OK, guys ...
Honey Creek Resort at Lake Rathbun has indicated they will work up reduced rates for their facilities the weekend after Memorial Day. They typically have a big Golf Tournament that weekend and did not seem willing to reduce the rates then ... Typically, Honey Creek requires a contract for groups - I've managed to negotiate this event out of the required contract, the downside is it becomes a first-come-first-served situation ... they will honor the agreed on reduced rate for participants as long as accommodations remain available.
Honey Creek Resort has hotel rooms, cottages & RV facilities. There is no tent-style camping available on the resort facility - but can be available at the adjacent state park (Honey Creek State Park).
As a general idea, so that I can move forward, how many of you would be interested in the RV facilities? How many for the Cottages (example: The one bedroom loft cottage has a queen bed in the bedroom, a full/twin bunk bed and an individual twin bed in the loft area - one has been requested by a CGOA member already ... the 4 bedroom cottage has two queen bedrooms & two bedrooms with the full/twin bunk & individual twin set up ... you guys who know each other can get together and split the costs) Anyone interested in staying in the hotel proper? The hotel has a small indoor "waterpark" for the kids.
There is a restaurant and bar on premise and I have asked for free appetizer/half-priced adult beverage coupons to participants.
The Rathbun Lake Association has invited me to their monthly meeting to bring the event to their attention and the board member I have discussed this idea with would like to include a public viewing of the boats with a vote for the crowd's favorite. Someone else has mentioned piggy-backing a sand-sculpting event with ours so that we can share attendance.
I will do everything I can to reduce the cost of attending. I understand that most of you will be traveling and absorbing a real expense simply to get here. If I can accomplish my goals, participants will get a hamburger & hotdog meal provided at no cost. I hope to have a merchandise give-away from Scheels, too. Plan early ...
Please take a minute to view the Honey Creek Website and let me know what kind of accommodations you would like. I will soon be provided with rates that will include a slip at the resort's docks (40 slips available). I really hope to latch on to that lingering buzz from the Red Wing meet and get some early confirmed attendees. More Attendees = More Discounts = More Attendees ...
Thanks to those of you that have contacted me directly. This event & MN/WI event will be a great way to bookend the summer boating season!
- Dan