coffee he wanted.....

TOMMY: I have two red SOCI CHAIRS. Want to trade a red one for a yellow one? Theresa and I have rented a condo for Jan., Feb. & March at New Symrna Beach, Florida for 2009. We are towing the Shay with us so you and Debbie may have to come up with a dinner or two. . DAVE SHANK President SOCI

Start planning now, of course i may have to restock the beer a few times and kill a few cows in between, but no problemo. We can sit on the dock and wiggle our toes in the water. Woops, can't do that, the gators are hungryer in winter.
Tom

Don't you seee it is about the PEOPLE. . not the cars. . YOU can be there by plane, boat, skateboard or just walk. We will love you no matter how your arrive YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DRIVE YOUR SHAY. . . See Ya there. . Dave Shank President SOCI

Will anybody be taking a laptop to the meet so maybe those of us who cannot attend maybe could have a day to day breakdown as to whats happinin....Thanks Mike

Yea it might be frustrating to some, but I love my two SOCI bright yellow chairs,I really hated steeling them, but somebody had to do it.
The give away may be the best part of the meet, you laugh so hard you hurt.
Tom J

Yeah, Tom!

Last year it was the wonderful "tapestry" made with all of the SOCI Convention T-Shirts that was snatched from my eager hands. It was taken by a "newbie"! That REALLY HURT!

Don Smith

Save your old shirts, maybe we can get Debbie to make you one. She made a 14'X 5' Harley Davidson World wall Quilt for my friend. Took her all last summer.
Tom

what happens at a shay convention stays at shay convention

Those yellow chairs had so many finger prints on them by the time that exchange was done. I think Tom and Debbie finally sat on them and dared anyone to take them. ha.
It was so much fun and I am sorry we are gpoing to miss the event again this year. The famous gift exchange is a huge highlight to the end of a great week end.

Donna, whats going on, we need all of you great (nothern) midwesters,to help control the crazy southern rednecks like me. come on down, I'll buy ya'll a beer.
Tommy

This is the usual "modus operandi" for a SOCI national convention. The 2009 Kansas City event will be all this and MORE! If you have never been to a Convention, PLEASE consider attending, WITH OR WITHOUT a Shay or Camelot! You will not find a nicer group of people to be with!

Don Smith
Administrator, SOCI forum

This conversation had brought back a lot of fun times. I am getting excited for June to get here.