Day 52 : August 18th COLORADO
Our stay in Loveland was timed to co-incide with the 27th Annual Convention of the Oregon-California Trails Association to which Transworld Tractor Trekkers had been invited as special guests.
After a quiet morning at the RV Park, the team moved three tractors and personnel across to The Ranch at 4.00pm to prepare for the Welcome Reception. Our group were warmly welcomed by Camille Bradford, President of the Colorado-Cherokee Trail Chapter, hosts of this year’s event. Ron had been requested to give a short address and we had hoped to be able to show photos during his talk, but the technology would not work and it took many tries by many helpful people to eventually enable us to show the video of “Tractors Across Australia” which continued on during subsequent speakers and was enjoyed by those present.
After the welcoming speeches we were entertained with a wonderful selection of country songs by Jane Leche and a group of gifted musicians. As a special surprise, Jane had worked up a rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” and with words on the overhead projector, those present were invited to join in, which the Australians did with pride.
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| Welcoming sign |
Entertainment at the Welcome Reception |
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| Ron's speech to the Convention |
Quilted logo of the Oregon-California Trails Assn |
Day 54 : August 19th COLORADO
Once again the tractors were driven to ‘The Ranch’ for the Opening Ceremony of the 27th Annual Convention of the Oregon-California Trails Association.
The proceedings started with a Flag ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance by the Loveland High School Junior ROTC Color Guard. This was followed by a very touching Native American blessing and ceremony with Kiowa/Arapaho Elder, John Emhoolah giving his blessing in both English and his own native language, which he followed up with a song in his own tongue.
During the morning there were talks on various subjects which were all found to be interesting and informative. After lunch the team members returned to the RV Park before heading into the City of Loveland at 4.00pm for activities outside the restored Rialto Theatre prior to the Premiere of a locally produced movie ‘Pursuit of a Dream’. In this film a group of American children from several states along with three teachers were given the opportunity to relive the experiences of the pioneer families who travelled the original wagon trails to settle this country. The story was told through the eyes of the children who had to come to terms with the difficulties experienced in another time while learning to bond together as a team.
The Convention runs through until Saturday August 22nd, and association members will take various tours to places of historical interest throughout Colorado. This was the first time that this State has hosted the Convention, and much work has obviously been done by a lot of people over many months to bring OCTA2009 - Cherokee Trail to the West 1819 – 1858 as the Convention was called, to what is shaping up to be a very successful event. The President of the local Chapter, Camille Bradford, has to be congratulated on the smooth running of the two days when our group was involved, and our thanks are extended to her, the local committee and the team of volunteers for making us so welcome.
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| Flag Ceremony |
Native American Blessing |
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| Tractors, Ron and drivers |
Cast members of film premiere |
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| Street Scene at Premiere |
Carolyn hams it up on red carpet |
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