[Halm]

When I went to Hershey a few years ago to be in the Corral (I was too late in Registering) I felt exactly the same way. Total exclusion. I swore I wouldn’t do another Parade, ever. But then Charlotte was awarded the event and I was asked to be part of the local Committee. I viewed this as an opportunity to make it different.

Well, if ever there was a better example of the old saying “walk a mile in a man’s shoe’s before criticizing him” I don’t know what it is. The number of people required to pull this event off is staggering. The amount of time and effort by these people is staggering. The amount of money that those that do register will spend is staggering. You simply have to have an event by event, minute by minute plan for this size event to come off. The result is that this will be by far the best and most “open” Parade, ever.

“The other reason is that the PCA makes ZERO attempts at attracting anyone who doesn't have a AARP card on hand. Why? I have not idea!” Now, as for the “age” issue, you are simply wrong. There are numerous guys in their 30’s and some even in their 20’s. But yes, there are a lot like me in their 50’s. You have to attend a few meeting, look around and find those that fit the profile you want. Yes, there are still some Wine and Cheese guys, but they don’t dominate here in Charlotte. As a matter of fact, I would say that the largest group here are track rats. As for recruiting, I have been known to walk up to Porsche owners and talk about PCA or put a flyer on a windshield. In other words, you have to make an effort too.