Many AACA Members had made it known there was a concern: That a lot of very interesting and historic automobiles were not being seen. The reason for owners not bringing these fine machines out of storage was they were not compatible with the local AACA Regions' events. These local events tended to be focused on autos that were to be judged on a show field. Many of these fine autos were still very drivable but may have had some non-authentic restorations and may not have been restored at all. These missing cars may be lured out of seclusion it was thought if the pressure of being judged was relieved and alternative events were available.

The National AACA had just introduced the concept of Touring Regions and we sent some representatives to the National Meet to gather information and make a presentation for those interested from around the area. The group came back very excited and made a very informed presentation outlining the various aspects of a TOURING REGION.

Several months passed while the gathering of support and garnering of required details was sought. Then interested AACA members applied to the National for a Regional Status. We were accepted and we have now had several short tours to local points of interest. We have seen Antiques come out of hiding and take to the roads, that although not the most well waxed, are still very well maintained and drivable. These vehicles hold as much or more historical significance, for those lucky enough to see them, than some of the show room restored vehicles we were accustomed to viewing at the local shows.

Now going forward into the new millennium we look at these wonderful Old Cars and appreciate the foresight of AACA to recognize the need for the TOURING REGION. We are proud to be fledglings in a new era of Antique Automobile Enthusiasm. Please look us over on the next few pages and consider yourself hereby invited to join us. We will have a regular newsletter that will tell about events for those who like to drive. Please remember you can live any where and join this region as we are open to all those who enjoy seeing and driving these machines the way the were meant to be seen. On The Road.

HONK RATTLE and ROLL

 Who are these people and why become a member?

We are a group of new, renewed, and long time AACA members. Our group had several activities and a tour in 1998. We wanted to continue the good fellowship in the future. We received our AACA non-geographic touring region charter in 1999. Our efforts were similar to jumping off the high board. If you think too much and wait on the end of the board too long, you might not jump. Our goals are to get people involved with the pleasures of owning, preserving, maintaining, and driving an antique automobile, truck, or motorcycle. So with our goals, and pure determination, we made the jump. So, please, jump in and sink or swim with the rest of us.

Using automobiles as originally intended is the best way for the whole family to enjoy antique automobiles. The founders of AACA drove their old automobiles to events. The founders formed AACA to provide a means to share experiences on maintaining and driving their old automobiles. Their goals were the preservation of and promoting the actual use of antique automobiles. With this in mind, we had three reasons for forming a touring region. Our touring region will continue the traditional goals of the AACA founders. Our touring region is the perfect way to exhibit what has been hiding in the barn. Our touring region is great for people who may want to postpone a total restoration, but want a means to show off their antique vehicle.

Some members drive an AACA show car and some a "driver." Members share rides with other members. Some of our tours include cars and trucks that go 35 mph and some tours are more suited for modern antiques. We will set up different starting times, or car pool when possible, so every vehicle can tour at their own pace and everyone enjoys the tours in an antique vehicle. People say the roads are too congested today for slower vehicles. Our experience has been speed has little effect on a tour if you choose the right roads. In fact, most back roads provide room to pass and more then enough scenery to make the tours safe and very enjoyable.

You do not have to own an automobile for membership. Membership is for both husband and wife and both enjoy voting privileges and one copy of the region newsletter On the Road Again published monthly, or when enough material is available. You must be a member of the national Antique Automobile Club of America to be a member of this region.