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| Accordian
Rally October 11-15, 2007 |
     
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The
International Accordion Festival Hosts: Ida & Les Cook and Lou & Connie Butaud Mix together a little accordion music with roots in Argentina, the Canary Islands, Bulgaria, Ireland, Poland, Cajun Country, Italy, Mexico and add a band or two playing Texas Swing and Quebec folk music and you have the makings of the International Accordion Festival. The festival was held on October 12, 13 and 14. This year's festival on the River Walk and at La Villita in San Antonio was a little different because the Traveling Supremes showed up. Our rally location was Travelers World in southwest San Antonio. The Rickles and their guests the Langs showed up first, followed by the Butauds, Dukes and the Cooks. Les and Ida were a little late arriving because their motor home suddenly decided to stop in a very dangerous spot on Interstate 35. The Texas Highway Patrol came by and tried to protect them from the traffic on I-35. When Les could not get the thing going again, the trooper became a little impatient and told Les he would have to “move it”. I can just imagine Les telling the trooper he would love to move it and asking him if he thought the two of them could push while Ida steered. Thankfully, Les discovered a loose bolt on the diesel filter, tightened it and they were on their way to a weekend of fun and frolic in San Antonio. Our first evening was spent visiting and chillin’ and snacking on the Lang’s patio. It was an opportunity to plan for the next four days. Since this was a “Gathering” we had no preplanned agenda. After some discussion we decided to head into San Antonio on Thursday to get bus passes and do some shopping and sight seeing and , of course, EATING! The bus passes were great as we were able to use public transportation at a next to nothing price. Friday morning found most of us planning for the first day of the Accordion Festival. I say most of us because Les was going bird hunting in south Texas with his son, Guy. Once they left we all headed for the bus and downtown. Lunch was at Schilo’s on the River Walk. It’s a German restaurant and a good one at that. After lunch we headed over to the Arneson Theatre where the bands were practicing for the evening’s kickoff. We cheered the bands on. And, I guess we made an impression because one of the performers told us he surely hoped we would be back in the evening. John Duke and Connie were nearly out of control but we managed to simmer them down. Course, it was too late for John because he could barely talk the next day. One of the performers, Chango Spasink, from Argentina had just finished a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He was terrific. Connie lassoed him after his practice session and took a picture with him. But that wasn’t the end of that. Connie decided a picture was not enough and wanted an autograph. So, the Senior Groupie of the Traveling Supremes tracked Chango down back stage after the performance and got his autograph as well as autographs from the whole band. So, Granny, I mean ,Groupie Connie got her man - well, at least his autograph. Of course that wasn’t the end of it. Because Connie also got the attention of Santiago Jimenez, Jr’s, (Conjunto music great) manager, he had our group take a picture with Santiago after the performance. Well, what would you expect from the Senior Groupie of the Traveling Supremes and her fellow Groupies! Saturday brought more music, shopping and eating. The gals headed downtown for shopping and boat ride on the river. The guys drove to Boerne to check out the Rod Run where we had a chance to view over 400 neat “rods”. Later that afternoon it was back to the river for more music and dancing. Of special note, were Maria and Ida doing some fancy footwork. Move over Arthur Murray. And, don’t tell me you’re too young to remember who Arthur Murray was. That evening we all met for dinner at Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery at the market. Food was excellent. And, it was Buddy’s birthday. So, he got balloons and a song and a name change. His name for the rest of the day was Panchito! Sunday everyone went to Catholic Mass at San Jose Mission were we participated in a Spanish Mass. The music was provided by a Mariachi Band. Panchito, I mean Buddy, was recognized again for his birthday at Mass even though he was a reluctant participant. After services, we went back to home base to welcome the “Great White Hunter” who had returned from the bush. And, no he did not shoot anyone. You’ll have to ask Les how many doves he killed. Oh, and don’t forget to ask how many cases of shells he shot! Sunday afternoon found some of us heading for more music and others to shop at Market Square and you guessed it - EAT. By Sunday evening everyone was pooped. So, we just chilled and planned for departure the next day. Monday found this gathering of Traveling Supremes spreading to the winds, but not for long because the business meeting is just around the corner in November. I can say for myself, and I’m confident for the other rally participants, that this was indeed a great “Gathering”! Good music, good food, and fun people always equal a time to be remembered. So, this rally goes into the books with fond memories of a great event and with high expectations of many more to come. As Bugs Bunny would say: That’s alllll folks!! Travel
Supremely and Safely,
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